The Effect of Topographic Factors on the Productivity of Mountain Grasslands in Northwestern Benin

The Atacora mountains range in northern Benin (660 m altitude) is a special ecosystem in the sudanian zone because of the overriding importance of topographic factors and shallow soils. The vegetation over this mountain range consists of shrub and tree savannas, woodlands and fallows. More and more cattle herds graze on this range. But the functioning of this ecosystem is still unknown like many others in the tropical zone (Sene & Zingari, 2001). This study aims to determine the impact of topography and mountain side exposure on the productivity of the Atacora mountains grasslands in the Atacora mountains

ANALYSE DES CONTRAINTES DE VIABILITE DE LA VEGETATION URBAINE : CAS DES ARBRES D’ALIGNEMENT DANS LA VILLE DE PORTO-NOVO AU BENIN

Many efforts have been made in recent decades to provide urban forestry a tool of conservation plantre sources and sustainable development of cities. In southern countries, these efforts are more focused on conventional reforestation and education without much considers the factors that determine the survival of the trees.This study on the Porto-Novo city in Bénin, is a better understanding of the viability of urban trees, including those planted by analyzing the constraints of the medium. Lands atimages were used to determine state changes in vegetation cover in 2003 and 2013 An inventory of forms of mutilation on the trees is associated with a survey of populations to link the urban practices and their causes on the viability of urban trees. For data processing, normalized vegetation index is calculated in ENVI5 and mapped in ArcGIS10. Chi Square test and correspondence analysisare performed under R. The results show a decline in the normal state and moderate vegetation and an increase in stress states and mineral areas. Depending on the population, it is the anthropogenic activities (P= 0.001) and planning conditions (P= 0.01), which are currently the factors significant constraint strees. The consequences are biologically and landscape esthetically. The inclusion of such information is necessary for a better future of urban forestry in the city

Transhumance in Protected Areas in Benin

Every year, protected areas and regions in West Africa receive transhumant herds. This movement of herds from the dry zone (the Sahelian region) to more humid costal zones is a tradition for the Fulani people. In general, protected areas in West Africa are located at the border of the Sahelian zones through which most transhumants must pass. This periodic movement has an impact on natural resources and the people in the reception zones, especially around and in the protected areas. The objectives of the study were to define and describe the type of transhumant cattle breeding systems around these protected areas, to deduce impacts on population and environment of this system and to provide suggestions for better management of cattle breeding and transhumance around protected area

Uses, traditional management, perception of variation and preferences in ackee (Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig) fruit traits in Benin: implications for domestication and conservation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Blighia sapida </it>is a woody perennial multipurpose fruit tree species native to the Guinean forests of West Africa. The fleshy arils of the ripened fruits are edible. Seeds and capsules of the fruits are used for soap-making and all parts of the tree have medicinal properties. Although so far overlooked by researchers in the region, the tree is highly valued by farmers and is an important component of traditional agroforestry systems in Benin. Fresh arils, dried arils and soap are traded in local and regional markets in Benin providing substantial revenues for farmers, especially women. Recently, ackee has emerged as high-priority species for domestication in Benin but information necessary to elaborate a clear domestication strategy is still very sketchy. This study addresses farmers' indigenous knowledge on uses, management and perception of variation of the species among different ethnic groups taking into account also gender differences.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>240 randomly selected persons (50% women) belonging to five different ethnic groups, 5 women active in the processing of ackee fruits and 6 traditional healers were surveyed with semi-structured interviews. Information collected refer mainly to the motivation of the respondents to conserve ackee trees in their land, the local uses, the perception of variation, the preference in fruits traits, the management practices to improve the production and regenerate ackee.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>People have different interests on using ackee, variable knowledge on uses and management practices, and have reported nine differentiation criteria mainly related to the fruits. Ackee phenotypes with preferred fruit traits are perceived by local people to be more abundant in managed <it>in-situ </it>and cultivated stands than in unmanaged wild stands, suggesting that traditional management has initiated a domestication process. As many as 22 diseases have been reported to be healed with ackee. In general, indigenous knowledge about ackee varies among ethnic and gender groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>With the variation observed among ethnic groups and gender groups for indigenous knowledge and preference in fruits traits, a multiple breeding sampling strategy is recommended during germplasm collection and multiplication. This approach will promote sustainable use and conservation of ackee genetic resources.</p

Production Fruitière De Quatre Essences Ligneuses Dans La Forêt De Nassou En Zone Soudanienne Du Bénin

Rural populations are closely dependent on plant resources for their daily needs. Fruit productivity of these species is an indicator of their economic potential and their capacity to regenerate. This is also fundamental to define sustainable management strategies of species. The present study assessed the fruits and seeds productivity of four forest species such as Vitex doniana, Afraegle paniculata, Diospyros mespiliformis and Kigelia africana according to the diameter class of trees. The study was carried out in the Nassou forest in soudanian zone of Benin. 09 to 90 trees belonging to four diameter classes (10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-40 cm, and≥ 40 cm) were sampled for each species. The method used is the counting of fruits fallen under the tree through a periodic collection carried out every five days from the fructification to the end of the cycle and the fall of the last fruit. Seeds were then extracted from fruits. Generalized linear models of Poisson family were used to analyse data. Results revealed that the diameter class on the one hand influence significantly (Prob. ≤ 0.01) the production of fruits of K. africana and V. doniana, and on the other hand the production of seeds of A. paniculata, D. mespiliformis and V. doniana. Overall, fruits and seeds production is higher for the biggest tress (≥ 40 cm). Therefore, the diameter of the four studied species would be very useful for genetic improvement aiming the increasing of their productivity

Determination of the silvo-melliferous regions of Benin: a nationwide categorisation of the land based on melliferous plants suitable for timber production

Perennial plants are the main pollen and nectar sources for bees in the tropical areas where most of the annual flora are burned in dry seasons. Therefore perennial plants constitute the most reliable bio materials for determining and evaluating the beekeeping regions of the Republic of Benin. A silvo-melliferous region (S-MR) is a geographical area characterised by a particular set of homogenous melliferous plants that can produce timber. Using both the prevailing climatic and the agro-ecological conditions six S-MRs could be identified, i.e. the South region, the Common Central region, the Central West region, the Central North region, the Middle North region and the Extreme North region. At the country level, the melliferous plants were dominated by Vitellaria paradoxa which is common to all regions. The most diversified family was the Caesalpiniaceae (12 species) followed by the Combretaceae (10 species) and Combretum being the richest genus. The effect of dominance is particularly high in the South region where Elaeis guineensis alone represented 72.6% of the tree density and 140% of the total plant importance. The total melliferous plant density varied from 99.3 plants ha^(−1) in the Common Central region to 178.0 plants ha^(−1) in the Central West region. On the basis of nectar and pollen source, the best region for beekeeping is the CentralWest region with 46.7% of nectar producing trees, 9.4% of pollen producing trees and 40.6% of plants that issue both, this in opposition to the South region which was characterised by an unbalanced distribution of melliferous trees