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Valuation of local preferred uses and traditional ecological knowledge in relation to three multipurpose tree species in Benin (West Africa)

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  • Houehanou, Thierry D.
  • Assogbadjo, Achille E.
  • Kakaï, Romain Glele
  • Houinato, Marcel
  • Sinsin, Brice

Abstract

Afzelia africana Sm., Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. and Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss are multipurpose trees widely used in Africa, but endangered in their natural environments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to define and promote conservation strategies for these key species. In this study we analyzed the current patterns of their use preferences by means of a cultural importance index. Local ecological knowledge on their conservation was investigated among local people living around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin. In total, 160 informants belonging to four ethnic groups (Gourmantche, Waama, Berba and Peulh) were interviewed in twelve villages. Male and female informants, aged between 20 and 90Â years, were randomly selected in each ethnic group. For each species, a cultural importance index was calculated combining frequency and importance of use. This index allowed us to identify differences in use intensity within and among ethnic groups. Traditional ecological knowledge was tested as a dependent variable of ethnicity. A. africana was widely used as medicine, fodder and crafting by most communities, whereas P. erinaceus was the preferred source of fodder for all local people. K. senegalensis was mostly used as medicine and fuel wood by most communities, except by the Peulh who preferably used it as fodder. The use of these trees as source of fuel wood was mostly reported by women while religious uses of these species were reported by old men from the Gourmantche ethnicity. Medicinal and fodder use of A. africana, fodder use of P. erinaceus and medicinal use of K. senegalensis had the highest overall cultural importance index value. Knowledge related to local extinction of the target species and their sustainable use varied among socio-cultural groups. The findings of the present study should be considered in future management plans towards an effective conservation of these tree species.

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  • Houehanou, Thierry D. & Assogbadjo, Achille E. & Kakaï, Romain Glele & Houinato, Marcel & Sinsin, Brice, 2011. "Valuation of local preferred uses and traditional ecological knowledge in relation to three multipurpose tree species in Benin (West Africa)," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 13(7), pages 554-562, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:13:y:2011:i:7:p:554-562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vodouhê, Fifanou G. & Coulibaly, Ousmane & Adégbidi, Anselme & Sinsin, Brice, 2010. "Community perception of biodiversity conservation within protected areas in Benin," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 12(7), pages 505-512, September.
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    1. Cuni-Sanchez, Aida & Ngute, Alain Senghor K. & Sonké, Bonaventure & Sainge, Moses Nsanyi & Burgess, Neil D. & Klein, Julia A. & Marchant, Rob, 2019. "The importance of livelihood strategy and ethnicity in forest ecosystem services’ perceptions by local communities in north-western Cameroon," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 40(C).
    2. Jamilah Mohd Salim & Siti Nursyadiq Anuar & Khatijah Omar & Tengku Rozaina Tengku Mohamad & Nur Azura Sanusi, 2023. "The Impacts of Traditional Ecological Knowledge towards Indigenous Peoples: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, January.
    3. Carlos C. Ahoyo & Thierry D. Houehanou & Alain S. Yaoitcha & Kathleen Prinz & Achille E. Assogbadjo & Christian S. G. Adjahossou & Frank Hellwig & Marcel R. B. Houinato, 2018. "A quantitative ethnobotanical approach toward biodiversity conservation of useful woody species in Wari-Maro forest reserve (Benin, West Africa)," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 20(5), pages 2301-2320, October.
    4. Mavhura, Emmanuel & Mushure, Sharon, 2019. "Forest and wildlife resource-conservation efforts based on indigenous knowledge: The case of Nharira community in Chikomba district, Zimbabwe," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 83-90.
    5. Emmanuel Biara & Anthony Egeru & Sylvanus Mensah & Jenipher Biira Salamula & Mark Marvin Kadigo, 2021. "Socio-economic factors influencing Afzelia africana Sm. use value and traditional knowledge in Uganda: implications for sustainable management," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 2261-2278, February.
    6. Bruno E. Lokonon & Essomanda Tchandao Mangamana & Isidore Gnonlonfoun & Téwogbadé Jean Didier Akpona & Achille E. Assogbadjo & Romain Glèlè Kakaï & Brice Sinsin, 2019. "Knowledge, valuation and prioritization of 46 woody species for conservation in agroforestry systems along Ouémé catchment in Benin (West Africa)," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 21(5), pages 2377-2399, October.

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