Abstract
Dacryodes edulis is one of the most preferred tree species by farmers in the humid lowlands of Cameroon. The fruit of the species figures prominently in cross-boundary trade between Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon. Although there exist empirical data on the volume of trade of the fruit at this level, no data are available at the farm level. A field survey was undertaken to identify uses, management, and farmers’ improvement objectives and to quantify, at the farm-level, the economic potential of the species. The results of the survey indicate thatD. edulis is widely planted and found mainly in tree crop fields and in home gardens. The fruit is highly consumed and traded. The farm-level value of fruit production reaches $US161 a year per grower or collector. The dead branches of the species are used as firewood and its bark is used as medicine. Desired improvement objectives include increased fruit size, good tasting fruit, high yield and reduced time to bearing.
Resumen
Les fruits font l’ objet d’un commerce inter-frontalier entre le Cameroun, le Gabon et le Nigeria. Bien que les données sur ce commerce soient disponibles, il manque de données à l’echelle de l’exploitation paysanne. Une enquête a été menée pour identifier l’utilisation de produits de l’espèce, son mode de gestion et les caractéristiques que les paysans aimeraient voir améliorer. L’autre objectif de l’enquête consistait á quantifier, au niveau des paysans, le potentiel économique de l’espèce. Les résultats de l’enquête montrent que les plants issus de semis constituent le mode de propagation le plus utilisé pour la reproduction duD. edulis et que l’espéce se trouve principalement dans les cacaoyers, cafeiers et jardins de case. Les fruits sont largement consommés et vendus. La valeur annuelle de la production de fruit atteint $US161 par producteur ou collecteur. Les branches mortes sont utilisées comme bois de chauffe et l’ecorce est utilisée en pharmacopée traditionelle. Parmis les axes de recherche sur l’amélioration de l’espèce souhaités par les paysans on note l’augmentation de la taille du fruit, l’amélioration du goût, l’augmentation de la production annuelle et la réduction du temps à la fructification.
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Ayuk, E.T., Duguma, B., Franzel, S. et al. Uses, management, and economic potential ofDacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) in the Humid Lowlands of Cameroon. Econ Bot 53, 292–301 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866641
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866641