Raphia Palm Grove Diversity and Wetland Conservation Challenges: Evidence from Fotouni in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Parfait Nkontcheu Kamta
Department of Forestry, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Arsène Delors Gankam Foyet
Department of Environmental Sciences, ENSPM, University of Maroua, Cameroon.
Daniel Brice Nkontcheu Kenko *
Zoology Laboratory, University of Buea, Cameroon and Biology and Applied Ecology Research Unit, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Assessing the conservation status of Raphia and the interaction between local populations and Raphia palm groves in Fotouni
Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the West Region of Cameroon (Fotouni)
Methodology: A total of 60 Raphia palm grove owners were involved in the interview using questionnaires; mapping and direct observations were additional tools.
Results: According to the perception of 93% of the surveyed respondents, the quantity of Raphia in the area has decreased over the past 15 years, due mainly to agriculture (N=48; 80.00%) and non-regeneration (N=18; 30.00%). Farming was the main activity in the area. Raphia in the area is mainly used for building, craft, food source, medicine and agriculture. Respondents confirmed the presence of a diversified mesofauna in Raphia palm groves, dominated by rodents. Mapping gave evidence of a close relationship between Raphia palm groves and water points. In addition, Raphia provides firewood and wine. Good maintenance (N=55; 91.67%) and regeneration (N=45; 75.00%) are the main strategies implemented by the respondents to preserve their Raphia palm groves. For a long-term preservation, respondents proposed: sensitization (N=14; 23.33%), re-planting (N=20; 33.33%), pasting of warning and use of fetishes (N=16; 26.67%).
Conclusion: The current state of Raphia palm groves in Fotouni is not favourable to wetland conservation. The Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development should provide a national inventory of Raphia coverage while the local population should adopt healthy behaviours towards the exploitation of Raphia.
Keywords: Interviews, mapping, western highlands