Conservation of food tree species in Nigertowards a participatory approach in rural communities

  1. Agúndez Leal, Dolores
  2. Douma, Soumana
  3. Madrigal, javier
  4. Gómez-Ramos, Almudena
  5. Vicenti, Barbara
  6. Alía, Ricardo
  7. Mahamane, Ali
Journal:
Forest systems

ISSN: 2171-5068

Year of publication: 2016

Volume: 25

Issue: 3

Type: Article

DOI: 10.5424/FS/2016253-09558 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openDialnet editor

More publications in: Forest systems

Sustainable development goals

Abstract

Aim of study: Indigenous woody species play an important role as a complement on the diet of rural populations in Niger, especially in periods of food scarcity. However, these species are nowadays overexploited and management programmes are necessary to conserve them. In order to design a conservation programme for edible woody species, this paper presents a sociological analysis about the use of edible woody species and their products during shortage periods in Niger.Area of study: Four villages in two distinct agro-ecological regions were selected to conduct structured enquiries based on focus group discussions and surveys with key informants.Material and Methods: Perceptions of the conservation status of these species were identified; as well the factors affecting food values, perceptions, management and collection practices.Main results: Results show that B. senegalensis was a staple food in the driest areas, and M. crassifolia was used for fodder and human consumption in the most critical situations. The local communities related the drivers of species conservation status specific to the agro-ecological regions, and gender and ethnic differences were also identified.Research highlights: Understanding these factors constitutes a first step towards adaptive management strategies for the conservation of woody food species in rural communities of Niger.Keywords: Africa; biodiversity; cultural preferences; food; NTFPs.

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Funding information

Funding: This research was financed by i) the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Scientific Research and Technology, (INIA, Spain), through collaboration between Bioversity International, the Forest Research Centre (CIFOR) of INIA, and our partners from African countries operating under the umbrella of SAFORGEN, ii) the EuropeAid/132023/D/ACT/ACPTPS ACP-EU Co-operation Programme in Higher Education (EDULINK II) ?Strengthening Agroforestry Programmes in Higher Education for Food Security in sub-Saharan Africa? ? SAPHE, Contract Number: FED/2013/320-291, and iii) the Spanish Cooperation Agency for Development (AECID, Spain), through the project ?Access, conservation, management and valuation of food woody species in Niger? (2014/ACDE/003520).

Funders

Bibliographic References

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