Growing up in the Betsileo landscape: Children's wild edible plants knowledge in Madagascar

Understanding local knowledge about wild edible plants (WEP) is essential for assessing plant services, reducing the risks of knowledge extinction, recognizing the rights of local communities, and improving biodiversity conservation efforts. However, the knowledge of specific groups such as women or children tends to be under-represented in local ecological knowledge (LEK) research. In this study, we explore how knowledge of WEP is distributed across gender and life stages (adults/children) among Betsileo people in the southern highlands of Madagascar. Using data from free listings with 42 adults and 40 children, gender-balanced, we show that knowledge on WEP differs widely across gender and life stage. In addition, we find that children have extended knowledge of WEP while reporting different species than adults. Women's knowledge specializes in herbaceous species (versus other plant life forms), while men's knowledge specializes in endemic species (versus native or introduced). Finally, we find that introduced species are more frequently cited by children, while adults cite more endemic species. We discuss the LEK differentiation mechanisms and the implications of acquiring life stage's knowledge in the highland landscapes of Madagascar. Given our findings, we highlight the importance of considering groups with under-represented knowledge repositories, such as children and women, into future research.

Automated summary

Understanding local knowledge about wild edible plants is crucial for assessing plant services and improving biodiversity conservation efforts. However, specific groups such as women and children tend to be under-represented in local ecological knowledge research. This study explores the distribution of knowledge on wild edible plants across gender and life stages among the Betsileo people in Madagascar. The findings suggest that knowledge differs widely across gender and life stage, with children having extended knowledge and women specializing in herbaceous species. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering under-represented groups like women and children in future research.