Energy and micronutrient composition of dietary and medicinal wild plants consumed during drought. Study of rural Fulani, Northeastern Nigeria

Two rural settled Fulani villages, northeastern Nigeria, were surveyed for dietary practices and use of edible wild plants (n = 100 households). Commo nly consumed species of edible wild barks, fruits, leaves, nuts, seeds, and tubers were analyzed for protein, fat, and carbohydrate and for minerals. Kuka bark (Adansonia digitata) given to infants to increase weight gain was high in fat, calcium, copper, iron, and zinc. Cediya (Ficus thonningii), d orowa (Parkia biglobosa) and zogale (Moringa oleifera) were good sources of protein and fat and excellent sources of calcium and iron or copper and zi nc. Fruits, leaves, and nuts of aduwa (Balanites aegyptiaca) were widely us ed during the dry season and during drought. Edible wild species available during the wet season generally were inferior in energy and micronutrient m ineral content compared to dry season plants. Fruits commonly eaten by chil dren were poor sources of protein and minerals but rich in carbohydrate and fiber. Tsamiya seeds (Tamarindus indica) were good sources of zinc and use d to make dawwa (porridge) commonly consumed during pregnancy. Kirya seeds (Prosopos africana) contained the highest zinc concentrations. Shiwaka leav es (Veronia colorate) consumed by pregnant women to increase breastmilk pro duction and to expel intestinal worms, were high in fiber, phosphorus, magn esium, manganese, and were adequate sources of calcium.