Diversity and ecological importance of plants in traditional agroforestry of Sudano-sahelian domain of Cameroon: case of Meri in the Mandara Mountains

Abstract

Sudano-Sahelian domain is the poorest in biodiversity because of the climate which is unfavourable compared to the equatorial climate. The unsustainable agricultural practices associated with this climatic roughness are among the main factors of habitat destruction, hence the destruction of biodiversity in this phytogeographic environment. In order to valorize and conserve sudano-sahelian plant resources, a study was carried out in seasonal agrosystems in the Mandara Mountains. The Diversity and the floristic diversity were assessed. Inventories of woody plants were done in 16 plots (100 m x 100 m) grouped in 4 localities/villages. The circumference of the trunk of all the inventoried plants (circonference ≥ 10 cm) was measured. In total, 64 species grouped 45 genera and 27 families were inventoried. The highest FIV was obtained for Mimosaceae (FIV = 104.51) and Combretaceae (FIV = 51.22), the other families had FIV < 30. Diversities in the localities (Shannon index ranging from 2.82 to 2.86 bits) were lower than diversity in whole stand (Shannon index = 3.09 bits). Acacia albida (IVI = 53.52, RI = 6.25), Acacia nilotica (IVI = 9.18, RI = 18.75), Acacia seyal (IVI = 5.19, RI = 43.75), Anogeissus leiocarpus (IVI) = 41.82, RI = 0), Balanites aegyptiaca (IVI = 14.23, RI = 12.50), Diospyros mespiliformis (IVI = 9.91, RI = 37.50), Tamarindus indica (IVI = 16.35, RI = 12.5), and Ziziphus mauritiana (IVI = 9.52, RI = 31.25) were observed in all localities. There were considered as characteristics and represent the floristic background of the stand. Traditional agrosystems can be considered as tools for the conservation of wild species useful to local populations. It would be imperative to conserve in situ wild species, source of genetic diversity for their sustainable use.