The Impacts of Soil Degradation Effects on Phytodiversity and Vegetation Structure on Atacora Mountain Chain in Benin (West Africa)

Atacora mountain is a particular ecosystem of West Africa where soil degradation occurs. The present study assessed the impacts of physical soil degradation on vegetation in the Beninese portion of this mountain chain. Phytosociological surveys were carried out along line transects from plain to summit within 22 plots of 30 m x 30 m. Based on indicators of physical soil degradation each plot was classified into one soil degradation class (Light, Moderate, High or Extreme). Impacts on plant diversity were assessed by comparing the floristic composition of soil degradation classes with the index of similarity of Jaccard. Variations between soil degradation classes of species richness, species chorological types, species life forms and species dispersal were also tested using a discriminant analysis combined with ANOVA. The Multi-Response Permutation Procedures analysis was used to pairwise compare the soil degradation classes based on the cover data of the species lists. All soil degradation classes were dissimilar, depending on the floristic composition. Discriminant analysis and ANOVA performed on biodiversity indicators had shown that species richness, and the number of regional species, phanerophytes and sarcochory decreased along the increasing degradation gradient in contrast to the number of species with wide distribution, therophytes and sclerochory. With regard to vegetation structure, the results had shown that only moderately and highly degraded soils presented the similar vegetation type. Physical soil degradation induced modification of floristic composition, phytodiversity loss and modification of vegetation structure. These results showed that the soil degradation gradient corresponds to a vegetation disturbance gradient

Typologie Et Répartition Des Espaces Verts Publics Dans Le Grand Nokoué (Sud Bénin)

Urban green spaces are essential to ensure the quality of life and the fulfillment of town-dwellers. The objective of this research is to assess the richness of public green spaces in the great Nokoué cities (AbomeyCalavi, Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo and Sèmè-Podji). The itinerary method was used to find the greens spaces whose list was obtained in the town halls. For each public green space found, the geo-referencing (tracking), the determination of the area of the public places and the measurement of the length of the tracks were made. The results revealed that the great Nokoué cities have 114 public green spaces which can be classified in four types (green Spaces of Tribes 4,39 %, Green Spaces of Pathways 13,16 %, Parks and Squares 26,32 % and Public Roads Alignment Trees 58,77 %). Cotonou is the city of the great Nokoué richest in public green spaces (61,95 %) whereas Ouidah has the highest ratio of public green spaces per inhabitant (Ouidah, 0.27 m2 /hbt, Porto-Novo, 0.18 m2 /hbt , Cotonou, 0.12 m2 /hbt Abomey-Calavi 0,06 m2 /hbt and Sèmè -Podji, 0,06 m2 /hbt ). No city of the great Nokoué has reached the ratio of 10 m2 of public green space per inhabitant as recommended by OMS. It is therefore important that urban authoritys give far greater attention to public green spaces (gardens, parks, squares, etc.) in future development plans

Responses of Upland NERICA Rice to Fertiliser Application and Fallow Management in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Benin Republic

Recent findings reported that introduction of legumes as an intercrop or in rotation to minimize external inputs can reverse the declining of soil fertility in upland rice agrosystem and so improve the productive capacity of farms. The objectives of the study were to assess (1) the effects of rotation of upland rice with other crops, of fertiliser application and of rice varieties on rice yield and (2) the interaction effects of rotation, fertiliser application and variety on rice production. An experiment was carried out from 2011 to 2012 in 2 zones in Benin Republic, West Africa. Three rice rotation treatments were established where in the year preceding rice cropping the following pre-crops were grown: (1) natural fallow regrowth (2) sole cowpea crop and (3) cowpea/maize intercrop. The following year, 3 NERICA varieties were cultivated in the three pre-crop treatments with and without fertiliser application. With respect to combined effect of NP mineral fertiliser and rotation, a consistent increase in rice yield over all varieties was only observed with maize-cowpea intercrop preceding rice in the Guinean zone. Improved fallow with cowpea combined with fertiliser was beneficial for NERICA 2 and NERICA 4 in the Sudano –Guinean zone and with NERICA 1 and NERICA 4 in the Guinean zone. Rice in rotation with maize-cowpea intercrop and in combination with NP mineral fertiliser can easily fit into the current smallholder farming systems under rain-fed conditions in the Guinean zone, but is not recommendable for the Sudano- Guinean zone

Impact Des Caractéristiques De La Végétation Sur La Diversité D’usages Des Plantes Autour De Deux Grandes Forêts Classées Et D’une Réserve Botanique Au Sud-Bénin

Southern-Benin has a mosaic of ecological conditions that have contributed to the development of its vast forest heritage. The combination of a number of parameters or indices (use value, diversity index, and equitability and citation frequency) is an effective way of identifying the most important plants for preservation. The objective was to carry out the checklist of the plants used around the classified forests of Ahozon and Lama and the botanical reserve of Pobè in Southern-Benin, with information on their use, threats and relations between the targeted habitats and the listed plants on the one hand and the knowledge associated with them and the socio-professional characteristics of the populations on the other. The data (user identity, plants used, plant organs collected, uses, plant threats) were collected from 113 individuals interviewed individually during an ethnobotanical study in 20 villages distributed around the three vegetation formations. The results showed that 59 plant species are useful for the populations surrounding the formations. The most important in terms of use value are Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (VUT = 7.86), Irvingia gabonensis (VUT = 7.84), Dialium guineense (VUT = 7.69), Khaya senegalensis (VUT = 7.46), Prosopis africana (VUT = 7.06), Ceiba pentandra (VUT = 7.01), and Synsepalum dulcificum (VUT = 6.98). The indices of Diversity and Equitability of the respondents reveal that knowledge on plant species is not homogeneously distributed (ID = 0.430, IE = 0.451 <0.5) and maximum information on species is held by a part of the population. Pruning (40%) is the main source of species threats. Plantation, agrosystems, sensitizing populations on good methods of harvest could help to preserve the main plants useful for the populations of Southern Benin

Prospects of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production and commercialization in Benin

BackgroundVegetables and fruits are highly recommended in diets because of their nutritional importance. Among those, leguminous vegetables are more important, for low-income countries, because of their protein, mineral contents and potential to increase food security and income. In Benin, snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are the most consumed leguminous vegetables; however, their production is declining, driving the need to understand the current status of its industry to propose solutions for the revival of the sector. This paper assessed the production system, market value, marketing channels, seed systems, and the constraints associated with Benin’s snap bean production from a gender lens.MethodsA semi-structured interview was conducted with 602 bean producers and traders, randomly selected from 12 major vegetable-producing areas across Benin.ResultsThe study found a drastic decline in the production of snap beans, with more than 60% abandonment over the last decade. As a consequence, Benin gets supplied through importations, with the highest importation flow coming from Togo (51%), followed by Burkina Faso (25%), and Ghana (12%). Only 13% of the beans traded are locally produced. The leading causes of the decline were pests and diseases that affected the crops’ yield and quality, causing the local produce to be less valued than the imported ones. Women are heavily involved in marketing but cannot expand their business due to low production and high importation.DiscussionThe study recommends that integrated pest management (IPM) and new varieties with tolerance to major pests and diseases be developed to address market demand and producers trained in agronomic practices

Folk perceptions and patterns of use of orchid species in Benin, West Africa

In Benin haben die Menschen ein reiches ethnobotanisches Wissen über, das die kulturelle und ökologische Vielfalt ihrer Umwelt widerspiegelt. Mehrere Studien befassten sich mit der Frage, wie wertvoll Pflanzenarten für lo abunkale Gemeinschaften sind. Trotz der Bedeutung der Orchideen für den Lebensunterhalt der lokalen Bevölkerung gab es aber nur wenig Forschungsinteresse an den Orchideenarten. Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte die Unterschiede im Gebrauch und im Wissen der lokalen Leute von Orchideen in der sudanischen Zone von Benin. Die Studie wurde unter den vier wichtigsten sozioökonomischen und ethnischen Gruppen aus sechs Dörfern rund um das Biosphärenreservat Pendjari in Benin durchgeführt. Einhundertsechzig Personen nahmen an dieser Studie teil. Die Daten wurden mit Hilfe von semi-strukturierten Einzelinterviews erhoben und mittels quantitativer ethnobotanischer Methoden analysiert. 29 verschiedene Anwendungsarten wurden erfasst und können in vier Hauptnutzungskategorien unterteilt werden: Arzneimittel, Veterinärmedizin, Spirituelles und Lebensmittel. Es gab Unterschiede in der Verwendung von Orchideen unter den ethnischen Gruppen, Geschlecht und Alter. Das Wissen über die Verwendung von Orchideen wurde maßgeblich von der ethnischen Gruppe und dem Alter der Befragten beeinflusst. Anders als junge gebildete Generationen hatten die meisten Erwachsenen und Ältesten, insbesondere Frauen, ein umfassenderes Wissen über die Verwendung von Orchideen. Calyptrochilum christianum, die am häufigsten verwendete Orchidee, wurde in mehr als 50% der Orchideenarten erwähnt. Der Stamm der Gourmantché und Waama hatte mehr Wissen über die Verwendung von Orchideen, während der Berba Stamm weniger Wissen besaß. Drei Orchideenarten (Habenaria cirrhata, Eulophia horsfallii und Nervilia bicarinata) wurden als Nahrung gemeldet. Orchideen hatten einen niedrigen Nutzwert im Bereich von 0,01 (Eulophia spp) bis 0,2 (C. christianum). Der kontrollierte Zugang zum Biosphärenreservat und die Landflucht können den Mangel an Weitergabe des Wissens der Älteren über die Orchideennutzung und deren Wert des Wissens an die jüngere Generation erklären.In Benin, people have a rich ethnobotanical knowledge of plant species, reflecting the cultural and ecological diversity of their environment. Several studies were focused on the question of how valuable are plant species for local communities. However, there has been very little research interest in the orchid species in spite of the importance of orchids in the livelihood of the local people. This study examined the use and differences in knowledge of local people of orchids in the Sudanian zone of Benin. An ethnobotanical study was conducted amongst the four main socio-economic and ethnic groups from six villages around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin. One hundred and sixty people participated in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured individual interviews and analysed using quantitative ethnobotanical methods. 29 different types of use were recorded and can be grouped into four main use categories: medicinal, veterinary, spiritual and food. There were differences in orchid utilization among the ethnic groups, gender and age. The knowledge of orchid uses was significantly affected by the ethnic group and the age of the respondent. Unlike young educated generations, most adults and elders, especially women, had a more comprehensive knowledge of orchid uses. Calyptrochilum christianum, the most used orchid, was mentioned in more than 50% of the types of orchid use. The Gourmantché and Waama tribe had more knowledge on orchid use whereas the Berba tribe had less knowledge. Three orchid species (Habenaria cirrhata, Eulophia horsfallii and Nervilia bicarinata) were reported as food. Orchids had low use value ranging from 0.01 (Eulophia spp) to 0.2 (C. christianum). The controlled access to the biosphere reserve and rural exodus can explain the lack of indigenous knowledge transfer of orchid use and value from elders to the young generation.Au Bénin, les connaissances ethnobotaniques sont riches et variées, reflétant la diversité culturelle et écologique en place. De nombreuses études ont porté sur la question de l’utilité des plantes pour les communautés locales. Cependant, peu de travaux ce sont intéressés aux orchidées, malgré leur importance pour le bien-être des populations locales. Cette étude a examiné l'importance et la variation des connaissances locales sur l’usage des orchidées dans la zone soudanienne au Bénin. Une étude ethnobotanique a été conduite dans les quatre principaux groupes socioéconomiques et ethniques représentés par six villages autour de la Réserve de Biosphère de la Pendjari. Cent soixante personnes ont été enquêtées. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide d'entrevues individuelles semi-structurées et analysées suivant les méthodes ethnobotaniques quantitatives. Au total, 29 différents types d'usages ont été enregistrées et peuvent être regroupées en quatre catégories: médecine, vétérinaire, spirituel et alimentaire. Il y a une variation des usages faits des orchidées aussi bien suivant les groupes ethniques, le genre que de l'âge. Le niveau de connaissance des usages faits des orchidées est significativement influencé par le groupe ethnique et l'âge du répondant. Contrairement aux jeunes générations scolarisées, la plupart des adultes et personnes âgées, en particulier les femmes, ont une plus grande connaissance des usages possible des orchidées. Calyptrochilum christianum, l'orchidée la plus utilisée, a été mentionnée dans plus de 50% des types d’usages. Les Gourmantché et les Waama ont plus de connaissances sur l'utilisation des orchidées tandis que les Berba en ont moins. Trois espèces d’orchidées (Habenaria cirrhata, Eulophia horsfallii et Nervilia bicarinata) ont été rapportées comme utilisées dans l’alimentation. Les orchidées en générale ont une faible valeur d'usage, valeurs allant de 0,01 (Eulophia spp) à 0,2 (C. christianum). L'accès contrôlé à la réserve de biosphère et l’exode rural pourraient expliquer la rupture apparente du transfert des savoirs sur les usages et valeur des orchidées des anciens aux jeunes générations

Phytosociologie, écologie, valeur pastorale, production et capacité de charge des pâturages naturels du périmètre Nikki-Kalalé au Nord-Bénin

Doctorat en Sciencesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe

Analyse phytogéographique de la région des Monts Kouffé au Bénin

The Mounts Kouffé region is located in the central part of Benin between 1°40′ and 2°30′ N, and 8°25′ and 9°15′ E. This study dealt with the plant communities of the protected area of Wari Maro and Mounts Kouffé. The vegetation is composed of savannah, woodland and patches of dry forests. The aim of this study is to determine the phytogeographical position of the Mounts Kouffé region within Benin and western Africa. Between 1996 and 1998, floristical surveys were carried out. Some 159 phytosociological relevés were done. They resulted in 954 herbarium specimens corresponding to 584 species. Species of the Sudanian base element represent 16.1% of the total flora spectrum of Mounts Kouffé region. Species of two of the three endemic genera to sudanian regional centre of endemism (RCE) were collected, i.e. Vitellaria paradoxa and Pseudocedrela kotschyi. The species present in both Sudanian and Zambesian RCE made up 13.5% of the phytogeographical spectrum and those of the Guineo-Congolian element accounted for 11.3% of the spectrum. They mostly belonged to gallery forests and dry forests because of the position of this region which is located in the most southern part of the Sudanian RCE close to the regional transition zone of Guinea-Congolia/Sudania. The other species widespread in several RCE's within continental african phytochoria represented 33% of the spectrum. Species of wide distribution represented 25.2% of the spectrum. This vegetation is entirely located into the Sudanian RCE as defined by White, with an important contribution of Guineo-Congolian species.SCOPUS: cp.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Impact des feux de brousse sur la dynamique des communautés végé tales dans la forêt de Bassila (Bénin)

The impact of bush fire on the dynamic of vegetation in Bassila forest was studied. The results show reforestation in the plot protected from bush fire and decrease of forest species in the plot affected by late fire. In the plot affected by early fire, most species present at the beginning of the study had a normal development. Late fire allowed apparition of new species of therophyte (36%) and decrease of phanerophyte species. Phanerophytes have the same values (45%) in the plots protected from bush fire and those affected by early fire.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Effect of defoliation on silica accumulation in five tropical fodder grass species in Benin

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe