Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) ethnobotany and cultivation status in Ethiopia
2016
Negash, W. (University of Gondar (Ethiopia). Dept. of Biology) | Asfaw, Z. (University of Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Dept. of Biology) | Yibrah, H. (Inst. of Biodiversity Conservation (Ethiopia))
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is considered a traditional and second most important oil crop in Ethiopia, after niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.). Farmer's traditional knowledge has great contribution to the existing diversity of the crop. The objectives of the present study were to document farmer's indigenous knowledge and examine the status of its cultivation in Ethiopia. In the present study, 300 key farmers and oil extractor machine owners were participated. Archives on linseed cultivation from the study regions were also included for comparison purposes. All the reported uses of linseed were non-industrial and 53% of the respondents replied that they cultivated linseed for cash. The diversified uses of linseed and its ability to grow with low inputs or without much care were the contributing factors to promote linseed production. However, the information from the interview and archive showed that linseed cultivation in the study area was decreasing. Among different factors, its low seed yield, farmer's attitude to give priority to cereals and wrong perceptions developed by the people on linseed crop were the major factors responsible for decreasing linseed cultivation. Giving value to farmer's knowledge, creating opportunity for their linseed market, and providing improved varieties would help to promote linseed cultivation in this region.
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