Impact of Honey-producing and Resin-bearing Flora on the Forest Landscape Restoration Potential of the Tchamba Prefecture in Togo

Abstract

Background: The fight against deforestation or the degradation of natural ecosystems must take into account the reforestation of plants with honey-producing and resinous potential. These plants are crucial for human needs and the survival of the honeybee, an essential agent of pollination and plant regeneration. Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the representativeness and importance of beekeeping plants in the restoration of the forest landscape in the Tchamba prefecture of Togo. Methodology: To achieve this objective, surveys based on a pre-established questionnaire, documentary research, and direct observations were conducted in four (4) cantons of the Tchamba prefecture:            Affem-Boussou, Alibi 1, Goubi, and Bago. These surveys were made possible thanks to the support of the prefectural directorate of the environment and farmers' organizations involved in beekeeping and plant resin production. Results: A total of 96 beekeeping plants, belonging to 88 genera and 33 families, were identified. The most frequently foraged plant species by bees are: Anacardium occidentale, Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Adansonia digitata, Grewia flavenscens, Bombax costatum, Vitex doniana, Pterocarpus erinenceus, Tridax procumbens, Spemacoce stachydea, and Jatropha gossypifolia. The most represented plant families are Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae. The identified resinous plants are Daniellia oliveri and Securidaca longepedunculata. The biological spectrum reveals the dominance of microphanerophytes (mp), and the chronological analysis shows the dominance of Guinean-Congolese/Sudanian-Zambezian (GC-SZ) species in the bee flora. As for the conservation status study of these plants, it reveals that Afzelia africana, Cola gigantea, and Khaya senegalensis are vulnerable (VU), and Pterocarpus erinaceus is endangered (EN). Conclusion: The honey-producing flora is rich in a diversity of plant species that must be identified and protected to contribute to the restoration of the degraded forest landscape.