Indigenous knowledge of farmers on classification, utilization and on-farm management of Enset (Ensete ventricosum) diversity in Hadiya, southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Farmers have a wealth of indigenous knowledge on enset cultivation in their communities acquired through the accumulation of experience over a long period. Enset ( Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is a multipurpose species and one of the most widely grown perennial crops in southern Ethiopia. Although enset is a high-value and vital crop for local farmers, necessary information is insufficiently documented and still not fully explored at the local level. Thus, this study was designed to assess and record the wealth of indigenous knowledge related to the local identification, naming, categorization, and traditional uses of enset landraces (farmers’ varieties) relevant for the maintenance of on-farm landrace diversity in Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia. Results In this study, we identified 99 locally named enset landraces under cultivation. Farmers regularly identify the name and classify numerous enset landraces based on different criteria, the four morphological traits (namely: leaf, midrib, petiole, and pseudostem colors) are primarily used as criteria for identification. In addition, the local names of some enset landraces are usually indicators and show their uniqueness in morphological traits, places of origin, agronomic features, and quality attributes of products. Based on farmers, cultivated enset landraces are classified into two general groups according to the characteristics regarding the ease of harvesting and processing, rate of fermentation, and quality and values of the end products. Enset products named qocho , bulla and amicho are commonly produced by each family. Furthermore, three types of qocho are traditionally produced by local farmers based on types of the landraces used during harvesting, the presence absence of fermentation starter ( gammama ), and the duration of fermentation. Conclusion The traditional farming system and associated wisdom contributed to the availability of the present-day on-farm diversity maintained under continuous cultivation and conservation practices. The indigenous knowledge of local farmers regarding the cultural, social, and economic values of enset and its production system is crucial for understanding how the local communities utilize, maintain, and manage the existing enset landrace diversity in their homegardens. It is necessary to integrate indigenous knowledge with the modern system for continuous utilization and conservation strategies of enset genetic resources and their diversity.