Jean Lagarde Betti and Pascal Bilong Fils
University of Douala, Cameroon
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Plant Biochem Physiol
Gnetum africanum Welw. is a plant species of Central and Western Africa with high nutritional, medicinal and economic value. In Cameroon, its leaves are recognized by the forestry administration as a special product. It is one of the most commercialized non-wood forest products. Strong demand combined with destructive harvesting techniques has resulted in rarity in its distribution area. The objective of this work is to evaluate the temporal stock in order to assess the economic value of the agro forest system of Gnetum africanum in Massoum boum village, located at some 30 km of Douala town, the economic capital of Cameroon. An ethno botanical survey was carried out both with the Gnetum africanum harvester of the agro forest system in two markets in the city of Douala. An inventory of Gnetum africanum stems was carried out at an overall sampling rate of 9.52%. A total of 7429 stems of Gnetum africanum was inventoried, for an average density of 6190 stems/ha. The height and the diameter structure were described. A temporal potential consisting of 77994 stems, 1,50,62,985 leaves and 558.9 boots of Gnetum africanum was estimated for a temporal economic value of XAF 447120 for the whole agro forest system.
E-mail: lagardebetti@yahoo.fr
