Wild edible plants practice in Kota Marudu, Sabah, Malaysia: changes of their culinary practices, obstacles to their continuity and economic opportunities

The rich tradition of wild edible plants (WEPs) among the indigenous peoples of Sabah is at risk of fading into obscurity, overshadowed by the influx of mass-cultivated produce. This study unraveled the challenges that impact the practice’s continuity and highlights potential WEP for commercial cultivation. A qualitative study involving 22 Dusun foragers from Kota Marudu, aged 60 and above, sheds light on this issue. The interviews unveiled the rich culinary applications and foraging methods of wild edible plants (WEPs) while spotlighting urgent issues of their decreasing availability and accessibility. Collected data mapped out the foragers’ practices, identifying 42 commonly harvested species ranging from herbs to wild fungi, primarily sourced from private and agricultural land plots. The WEP culinary landscape has shifted due to easier access to modern ingredients, slowly altering traditional preparation methods and taste preferences. Significant challenges to the practice’s continuation include the foraging site’s distance, personal constraints, limited reliable information, and a lack of broader recognition of these plants’ value. Some informants have transplanted and grown a few species of WEPs to fulfil market demands. Therefore, this showcases WEP’s importance to the local economy and in the effort to sustain the district’s cultural ecosystem services. Despite commercial interest, the cultivation of WEP has been overlooked by the country’s policymakers and agricultural organisations. To harness the full potential of WEPs, extensive research, policy support, and integration into modern food systems must be undertaken. The WEP knowledge and practice may not endure the cultural changes that are currently taking place in Sabah if the attempt to valorise them is not made.