Ethnic and generational differences in traditional knowledge and cultural importance of Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause in Benin's Sudanian savannah

Abstract

Understanding the socio-cultural importance of indigenous fruit trees (IFT) and its determining factors is a prerequisite for developing their value and making management decisions. This study documented traditional knowledge (TK) and the cultural importance (CI) of Lannea microcarpa, a neglected and underused indigenous fruit tree found in Benin's Sudanian region. The study further tested whether TK and CI varied according to ethnic groups and generations. We collected data on the uses and importance of the species from 262 informants who were randomly selected within its zone of occurrence, using free lists and scoring, respectively. Twenty-eight specific usages divided in eigth categories of uses were reported, of which 21 were medicinal, 2 were commercial, and 1 each was for human food, fodder, firewood, construction, packaging and toothpicks. Contrary to the other use categories, traditional knowledge on food uses did not vary either between generations or among ethnic groups. In addition, food use was culturally the most important, followed by medicinal uses. Overall, the fruit was the most preferred and most frequently commercialised part of the plant. Medical conditions treated with L. microcarpa include anaemia, diarrhoea, coughs, ulcers, stomach aches and blood evacuation after childbirth. Our findings suggest that domestication of L. microcarpa should prioritise the fruit, which is the most valued part of the plant. Further studies should therefore focus on the domestication potential of L. microcarpa for its fruit traits and on how to improve fruit production.