Perceptions of wild edible plants use, consumption, and commercialisation in rural Limpopo households, South Africa

Wild edible plants (WEPs) play a vital role in the livelihoods and diets of many communities worldwide, but their use is declining due to modernisation. Moreover, the consumption and trading of WEPs are often seen as a ‘backward’ practice, mainly undertaken by elderly women and low-income households in rural areas. This study evaluated the consumption patterns, perceptions of use, and commercialisation potential of WEPs among 120 respondents from four rural villages under the Moletjie tribal authority in the Polokwane and Aganang Local Municipalities, using stratified semi-structured interviews. Respondents expressed positive views regarding taste (98%), health (97%), nutrition (87%), and tradition (94%). However, 95% noted a decline in WEPs use due to youth disinterest, deagrarianisation, and climate change. Most respondents (70%) also voiced concerns about the commercial success of WEPs if they were to compete with exotic crops, as the majority (58%) stated they would prefer to buy exotic foods. Respondents indicated they would be willing to purchase WEPs from retail stores if available. Logistic regression analysis (Nagelkerke R = 0.119, p = 0.100) revealed that men were 2.78 times more likely to support purchasing WEPs at retail outlets (p = 0.048) than women, with a good model fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.787). Consequently, considering the commercial availability of WEP products with gender-targeted marketing in retail stores could enhance acceptability and preference, helping to preserve the nutritional and cultural benefits of WEPs for the future.