Traditional Knowledge and Consumption of Forest Plant Foods in Ghana

Promoting the consumption of forest plant foods is a sustainable way of ensuring good nutrition and food  security.  This study  assessed  traditional  knowledge  on  and  use  of  forest  plant  foods  in  three administrative districts of Ghana and evaluated their potentials for domestication and processing. A total  of  606  households  were  randomly  selected  and  interviewed  using  enumerator-administered questionnaires. Validation workshops with 30 participants were held in each district to help identify the  species  mentioned.  In  all,  83  species  belonging  to  45  families  were  documented.  Knowledge  of forest plant foods was found to be higher among older respondents than younger ones, indicating an urgent need to document traditional knowledge on forest plant foods before it disappears along with the older generation. Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg and Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn.) Taub. were identified as potential species for domestication and processing. Domestication and processing of forest plant foods on a larger scale presents opportunity for economic development, sustainability benefits and food security.