Tropicultura (Jan 2014)
Importance de Coula edulis Baill. pour les populations du Sud-Est du Gabon: niveaux de prélèvement et potentiel économique de l'espèce
Abstract
Importance of Coula edulis Baill. for the People of South-East Gabon: Harvest Levels and Economic Potential. Coula edulis is a non-timber forest tree species that provides edible fruits for local people. However, its economical importance has never been quantified. The present study aimed to identify the fate of stocks of harvested C. edulis fruits in Gabonese villages, emphasizing the social impact and economic income generated by this activity. Our investigations revealed that C. edulis fruits are predominantly utilized for own subsistence, since trading proportion concerned less than 20% of collected fruits. The average income from trade during the harvest period (two months) varied from € 1.7 to € 3.3 per household, depending on the proximity of the market (local or urban). The economical potential of C. edulis fruits could be improved if a sustainable production strategy through domestication processes and agroforestry practices was developed. Such a strategy may also contribute to the increase of the local demand of C. edulis fruits, assuming that a better diffusion was also carried out.
