Universal Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 12(4), pp. 583 - 605
DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120404
Reprint (PDF) (2652Kb)

Potential Famine Food Resources: A Systematic Review of Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants in the Philippines

Elgie A. Jimenez ^1,*, Mark Anthony J. Torres ^1,2, Cesar G. Demayo ^1,3, Orven E. Llantos ^4
1 Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
² School of Interdisciplinary Studies/Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
³ Center of Integrative Health, Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
⁴ Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Studies, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines

ABSTRACT

The study investigates the use of wild and cultivated edible food plants in the Philippines as potential sources of food during times of famine. Given the challenges faced by the Philippines, such as malnutrition, poverty, and food insecurity worsened by climate change and natural disasters, it is crucial to explore the potential of alternative local food plant materials as a way of dealing with malnutrition and supporting emergency aid. The study employed a systematic review approach following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We implemented a search strategy in the Google Scholar database using specific search terms to identify literature that is highly relevant to potential famine food plants in the Philippines. Data selection, extraction, and mapping processes were rigorously conducted to ensure transparency and thoroughness when reporting the findings. The study identified a total of four thousand six hundred seventy-seven (n=4,677) search results. However, by following the eligibility criteria, all irrelevant articles and duplicated studies were excluded, and the remaining thirteen (n=13) articles discussing wild and cultivated edible plants were reviewed. There are two hundred fifty (n=250) species of these edible plants being recorded of which belong to seventy-nine (n=79) families. It has been revealed that the fruits and leaves are the most consumed plant parts implying their culinary use. These potential famine food plants transcend geographical boundaries as they are widely distributed to 11 provinces in the Philippines. These local edible plants prove essential in mitigating the impact of food scarcity and enhancing food security in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for further research and utilization of these resources.

KEYWORDS
Indigenous, Wild Edible Plants, Food Security, Malnutrition, Climate Change, Famine

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Elgie A. Jimenez , Mark Anthony J. Torres , Cesar G. Demayo , Orven E. Llantos , "Potential Famine Food Resources: A Systematic Review of Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants in the Philippines," Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 583 - 605, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120404.

(b). APA Format:
Elgie A. Jimenez , Mark Anthony J. Torres , Cesar G. Demayo , Orven E. Llantos (2024). Potential Famine Food Resources: A Systematic Review of Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants in the Philippines. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 12(4), 583 - 605. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120404.