Wild plants for food in the Andes

Background: This ethnobotanical research was part of the Project "Ecological and Socioeconomic Intensification of the Small Andean Agriculture'' (AGROECO). The aim is to systematize traditional knowledge of wild food plants in the Andean community of Janac Chuquibamba (Cusco-Peru), to contribute to family food safety. The objectives of this paper are to identify the wild food plants used in this community and describe the local perceptions, use, seasonality, management, and commercialization of wild food plants in such place. Methods Data was collected through participatory observation, free listing, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and walking in the crop fields. Results A total of 48 wild edible plants with local names and taxonomic classifications, belonging to 27 botanical families were reported. In addition, the farmers mentioned, within this category, 7 species from other kingdoms: 4 fungi, 1 algae, and 2 lichens. In the diet of the high Andean community of Janac Chuquibamba, a wide range of wild plant species is still included, through different preparations in the local cuisine. 91.7% of wild food plants have other uses in addition to food, and 77% of these plants are medicinal. There are more resources available in the wet season. The wild edible plants have different levels of management such as simple harvesting, tolerance, promoting, protection, transplanting, sowing, and planting. The agricultors reported selling 26 species of wild food plants in the nearby markets of Lamay, Calca, Coya, Pisac, Urubamba, and Chincheros, and even in Cusco. Conclusions The knowledge about these plants, as their use and management should be thoroughly documented, as well as promoted among local people and the general population, in order to contribute to the security and food sovereignty of these communities and society in general.