Ethnographic Qualitative Study to Explore the Sociocultural Values, Nutritional Potential, and Health Benefits of Dabi Teff ( Eragrostis Tef ) Grown in Western Ethiopia

TL;DR

This study explores the cultural, nutritional, and health significance of dabi teff in Western Ethiopia, highlighting its potential for improving food security and nutrition.

Contribution

The study documents traditional knowledge and practices of dabi teff, emphasizing its nutritional and medicinal value and advocating for its integration into food and nutrition strategies.

Findings

Dabi teff is culturally significant and valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Traditional food forms made from dabi teff are believed to boost energy and aid recovery from injuries.

Cultivation of dabi teff is declining despite its potential for food and nutrition security.

Abstract

The rural Ethiopian populations have a rich traditional knowledge and practices linked to cereals as food and medicine (nutraceutical). This study aimed to explore and document the sociocultural values, nutritional potential, health benefits, and cultivation trends of dabi teff (
Eragrostis tef
) grown in Western Ethiopia. An exploratory qualitative study design was employed through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Primary data were collected from purposively selected participants using a semi‐structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed manually; transcribed verbatim, thoroughly read, color‐coded, categorized into themes, translated, and reported. Three major themes emerged. The results show that there are many sociocultural values about dabi teff long‐rooted in the community. There is a well‐recognized nutritional potential and health benefits of dabi teff (prized as medicine). After eating the different food forms from dabi teff, particularly the mooqa manyee, it increases blood volume, boosts energy, and repairs/strengthens the backbone and fractured bones. There is ignorance in passing down the traditional practices. Dabi teff reaches maturity in a short time and is harvested twice within one rainy season, but its cultivation is declining compared to the past. The use of the crop as a complementary food is not common. The findings suggest that dabi teff could be used to address food and nutrition security beyond its ethnocultural significance. The sustainable production and utilization of such a valuable crop require integration of the study into national nutrition strategies and complementary feeding programs. Integration into agrobiodiversity conservation initiatives is also required to protect and safeguard our food system for the future.

There is a life‐long practice of enjoying a number of food forms from dabi teff. Dabi teff has a promising nutritional potential and prized as a medicinal food. Dabi teff can be used in food formulation for nutritional enhancement and health benefits.

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