Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Importance of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Zygophyllaceae) in the Ouadi-Rimé Ouadi-achim Wildlife Reserve and Its Surroundings in North-Central Chad
OUMAR Dany *
Université de N’Djamena, Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d’Écologie Végétale, N’Djamena, Chad.
BALAMON MANDEBA Reine
Université de N’Djamena, Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d’Écologie Végétale, N’Djamena, Chad.
NGARYO Fidèle TONALTA
Université de N’Djamena, Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d’Écologie Végétale, N’Djamena, Chad.
DJEKOTA Christophe Ngarmari
Institut National Supérieur des Sciences Agronomiques et de Technologie Agroalimentaires de Laï, Chad.
NGUINAMBAYE Mberdoum Memti
Université de N’Djamena, Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d’Écologie Végétale, N’Djamena, Chad.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Chad, Balanites aegyptiaca is a highly useful species that is conserved by farmers in agroforestry parks, but its long-term survival is under threat. The aim of this study is to understand endogenous knowledge about B. aegyptiaca. Surveys were conducted among local populations. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out from July to August 2024 among 220 people of two sexes living in the Ouadi-Rimé Ouadi-Achim Wildlife Reserve. The results of these ethnobotanical surveys reveal several methods of exploitation and a good knowledge of the species among the local population. The plant is used in a number of areas, including health and food. The park reserve located in the Sahelian sector is the priority site in terms of repopulating B. aegyptiaca. The soap plant must be the subject of assisted regeneration and protection against over-exploitation throughout its distribution area in Chad.
Keywords: Ethnobotanical knowledge, Balanites aegyptiaca, exploitation, soap plant