Farmers’ Perception of the Conservation of Afzelia africana around the Benoue National Park and Adaptation to the Drought in Controlled Condition of Afzelia africana Plants

Aims: Afzelia africana is one of the most popular woody forage resources used by pastoralists in northern Cameroon in the dry season. In order to contribute to the sustainable management of this species in the Benoue National Park (BNP) and its surroundings, a study was conducted on the perception and conservation of this species, the knowledge of fodder ligneous by the riparian population of the BNP and adaptation to the drought of its seedlings.

Methodology: A survey was carried out in four surrounding villages of the BNP with 100 people per villages (Banda, Gamba, Sackdje and Guidjiba) making a total of 400 respondents. A hundred seedlings were monitored during two dry seasons and the mortality rate was calculated at the end of each dry season.

Results: This study determined the impact of drought on the survival of this species. The percentages of male respondents according to age group were 30%, 23%, 15%, 6% and 5% respectively for respondents whose age range was between 20-30 years, 10 and 20 years, 30- 40 years, 40 to 50 years and over 50 years. For the female sex these percentages are 10%, 5%,5% and 1% for the respective age groups of 10- 20 years, 20-30 years, 30-40 years and 40 to 50 years. On knowledge of A. africana, men have better knowledge with 80%; 74%; 70% and 64% respectively for Banda, Guidjiba, Gamba and Sackdje. On its conservation, 44% of the sample responded favorably. Sixteen forage trees belonging to 10 families were reported by the respondents, the Caesalpiniaceae family and the Mimosaceae family, were the most represented (nearly 18.75%). The average drought mortality rate was 20% after two droughts.

Conclusion: Such a study is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of restoration and sustainable management strategies for Afzelia africana in the Bénoué National Park (North Cameroon).