Authors : E.Kateyo M.Opige, J.D.Kabasa and D.Olila
Abstract: Indigenous knowledge of wild edible and medicinal mushroom use is linked to local culture and history. It should be regarded as a body of knowledge that has continually developed without the outside interference of formal science. A study therefore was designed to document traditional knowledge including local names, general distribution, seasons, preservation, storage, medicinal and market values of these mushrooms. The field surveys were conducted by adopting predefined questionnaires administered to 120 respondents. The study showed that the Teso people consumed mushrooms for food and medicine and that they have a mushroom heritage which needs adequate documentation. Upto twenty eight species were reported used by the community. Women and children were particularly identified more useful in knowledge about mushrooms than men. They collected preserved and stored mushrooms for future use. Twenty two species were eaten, twelve with medicinal attachment and only two with economic use. The documentation of information on edible and medicinal mushrooms as well as the different social and cultural practices associated with their use in ethno-medicinal practices is a necessity. From such fundamental information, basic and applied research can be carried out to develop artificial cultivation and improve on the use of these mushrooms.
M.Opige, E.Kateyo , J.D.Kabasa and D.Olila , 2006. Indigenous Knowledge and Usage of Indigenous Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms Among the Teso People of Eastern Uganda. Journal of Food Technology, 4: 325-330.