Diversity of Ethnobotanical Uses and Availability of Raphia hookeri and Elaeis guineensis in the Urban Municipality of N'Zérékoré in Guinea

Abstract

The Aim: assessing the ethnobotanical uses and availability of two species from the Arecaceae family (Raphia hookeri and Elaeis guineensis). Study Design: this study is a diagnostic study on the use of agricultural resources. Place and Duration of Study: this study was conducted in the urban municipality of N'Zérékoré in the Republic of Guinea between January and March 2026 Methodology: data were collected from 55 users through semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation. The surveys focused on the different categories of use of the species as well as local perceptions of their availability. Results: the Results reveal that Raphia hookeri is primarily used for food (42%), particularly in the production of raffia wine, followed by artisanal (20%), traditional (18%), agricultural (13%), and construction (7%) uses. As for Elaeis guineensis, food uses remain dominant (56%), followed by industrial (29%), traditional (9%), and energy (6%) uses. The availability assessment shows that the population primarily associates these two species with their food uses. Thus, 67% of respondents consider Raphia hookeri available mainly for food, while 75% attribute this availability to Elaeis guineensis. Other uses mentioned include crafts, industry, traditional medicine, and certain ecosystem services. Conclusion: These results highlight the socio-economic, cultural, and nutritional importance of these plant resources for local communities and underscore the need to adopt sustainable management measures to ensure their long-term conservation and availability.