Ecosystem services provided by Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel in Benin: Local perception and associated factors
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: • R. heudelotii is a cultural keystone species, better known for its cultural services • Its wood is used to make Guèlèdè masks and drums used during ceremonies • Culinary uses of R. heudelotii are little known in Benin • Leaves and bark of R. heudelotii are traditionally used to treat various ailments • Its population is at risk of extinction if current wood harvesting trends continue. Ricinodendron heudelotii is a multipurpose wild oil tree native to Africa, including Benin, where it is less abundant compared to common NTFPs-providing species. Understanding socio-demographic and geographic factors associated with local perceptions of the ecosystem services (ES) it provides can offer valuable insights to better guide its valorisation and conservation. In this study, face-to-face interviews were conducted across the two biogeographical zones (Soudano-Guinean and Guineo-Congolian) where it is found in Benin to investigate local knowledge of its ecosystem services and associated factors. The diversity and perceived importance of ecosystem services were analysed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. Results showed that provisioning services were mostly reported (58.50 %) in the Soudano-Guinean zone while cultural services (40.90 %) were mostly mentioned in the Guineo-Congolian population. In the Guineo-Congolian zone, the stem of its adult individuals is mainly used to make the "Guèlèdè mask" and the tam-tam (a kind of drum), which are used during local ceremonies. In both zones, the leaves and bark of the tree are widely used for medicinal purposes, primarily malaria, fever, and childbirth facilitation. Human food uses were only mentioned in the Sudano-Guinean zone where leaves are used as ingredient in Ocra sauce. Gender and residential status were associated to the knowledge of provisioning services , while age was the only factor associated with the knowledge of cultural services. These results show that the species is better known and valued by adults, particularly in the Guineo–congolian zone. Raising local awareness of the species’ ecological and economic importance aims to promote the sustainable use of its resources, foster its integration into agroforestry systems and reduce pressure on natural populations, thereby supporting its long-term conservation and sustainability.
Source: Environmental Challenges
Institution: Université d'Abomey-Calavi
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,140
OpenAlex ID: W4416844700