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The use of wild fruits in Zimbabwe

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Abstract

Most peasant households in Zimbabwe use edible fruits of indigenous woody plants. Deforestation does not significantly affect availability of selected fruits, because people tend not to cut selected trees when clearing land for cultivation. A different range of species is used in the different natural regions of Zimbabwe. Fruit use mainly occurs in the periods of seasonal food stress, even though these seasons are not necessarily the periods of maximum fruit abundance. Wild fruits, often the only source of fruit for households, are used mostly by children. There is a significant trade in wild fruits.

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Campbe, B.M. The use of wild fruits in Zimbabwe. Econ Bot 41, 375–385 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02859054

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