open access

Submitted: 2024-11-05
Natural Resources and Forestry
Published: 2024-11-04

Ethnic knowledge in food, medicinal and economic value of Cochlospermum spp. root powder in Sudanian zone of Benin

Laboratoire de Sciences et Technologie des Aliments et Bioressources et de Nutrition Humaine, École des Sciences et Techniques de Conservation et de Transformation des Produits Agricoles, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, Bénin
Laboratoire de Sciences et Technologie des Aliments et Bioressources et de Nutrition Humaine, École des Sciences et Techniques de Conservation et de Transformation des Produits Agricoles, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, Bénin
Laboratoire de Sciences des Aliments, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d’Estimations Forestières, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
Laboratoire de Sciences et Technologie des Aliments et Bioressources et de Nutrition Humaine, École des Sciences et Techniques de Conservation et de Transformation des Produits Agricoles, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, Bénin
Laboratoire d’Écologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Bénin

Abstract

Cochlospermum spp. is a multipurpose species used widely in West Africa by local communities. The present study focused on ethnic knowledge in food, medicinal and economic value of Cochlospermum spp. root powder in Sudanian zone of Benin. From nine (9) ethnic groups, 86 key informants and 90 processors of Cochlospermum spp. root were interviewed in the study area using semi-structured questionnaires. Additionally, 36 focus group discussions were conducted each gathering 8-10 women of reproductive age selected on a voluntary basis. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to investigate the effect of socio-demographic characteristics of the survey population on food and medicinal use value of Cochlospermum spp. root powder. Kruskal Wallis test was carried out to highlight differences between phytodistricts and ethnic groups with regards to the brut monthly income of processors. From all respondents in the study area, thirteen (13) food uses and fourteen (14) medicinal uses were identified for Cochlospermum spp. root powder. Ethnic differences are only observed for food uses. Respondents from Peulh and Waama ethnic groups have the highest food use value, which were on average 6.02 and 5.96 uses respectively, while respondents from Gourmantché ethnic group have the lowest food use value (1.01 uses). Monthly income generated while processing Cochlospermum spp. root was highest for Bariba (40,675 FCFA) and lowest for Boo (16,891 FCFA). Local people livelihoods can be improved if the species is better managed and valorized. Nevertheless, studies are needed to facilitate the domestication of the species. 

Keywords: Use value, ethnic groups, health, food security, income-generating activity