Estudio etnobotánico de las frutas comestibles comercializadas en las ferias locales de la amazonía ecuatoriana.

Abstract

The objective this research was to conduct an ethnobotanical study of eatable fruits marketed in local fairs in the Ecuadorian Amazon by analyzing the perspective of traders to document traditional knowledge. The methodology had a qualitative and quantitative approach, the type of research corresponds to an exploratory, descriptive and observational scope, since the conformation of the local fairs was investigated, the characteristics of fruits present in the Amazon were detailed and ethnobotany was analyzed in the socio-critical paradigm, The population under study was made up of the traders from local fairs, semi-structured interviews were applied in person based on selection criteria and prior photographic registration of fruits, a database was created where three consolidated tables were obtained that respond to the established objectives. Seventy-two species were recorded and grouped into 10 categories of use, most of which were classified as berry fruits, the most important based on the value of use were of the genus Citrus and Mussa. At the regional level, 80% of local fairs were occupied by female traders with primary school, with a maximum average age of 44 years, and with mestizo and indigenous populations of Kichwa, Shuar and Cofan nationalities. It was concluded there are species that are little used and unknown, with a tendency towards natural reduction and cultural loss, especially the classic citrus and banana species. It is recommended to continue adding nutritional information on fruits that contribute to food security.