Local perceptions, uses and conservation status of Detarium senegalense in the Dahomey Gap (West Africa)
Abstract
Several species, including Detarium senegalense, face exploitation without regard for conservation or regeneration status, posing a severe threat and contributing to their decline. Few studies addressed conservation strategies of Detarium senegalense. This paper aimed to document the indigenous knowledge of local communities regarding D. senegalense and its conservation status in the Dahomey Gap region. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups involving 404 participants from thirty-eight villages, representing four phytogeographic zones in the Dahomey Gap. Collected data included local names, recognition criteria, abundance measures, and uses of D. senegalense. This data supported calculations of knowledge diversity, evenness index, organ usage frequency, and vulnerability indices. The Student Newman and Keuls test were used for multiple comparisons and Correspondence Analysis examined the relationships between variables. Analysis revealed that most respondents were familiar with the species (75.0%), but only half possessed knowledge of its uses. The diversity of knowledge was unevenly distributed among the respondents (IE <0.5). Significant variations in knowledge were observed among phytogeographic zones and ethnic groups, while no substantial differences were found based on gender or age. The study identified the almond as the primary organ of interest for local populations due to its involvement in international trade. The timber obtained from the tree was also used. Natural habitats of D. senegalense were found to be in decline, with logging being identified as the main cause of habitat destruction according to 58.5% of respondents. Consequently, the vulnerability index indicated that D. senegalense is highly vulnerable in its natural environment with vulnerability indices higher than 2.5 in all phytodistricts. Considering the nutritional and medicinal value of D. senegalense, we emphasize the need to investigate structural, morphological, and molecular aspects for conservation and sustainable use.
Keywords: Detarium senegalense, endogenous knowledge, Vulnerability indices, Natural habitat, Plant organs
INTRODUCTION
Natural ecosystems are indispensable suppliers of resources that serve to diverse human needs, including sustenance, artisanal materials, medicinal remedies, and spiritual significance (Lykke et al., 2004; Ipbes, 2019). Among these ecosystems, forests play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity by providing habitats for numerous animal and plant species. Moreover, they represent a significant reservoir of natural resources for many tropical countries, making substantial contributions to biodiversity and ecological balance (N’Guessan et al., 2019). In the context of food resources, edible woody species refer to trees and shrubs that produce leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, or other parts suitable for human consumption (Ouédraogo, 2010).
In sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to agriculture, livestock rearing, and fishing, the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) stands out as a significant source of income, food, and medicinal resources for rural communities (Ezebilo and Mattsson, 2010; Mawunu et al., 2017; Tchat-chambe et al., 2017a and b; Mawunu et al., 2019). In West Africa, phytogenetic resources particularly fruit trees, play a vital role in ensuring food security and the population health (Diop, 2013; Sourou et al., 2016). Various parts or organs of many woody plants are extensively used in traditional medicine and daily practices, including timber for construction and service purposes (Fandohan et al., 2008). Wild fruits are often consumed directly at the collection or harvesting sites, while others are commercially marketed, providing income for households, and contributing to food security and improved health and nutrition of the population. The significant contribution of fruit trees to these aspects is attributed to their rich diversity (Bowe and Haq, 2010).
While forest biodiversity holds crucial importance for African rural populations, several forest species are threatened in their natural habitats due to human activities and climate variations. The potential disappearance of numerous woody species is imminent, driven not only by over-exploitation but also by improper harvesting practices and inadequate regeneration (Betti, 2001; Ouédraogo, 2008; Traoré, 2008; Agali, 2009; Belem, 2009). Many rural households rely on non-timber forest products to fulfill their nutritional, health, and construction needs (Heubach et al., 2011; Shackleton et al., 2015). According to Traoré et al. (2011), these species, which are beneficial to rural communities, face threats in their natural habitats due to deforestation, vegetation fires, extensive cattle grazing, charcoal production, abundant use of firewood, slash-and-burn cultivation, illegal logging, and uncontrolled movement of genetic material for plantation establishment. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to conserve agroforestry species in general (Boffa, 2000; Belem, 2008; Devineau et al., 2009), with particular attention to edible species.
Enhancing our comprehension of the motivations behind the use of these plants is crucial for capturing and safeguarding local knowledge associated with indigenous species. This knowledge is vital for conservation efforts and the formulation of effective domestication strategies (Chekole et al., 2015). The integration of indigenous knowledge in the development of management and conservation strategies for native plant resources is essential to ensure their effectiveness (Avocèvou, 2011). This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the capacity of available natural resources and their usage by the population.
Several studies have highlighted the importance of forest products, particularly the diverse services they provide to communities living near forests (Larwanou et al., 2010; Lougbégnon et al., 2011; Thiombiano et al., 2012; Yameogo et al., 2013; Houètchégnon et al., 2013; Dangbo et al., 2019; Dossa et al. 2019). According to Masengo et al. (2021 a and b), the sustainability of phytogenetic resource management depends on considering the social, cultural, and economic values held by local communities. However, several species are coveted and exploited without regard for their conservation status and, especially, their regenerative capacity, posing a serious threat and contributing to their decline. Detarium senegalense is a prominent example, widely used for various purposes such as food, medicinal applications, timber, and more, in several West African countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Benin. In Nigeria, the flour derived from D. senegalense almonds is widely consumed and holds considerable importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries (Sowemimo et al., 2011; Malami et al., 2021). A decoction prepared from the bark is believed to be effective in treating conditions like haemorrhage, pneumonia, diarrhea, stomach disorders, digestive issues, and facilitating placenta expulsion after childbirth (Sowemimo et al., 2011). In Benin, this species faces numerous threats to its survival in the short, medium, and long term, including its use as timber wood and the existence of almond trade routes to Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo (Neuenschwander et al., 2011). In addition, Atato et al. (2010) and Dangbo et al. (2019a) highlighted the substantial involvement of D. senegalense seeds in commercial trade in Togo. In this context, the survival of this species now relies on appropriate exploitation approaches coupled with techniques for natural and/or assisted regeneration while considering its vulnerability.
The vulnerability of a plant species refers to its susceptibility to the risks of decline or extinction due to inadequate harvesting methods, increasing human pressures, and climate variability within its habitat (Traoré et al., 2011). In the context of conserving this highly important forest species, it is crucial to assess its vulnerability, considering anthropogenic factors. To achieve this, it is essential to obtain reliable data on the diverse uses of the species and the level of threats across different socio-cultural groups in Benin and Togo within the Dahomey Gap.
Hence, the present study had as objective to document the endogenous knowledge of local communities regarding D. senegalense and its conservation status in the study area.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Study area
The study was conducted among communities living near forested areas, whether classified or not, where D. senegalense is found. According to Adomou et al. (2005), Akoegninou et al. (2006), Atato et al. (2010), and Dangbo et al. (2019b), D. senegalense is present in the Guinean, Guineo-Sudanian, Sudanian-Guinean, and Sudanian zones. Therefore, the specific focus was on the phyto-districts of Borgou Sud and Bassila in Benin, as well as zones III and IV in Togo, all located within the Dahomey Gap in West Africa. An exploratory survey was conducted in the study area to identify potential communities for the main surveys. As a result, four municipalities (in Benin) and four prefectures (in Togo) were selected, namely Tchaourou, Ouèssè, Bantè, and Bassila in Benin, and Tchamba, Est-Mono, Akebou, and Wawa in Togo (Figure 1). In total, thirty-eight villages and hamlets scattered across all eight administrative units (municipalities or prefectures) were surveyed.
Economically, agriculture is the main activity among the communities in the study area. The crops grown include maize, yam, rice, cowpea, Bambara groundnut, and others. Perennial plantations such as cashew, coffee, cocoa, teak, and gmelina are also established. Livestock rearing, predominantly practiced by the Fulani and agro-pastoralists, is of the sedentary or transhumance husbandry type. Feeding and watering of the livestock mainly rely on natural grazing, typically along watercourses and ponds. Two types of hunting are practiced: traditional hunting with rudimentary weapons during the dry season and illegal hunting using sophisticated or crude firearms. Vegetation fires are used both in soil preparation for agriculture and in hunting activities. Fishing, on the other hand, takes place in the major watercourses during the dry season. Trade appears to be the main activity for women, constituting a significant source of income, particularly in the sale of staple foods, forest products such as firewood, charcoal, and NTFPs (fruits, seeds/nuts, or other plant parts). The communities consist of several ethnolinguistic groups and practice diverse religions, including Animism, Islam, and Christianity.
Sampling and data collect
The survey was conducted during July, November, and December 2020, as well as January and February 2021. The selection of survey locations was based on an exploratory study carried out in the areas where D. senegalense is known to occur, as reported in previous studies conducted in Benin and Togo (Adomou et al., 2005; Akoegninou et al., 2006; Atato et al., 2010; Dangbo et al. 2019b). The exploration aimed to study the distribution and relative abundance of the species in each phytogeographic zone of Benin and Togo. Additionally, it sought to identify the localities closest to the natural habitats in each zone where the populations have an interest in D. senegalense. During these preliminary surveys in the study area, it was observed that on average, 21.4% of the respondents had knowledge of the uses and habitat of the species. Thus, the sample size for the study was determined using the normal approximation of the binomial distribution proposed by (Dagnelie, 1998; Levy et Lemeshow, 2008).
With N the sample size, pi (21.4%) the proportion of individuals who know and/or have knowledge of at least one use of the species, U21-α/2 the value of the standard normal variable for a risk α (α = 0.05; U21-α/2 = 1.96), and δ the margin of error set at 4%. The sample size N was calculated to be 403.8 respondents, rounded up to 404 respondents.
Each respondent, as well as focus groups, participated in a semi-structured individual questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed the following sections: (i) gathering socio-demographic information of the respondents, including name, age, gender, ethnic group, and phytogeographic zone, (ii) exploring the diverse uses of different parts of the species, (iii) identifying criteria for distinguishing individuals of the species, and (iv) investigating the various pressures affecting the species and its habitat.
Individual and group surveys, typically consisting of 2 to 5 participants, were conducted. The use of focus groups facilitated the collection of reliable information, as it encouraged discussions and interactions among the group members, resulting in data that was collectively endorsed (Assogbadjo, 2008). In addition, observations and field verification phase was carried out. This phase involved locating the natural habitats of D. senegalense in the study area, which served two main purposes: firstly, to corroborate the field observations with the interview data, and secondly, to identify the sampling points for the forest inventories
Data analysis
For data analysis, the respondents were grouped into different levels of stratification (phytogeographic zone, age category, ethnic groups, and gender) based on the classification proposed by Houehanou et al. (2008) and Amouzoun et al. (2019). To explore the variations in this variable based on socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, a generalized linear model of the Poisson family was applied.
To document local perceptions about the uses and dynamics of D. senegalense populations, several analytical approaches were employed. Firstly, a dynamic cross-tabulation table of different variables was created to compare various uses of D. senegalense organs and identify the most used ones. To assess species uses knowledge of respondents, a response rate was calculated to evaluate the level of knowledge and use of D. senegalense organs among different ethnic groups surveyed.
The Student Newman and Keuls test were used for multiple comparisons of knowledge levels. Additionally, an Analysis of Correspondences was conducted to examine the relationships between these organs and different ethnic groups. Ethnobotanical indices were calculated to determine the distribution of knowledge within the surveyed ethnic groups (Table 1). Furthermore, the diversity of uses for each D. senegalense organ were determined based on the diversity and evenness index (Table 2).
To investigate the conservation status, particularly the level of degradation of natural habitats, the threats facing the species, and its vulnerability across different socio-cultural groups, the following ethnobotanical parameters were computed. These parameters include the frequency of use and the vulnerability index of the species (Table 1). Additionally, the proportion of responses per type of habitat degradation factor was calculated. All analyses were performed using R software, version 4.2.3.
RESULTS
Ethnobotanical perceptions and uses of D. senegalense
Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
In relation to the phytogeographic zones, Borgou Sud stood out as the most prevalent, representing 35.2% of the respondents, followed by Zone III at 24.1%. As for ethnicity, the Nago and related groups constitute the majority, accounting for nearly 50% of the surveyed population, while the Akposso come in at a distant second with 9.36%. In terms of age categories, adults between 31 and 59 years old make up over two-thirds of the respondents. Lastly, regarding gender, the proportions are almost equal, with approximately 50% of the respondents being female and 50% being male (Table 3).
Nomenclature
D. senegalense, also known as “arbre à suif, grand détar” in French and “dattock tree” in English, has different local names depending on the sociolinguistic groups present in the Dahomey Gap. These names are sometimes made up of two words. Examples include “N’Ténékpé N’toudja or N’tutèdiakpé” among the Anii, “Ôlô odo” among the Nagot (Table 4).
Knowledge about the species according to sociolinguistic groups
Across the entire study area, an average of 75% of the respondents were familiar with D. senegalense, either the tree itself or one of its organs and/or its natural habitat. However, only 50.2% were aware of at least one use of the species. Analysis indicated a significant difference in knowledge between phyto-districts and between ethnic groups. However, knowledge did not differ significantly by gender or age (Table 5). The number of uses was highest in phyto-districts IV (0.93 ± 0.31) and lowest in the Borgou Sud phytodistricts (0.03 ± 0.18). Regarding usages of the species by ethnic groups, the number of uses was highest among Moba, Ditamari, Akebou, Kabiè and Akposso, with frequencies ranging from 0.90 to 1.17. However, Fon, Peulhs, Bariba and Nagot recorded a low level of use, with frequencies lower than 0.48.
Knowledge about D. senegalense exhibited greater diversity in Zone IV and among the Kabiè and Moba communities (a minority) within the study area, primarily because most respondents were non-natives. Conversely, knowledge was comparatively lower in Borgou Sud phyto-district and among the Fon and associated groups (Figure 2).
Diversity and evenness indices
The study computed and presented the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (ID) and evenness index (IE) based on different factors such as phyto-districts and sociocultural layers (Table 6). The diversity index (ID) ranged from 1.61 to 23.3, with low evenness index (IE) values below 0.5, indicating diverse and heterogeneous knowledge among the respondents. Regarding gender, the knowledge diversity among women was relatively more homogeneous compared to men. Similarly, different ethnic groups show varying knowledge diversity, with all groups displaying heterogeneity. Among age groups, adults demonstrate more homogeneous knowledge diversity than the youth and the elderly.
When considering the entire study area regardless factors or categories, the evenness index remained low (0.323), indicating that the distribution of knowledge diversity among the respondents were not uniform.
Socioeconomic perceptions of D. senegalense
The findings revealed that local trade of D. senegalense almonds was common. In the phyto-district of Bassila, a significant number of women (58%) recognized the existence of a well-organised market for D. senegalense almonds, while this percentage was lower (ranging from 17% to 24%) in the other three zones studied. As for sector animation, the presence of some individual intermediaries was approved by both men and women in varying proportions (42% and 85%, respectively). In Benin, the sale channel of seeds involved traders of both genders in equal percentages (100% each) in Bassila, but women (72.2%) were the primary sellers in Borgou Sud. In Togo, it was unanimously recognized that men from zone III and women from zone IV participated in the seed trade (Table 7).
Conservation status and vulnerability of D. senegalense
Frequency of use of D. senegalense
Several ways of using D. senegalense were observed, leading to populations using various plant parts, but in different proportions. Frequencies of use (FU) were determined for each plant parts (Figure 3). The most used part of D. senegalense was its seed or almond, followed by the wood. However, other parts, including fruit (pulp), leaf, bark, or root, were not used very extensively. This observation was in line with the on-site findings, where both men and women were primarily involved in activities related to fruit gathering for almond extraction and the use of wood for various purposes associated with D. senegalense.
Drivers of degradation of natural habitats of D. senegalense
The natural environments where D. senegalense was found correspond primarily to wet areas along watercourses, semi-deciduous dense forests, and foothills of mountains, regardless of the ethnic background of those surveyed. Most of the respondents who were acquainted with this species agreed that the existing individuals of D. senegalense were mostly mature specimens. This observation raised concerns about the natural regeneration of the species, highlighting the necessity of implementing measures to ensure its sustainability. Certain trees are spared during deforestation, especially in specific areas like the Akposso plateau, among the Akebou people, and the Ana (related to Nago) community. However, some of these preserved trees were unfortunately exploited for timber and charcoal production.
The investigations carried out among the local populations living near potential sites where D. senegalense is or was present revealed a range of perceptions regarding the level of habitat degradation, varying from low to very high (Figure 4). However, it is noteworthy that regardless of the phyto-district, most respondents (ranging from 51.3% to 74.1%) expressed concerns about a very high level of habitat degradation. This concern was particularly prominent in Borgou Sud phyto-district, where over 64% of men and 74% of women held the opinion of a significantly increasing level of degradation. Furthermore, the farmers who had D. senegalense trees in their garden or field claimed that they obtained them naturally and not through planting.
Almost all men and women, regardless of age or ethnicity, stated that currently, to locate D. senegalense trees, one must venture deeper into protected forests or other designated areas in the phyto-districts of Bassila, Borgou Sud, and Zone III. This suggests that the natural habitats and D. senegalense individuals were experiencing various factors leading to their destruction. However, in Zone IV, D. senegalense could be found in coffee, cocoa, and kola plantations, as well as in home gardens.
This habitat loss of D. senegalense could be explained by several drivers with various level (Table 8). In Borgou Sud, Bassila and zone III, most of respondents identified forest products exploitation (illegal and abusive logged for timber and charcoal) as the main anthropogenic drivers of habitat degradation of the species. This phenomenon was cited with high frequency in Borgou Sud phyto-district (approximately 90% of both men and women). Nevertheless, agriculture was identified as the main factor of degradation of the natural habitats of the species in Zone IV, followed by deforestation caused by logging activities. Additionally, in other phyto-districts, agriculture was acknowledged as a secondary cause of habitat degradation for the species. The study has revealed that among respondents in the Bassila phyto-district, approximately 17% attributed negative impacts on the species’ habitats to fruit gathering. However, in all four phytogeographic zones, lower than 10% of respondents assumed other activities that might negatively influence the habitats. These activities included vegetation fires, grazing, and climate change (Table 8). Interestingly, these findings align well with observations in the field. Indeed, most of D. senegalense trees were found in protected areas within the Bassila, southern Borgou, and Zone III phyto-districts where agricultural activities were prohibited, providing a more favorable environment for the species. In contrast, Zone IV, where agriculture is conducted without significant constraints, houses D. senegalense trees within open vegetation formations, making them more vulnerable to habitat degradation.
Vulnerability of D. senegalense in the different phyto-districts
Table 9 presents the vulnerability index of assessed parameters. The average vulnerability index of D. senegalense across the four zones was 2.58. It was 2.56 for the phyto-districts Borgou Sud and Bassila, then for zone III, and 2.67 for zone IV. These values are closer to 3 and indicate that the species is vulnerable in all studied phyto-districts.
DISCUSSION
Ethnobotanical and ethno-ecological knowledge of D. senegalense in the Dahomey Gap
Most respondents indicated that the species inhabits areas gallery forests, moist semi-deciduous forests, foot of hills and valleys. This perception was evident in certain local names for the species, particularly among the Nagots and related communities, where it is referred to as “Ôlô Odo, meaning “millstone” or “hollow” of the river. This traditional knowledge aligns with the field observations made during verifications and georeferencing of the species occurrences, and with the findings of previous researchers such as Arbonnier (2019), Adomou (2005), Akoègninou et al. (2006), Dangbo et al. (2019), Dossa et al. (2019), and Houénon et al. (2021).
In this study, the diversity of knowledge was heterogeneous, indicating that species is used for multiple purposes within each ethnic group. However, this diversity becomes more consistent when considering gender and age, with values of evenness index (IE) like those found for Chrysophyllum albidum and Mansonia altissima by Lougbégnon et al. (2016) and Wédjangnon et al. (2016), respectively (0.40 and 0.11). The values obtained in the present study are lower than those obtained by Masengo et al. (2021a) for Lippia multiflora (IE = 0.98). This result confirmed some previous studies that have shown that ethnobotanical knowledge was globally influenced by gender (Lougbegnon et al., 2011), educational level (Dassou et al., 2015) and profession of respondents (Beltràn-Rodriguez et al., 2014). Thus, knowledge about the species’ usage was not evenly distributed among the participants. These findings are consistent with previous studies that reported several uses of D. senegalense in Togo (Dangbo et al., 2019a) and in Benin (Dossa et al., 2020a). For instance, D. senegalense, as a wild species, has specific parts, such as almonds obtained from crushing ripe fruits, which are central to commercial activities. The documented ethnobotanical knowledge about the species was closely in line with the results found by Dangbo et al. (2019a) in Togo, where over 90% of the population reported having a good understanding of the species, especially concerning the usage of almonds. Other uses were identified, notably, wood for timber, leaves, roots, and bark, corroborating the findings of Dangbo et al. (2019a), Dossa et al. (2020) and Houenon et al. (2021). The almond trade was the most important use category, followed by timber, but the food and ritual categories are virtually absent. Like Houénon et al. (2021), our results showed that D. senegalense fruits were not usually consumed. This finding may be linked to the fact that the fruits of this species were not considered in the eating habits of local populations.
Several studies (Amaku et al., 2021; Olayiwola, 2021; Olatunji et al, 2021; Margaret 2021) have confirmed various physical, biochemical, pharmacological, and medicinal properties of some main parts of D. senegalense. Research conducted by Malami et al. (2020) in Nigeria identified D. senegalense as one of the medicinal plants used for cancer treatment. Moreover, Sowemimo et al. (2011) reported that the leaves are consumed as vegetables and are also employed in treating conjunctivitis. The leaf decoction is used to relieve itching and treat skin infections, as mentioned by the same authors. Additionally, the seeds are used as thickeners in specific culinary preparations. These results indicate that despite the increasing demand for D. senegalense in the sub-region, only a limited number of culinary and medicinal applications are currently made from its organs.
Regarding the dynamics of D. senegalense populations, it was noted that the observation was consistent across phytodistricts. The low abundance of D. senegalense population was mentioned by most respondents. This finding confirmed the results of Dangbo et al. (2019b), Dossa et al. (2019), and Houénon et al. (2021), who also reported low individual density of D. senegalense in their respective study areas. The excessive and systematic harvesting of fruits for almond commercialisation was considered one of the main underlying causes of this situation (Adomou et al., 2011; Dangbo et al., 2019a; Dossa et al., 2020b; Houénon et al., 2021). In Togo, the sale of almonds contributes to the income of local populations (Dangbo et al., 2019a). Additionally, there was intense cutting-down of adult individuals of the species. There is a trade of D. senegalense almonds in zone IV. The commercial name given to the seed is “bethor”. The profit generated by this commerce for the collectors was low due to the informal nature of the entire commercialisation chain, despite the desire of communities to see this trade well-organized and structured to ensure better valorisation and conservation of the species. These results were not in line with those of Diop (2008), who reported significant income derived from the ditax trade both for collectors and the state. This author stated that D. senegalense holds a prominent position in the list of important forest fruit species in the Senegalese economy.
The almonds of D. senegalense were not yet directly consumed by local communities but were subject to commercial transactions. These results corroborated those of Dangbo et al. (2019a). Regarding the actors involved in the collection of D. senegalense fruits, the present results revealed that both women and men participate in this activity. These findings were in line with Atato et al. (2010), who concluded that D. senegalense seeds were collectively harvested, with even men participating. This highlighted the importance of women in the management of forest resources. Despite their participation in the exploitation of forest resources, they are often overlooked in the forest policy development. This results in a limited consideration of their needs and strategic interests during the implementation of management plans (Bauer, 2010). However, the lack of gender consideration represents a threat for resources.
Conservation status and vulnerability of D. senegalense in Dahomey Gap
This study revealed that the existing populations of D. senegalense consist mainly of older specimens, and natural regeneration is minimal or virtually absent. The natural habitats of the species are undergoing significant decline due to deforestation and agricultural activities. These findings are consistent with previous research by Houénon et al. (2021) and Sambiéni et al. (2015), which also reported declining populations and high levels of degradation of forest ecosystems in Benin. Similarly, other studies in West Africa have shown a general trend of vegetation regression (Adjonou et al., 2010; Houéssou et al., 2012; BNTD, 2016; Bouko et al., 2016; Adingra, 2017; Silue et al., 2023). This concordance of the perception of the populations in the study area with the results of previous studies demonstrated the relevance of exploring endogenous knowledge about the spatio-temporal dynamic of natural habitats of D. senegalense. Indeed, several authors have reported that, in addition to the scientific understanding of past vegetation, it is crucial to consider the insights of local communities. These insights help identify any change in the floral landscape (Ali et al., 2023; Hahn-Hadjali and Thiombiano, 2000). Similarly, in the context of managing natural resources holistically, Busquet (2006) highlighted the critical value of considering the traditional ecological knowledge of local communities. The author also pointed out that human perceptions significantly influence the definition of conservation policies, as conservation practices often align with prevailing social values.
The vulnerability of a species is influenced by various factors, including the usage, the specific organ harvested, the frequency of use, the collection method, the abundance of the species, and the stage of development (Traoré et al., 2011; Ayéna et al., 2016; Nzuki, 2016; Ngbolua, 2020). Additionally, the species morphological type (Dassou et al., 2014), the biotope (Masengo et al., 2022), and its natural regenerative capability play significant roles. This vulnerability increases when the harvested plant organ struggles to regenerate, or its collection leads to the systematic cutting-down of the entire tree (Betti, 2001). According to Guigma et al. (2012), the survival of a species is adversely affected by every exploited organ. The vulnerability index values observed in different studied phytogeographic zones were in line with the findings of Agbo et al. (2017) and Masengo et al. (2022). These results can be attributed to the fact that for D. senegalense, significant organs are obtained from large trees, particularly in the case of fruit and almond collection, which is usually gathered from the ground rather than being plucked from the tree. As mentioned above, the main threats to species lie in the cutting of trees and the limited natural regeneration, which firmly establishes its vulnerability. In the Dahomey Gap, the exploitation, transformation, and trading of NTFPs offer opportunities to address food shortages and generate substantial financial gains during periods of scarcity, as demonstrated by studies of Mawunu et al. (2019; 2020), and Ngbolua et al. (2019b; 2021). In addition to its very low capacity for natural regeneration, the mode of exploitation and social conditions of communities of West Africa make D. senegalense highly vulnerable in the Dahomey gap. Given that D. senegalense does not yet possess a notable significant economic value like the baobab (Adansonia digitata), the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), or butter tree (Pentadesma butyracea), for instance, there is still an opportunity for future research to emphasize the improvement techniques for its regeneration and domestication. It is imperative to rely on the conviction of local populations who have lived for decades with natural resources and confronted with perpetual environmental changes because they are the first to identify solutions and strategies for better adaptation (Ali et al., 2023).
CONCLUSION
The study has revealed that D. senegalense, a well-known indigenous plant resource, facing several threats making it vulnerable in Dahomey Gap. Local knowledge about the species varies across different phyto-districts and ethnic groups. However, the diversity of knowledge was evenly distributed based on gender and age. The main use of the species was the collection, processing, and commercialisation of its almonds. Logging and agriculture posed significant threats to the natural habitat of D. senegalense, making it highly vulnerable in the studied areas. To preserve the species, the study recommended supporting natural regeneration and exploring domestication strategies. Conservation efforts should involve local communities and their traditional knowledge. Collaboration is essential in developing comprehensive conservation plans that consider the vulnerability of D. senegalense and its sustainable use.
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