In Ethiopia, Plectranthus edulis one of the important tuber crops of the genus Plectranthus. The plant is also one of the traditional root crops in Wolayta area. However, currently, the local farmers seem to give less attention to the crop and tend to give more preference to other root crops. So, to identify the current status and conservation challenges of the species, a survey was carried out in selected districts (and villages) of Wolayta zone. The objective of this survey is to undertake a preliminary survey on the economic value (farmers’ willingness to pay for conservation) of Plectranthus edulis in Wolayta zone, identify the determinant factors that affect farmer’s willingness to pay for Plectranthus edulis conservation, and indicate the way forward in conservation of Plectranthus edulis in the area. The socio-economic data gathered was analyzed using willingness to pay (WTP) and multiple regression statistics. So, a total of 66 farmers from three districts (and nine villages) were assessed. The mean contribution that the farmers invest for the in-situ (on-farm) conservation of Plectranthus edulis is 0.074ha/farmer, and the mean WTP is found to be 1611.48 birr/farmer/year. It is found that willingness to pay was significantly associated with the yield.

Keywords: Plectranthus edulis, Farmers’ varieties, Willingness to pay (WTP), Conservation