Abstract: | This paper reports a quantitative study on the use of wild fruits by peasant households in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Condo area. The analysis shows that people place great emphasis on fruit trees, and that wild fruits appear to be important in the diet. They are particularly used during the period of seasonal food shortage, they are often the only fruit source and they are high in vitamin C. Some households are involved in the marketing of wild fruits and receive a small income from sales. Wild fruit trees could also play an important role in soil conservation because they help in maintaining contour ridges. Ref. |