Contemporary ethnobotany of Opuntia ficus-indica in Algeria: perceptions, practices, and trust across sociodemographic groups

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to document the ethnobotanical uses and perceptions of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) in Algeria, a country where traditional knowledge of this multipurpose plant remains underexplored despite its ecological and economic significance.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected from 525 respondents via a structured, anonymous online questionnaire between May and July 2023. The survey covered sociodemographic profiles, plant parts used, forms and frequency of use, sources of acquisition, preparation methods, perceived benefits, and adverse effects. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and network analysis, performed using RStudio (v4.2.2) with the igraph, ggraph, and tidygraph packages).

Results: The study revealed that women, university-educated individuals, and younger age groups (18–35) were the primary users of Opuntia ficus-indica. The fruit was the most used part, followed by seeds and cladodes. Uses ranged from cosmetics and food to herbal remedies. Modern processed forms (e.g., oils, capsules) were preferred by educated users, while traditional preparations remained popular among older adults. Strong associations were found between usage patterns and variables such as age, gender, education, and profession. Network analysis confirmed key relationships between plant use, form, frequency, and expected effects.

Conclusions: This study highlights the rich and dynamic role of Opuntia ficus-indica in Algerian ethnobotanical practices. It underlines the influence of sociodemographic factors on knowledge and use patterns and supports future strategies for sustainable development, health promotion, and cultural preservation involving this species.

Keywords: Opuntia ficus-indica; Prickly pear; Ethnobotany; Algeria; Sociodemographic factors; Traditional knowledge