Traditional uses of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) and potential for its valorisation as fuelwood

Abstract

Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. is a common multipurpose small tree species of Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean savannahs with high potential for use as fuelwood but little valued in forestry programs. The present study aimed at assessing the current local uses of D. microcarpum, factors determining its use as fuelwood and determine the geographical areas with the socio-cultural groups which is most suitable for its integration into fuelwood programs. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 1074 people selected randomly. Factors determining D. microcarpum use as fuelwood were identified through a binary logistic regression. Factorial Correspondence Analysis established the relationship between socio-cultural groups and the use of D. microcarpum parts or organs. A total of 62.47% of respondents know and use at least part of D. microcarpum. The trunk and branches are the most used organs (35.12%), primarily as fuelwood. The determinants of D. microcarpum use as fuelwood are the phytogeographic district (a proxy for the resource availability), gender, sociolinguistic group, and educational level. D. microcarpum is more used as fuelwood by women. The use of D. microcarpum as fuelwood is more pronounced in about 63% of the national territory. This study confirms the potential of D microcarpum as fuelwood to be promote.