Valorization of wild fruits for human nutrition in demographic pressure challenges: Perception of fruit traders on plants species under anthropogenic threats

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the perception of fruit traders on plant species under anthropogenic threats in natural ecosystems of southern Benin. To do this, a semi-structured survey was conducted among fruit traders in local markets of Tangbo-Djevié and Dantokpa (Southern Benin). From the results obtained, it appears that the fruit sales activity is exclusively female (100%) and the majority of women (84.74%) are between 31 and 60 years old. According to surveyed people, fruit trade activities are closely depended on the fruiting period of each fruit species. Fruits sold in these markets are commonly pineapple (Ananas comosus), avocado (Persea americana), banana (Musa acuminata), soursop (Anona muricata), lemon (Citrus limon), orange (Citrus sinensis), grapefruit (Citrus maxima), papaya (Carica papaya), chapokin (Ceiba pentandra), guava (Psidium guajava), cinnamon apple (Annona squamosa), star apple (Chrysophylum albidum), wild apple (Irvingia gabonensis), black tamarind (Dialium guineense) and watermelon (Citrullus nanatus). The fruits sold in these markets came mainly from four departments of southern Benin, such as Atlantique, Zou, Couffo and Borgou. The fruits mostly cited by surveyed people as to be under anthropogenic threats are chapokin (Ceiba pentandra), soursop (Anona muricata), guava (Psidium guajava), cinnamon apple (Annona squamosa), star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), wild apple (Irvingia gabonensis), mombin plum (Spondias mombin) and black tamarind (Dialium guineense). This study therefore shows that particular attention should be given to this activity sector through the awareness of the nutritional opportunity that these wild fruits represent for the population and also the development of technological processes allowing their real industrial valorization