Endogenous knowledge and structures of parks dominated by Adansonia digitata (Baobab) species in the Sudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon

Abstract

In Cameroon and particularly in its Sahelian zone, agroforestry parks are ecosystems which provide many goods and services to the local population because of their great potentiality. They contain many multipurpose plant species, generally used as food and medicines, for house building and several others cultural activities. Adansonia digitata (Baobab) is one of these multipurpose plants species found in these agroforestry parks. Unfortunately, due to their high social and economic importance, baobab tree are overexploited by local communities to meet their urgent need. Hence, this study was carried out to provide useful information for a future planned management and conservation of both baobab species and agroforestry parks in the Sudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon. Thus, the selected sites for investigations were: Koutboutou, Libé and Biou in the Mayo-louti Division; Goubara, Mndjil and Loubour in the Mayo-Kani Division and Gazawa, Djagalaï, Bawo hosséré in the Diamaré Division. In total, 450 peoples were interviewed to find out the potentialities of woody parks. Dendrometric parameters were also measured to determine the structure of the forest stand. In total, 38 plant species related to 29 genera and 21 families were identified from the investigated woody parks. Adansonia digitata represented more than 35% of the total individual's number. Results showed also that, fruits, leaves and pulp of Adansonia digitata are at 100% used by local population as food. When, roots, mistletoe and bark are used at 88.9 %, 73.3 % and 77.8 % respectively. Fibers from roots (11.1 %,) and bark (33.3 %) are used in crafts for making ropes. The calculated Shannon index reflected a low diversity in all the investigated area. Pielou index reflected also a balance in the distribution of species between the studied parks. Dendrometric parameters revealed that the studied parks are dominated by high plants, and individuals with small diameter. The maintenance of parks with Adansonia digitata trees in the Sahel zone of Cameroon seems to be compromised. It would be wise to find ways of managing the species so that farmers can benefit from the products that this species offers to them without their actions endangering it.