Document is current

Article History

Received: 24 December 2025

Accepted: 8 May 2026

First Online: 4 June 2026

Declarations

:

: We conducted this study after the research proposal was evaluated and approved by the Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, Addis Ababa University. Additionally, we presented support letters written by the department and local administration to focus group discussion participants. According to the National Research Ethics Review Guideline, the Fifth Edition, by FDRE Minister of Science and Technology, formal ethical approval was not required for this type of study, as it involved non-invasive, minimal-risk focus group discussions with local community members and did not collect sensitive or personally identifiable information. Nevertheless, we conducted this research while strictly adhering to the International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE) Code of Ethics. All participants were informed about the objectives of the study, the voluntary nature of their participation, and their right to withdraw at any stage without consequence. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all focus group discussion participants prior to conducting the discussions. Confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained throughout data collection, analysis, and reporting.

: Not Applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.