Women’s Traditional Knowledge, Use Value, and the Contribution of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) to Rural Households’ Cash Income in Benin

Abstract

Women's Traditional Knowledge, Use Value, and the Contribution of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) to Rural Households' Cash Income in Benin. This study examined differences in knowledge, use values, and contribution of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) to women's cash income during the dry season, focusing on seven tribal groups in Benin. Data were gathered using semistructured individual interviews and monitoring, and were analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Principal component analysis was applied to describe the use value and use forms of tamarind according to different tribes. Tamarind was found to play an important role in local communities' livelihoods. Overall, 26 different uses were mentioned for tamarind products. Most commonly, the fruit (pulp) was used to make beverages, as a laxative and purgative, and it seems to be the only plant part sold commercially. Bark was frequently used as a medicine to treat wounds, and leaves were used to make porridge and as an antibiotic. Medicinal, cultural, and material use categories were correlated best with the Fulani, whereas commerce was most correlated with Gourma tribes (PCA analysis). There were significant differences for tamarind utilization among the tribal groups, with overall ethnobotanical use values (EUV T ) ranging from 10 to 14, and contribution to cash income ranging from 8.8% to 56.4%. In view of its domestication potential, it is crucial that traditional tribal knowledge of tamarind be preserved and integrated into management policies. Further development and research needs for utilization and conservation are improvement of commercialization, organization of market channels, and extent of genetic diversity within and among populations.Savoir endogène des femmes, valeur d'usage et contribution du tamarinier au revenu des ménages ruraux au Bénin. Cette étude a mis en évidence les différences entre groupes tribales sur les connaissances, les valeurs d'usage, et la contribution du tamarinier au revenu monétaire des femmes pendant la saison sèche au Bénin. Les données ont été collectées grâce à des entretiens individuels semi-structurés et analysées au moyen de méthodes ethnobotanique quantitatives. L'analyse en composante principale a été appliquée pour décrire la valeur d'usage et les formes d'utilisation du tamarinier en fonction des différentes tribus. Le tamarinier joue un rôle important dans les activités génératrices de revenues pour les communautés locales. Au total 26 différentes utilisations ont été mentionnées pour les produits issus du tamarinier. Généralement, la pulpe du fruit est utilisée pour faire des boissons, comme un laxatif et un purgatif et semble être la seule partie commercialisée de la plante. L'écorce est fréquemment utilisée en médecine traditionnelle pour traiter les blessures profondes alors que les feuilles sont utilisées pour la préparation de bouillis et comme un antibiotique. L'espèce a plus une valeur médicinale, culturelle et artisanale pour les Fulani 1

Quantitative ethnobotany of <i>Lophira lanceolata</i> Tiegh. ex Keay (Ochnaceae) in Benin (West Africa)

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Diversity, Knowledge, and Use of Plants in Traditional Treatment of Diabetes in the Republic of Benin

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Traditional Classification, Perception, and Preferences for Tallow Tree (Pentadesma butyracea Sabine) Organs in Benin: Implications for domestication and conservation

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