Edible Fruits in the Wild and in Homegardens : Fruit trees in the wild and in homegardens: species composition, diversity and utilization in Amhara region of Ethiopia

The study assesses the species composition and diversity of wild fruits in the overall and agricultural landscape; the level of wild fruits domestication; species compositions and diversity of cultivated fruits; describes homegarden production system; plant associations and configuration in gardens; degree of intra-specific variability; factors influencing fruits species diversity, and propensity of farmers on wild fruits domestication. We examine degree of cultural practices and tree management regimes. It specifically examines practices underway with respect to cultivation, nursery management and propagation, fertility maintenance, pest and disease control, watering, tree management etc. It appraises the level of fruit exploitation and income generation; specifically fruiting phenology, extent of fruits use, importance for peoples' livelihoods, nutrition, fruit transactions, non-fruit utilities of wild fruits and factors hindering fruit exploitation. We elicit the local knowledge, perceptions and fruit species priorities of people: cultural domain of wild fruits; knowledge variability; insights of people into wild fruits.