ASSESSING AWERENESS OF THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE MOST COMMONLY USED MUSHROOM IN SOUTH OMO ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wild mushroom are known to have essential compounds and functional substances and have been used that have as food and medicinal value. However, advancement in research on mushroom consumption and production is relatively very low in comparison to other crops, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study has aimed to assess the most commonly used mushroom in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. After a reconnaissance survey has been done in the three districts of South Omo Zone, eleven sites were selected. From the selected sites,384 participants were randomly selected and involved in the study. During field observation, digital camera was used to take photos of wild mushrooms for comparing with photo of mushroom in the identification guide. The length of mycelium and stalk, the diameter of the stalk and cap of mushrooms were also measured for identification purpose. Field observation and assessment of secondary data were also used to collect data. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and results were expressed using qualitative and quantitative terms. In the study area, there are five types of wild mushrooms identified. The four types of mushroom, which are locally known as Warez (Type-1), Maa (Type-2), Bista (Type-3) and Pella (Type-4), were taxonomically grouped in to two families. Types-1 to 3 classified under family Lyophyllacae while Type-4 under family Russulacae. Among the wild edible mushrooms,Type-1 (Termitomyces sp.) is the most preferred (first ranked) mushroom type in the community. Most (58%) respondents said that Termitomycessp. (Type-1) best growaround termite mound. Respondents well recognized the edible wild mushroom (67-77%) from non-edible wild much room type. Among most commonly grown mushroom Type-5, which is locally known as Morri, has been well-recognized (92%) by the respondents as toxic mushroom type that is not eaten. There is a statistical significant difference (p<0.05) among respondents age, sex, educational level and income on the indigenous knowledge of wild mushroom growth season, collection, identifying health effect, habit of eating and distribution. Overall, five mushroom types were identified in the study area, of which Types-1 to 4 have been edible while Type-5 non-edible