Use Values, Specific Composition and Structural Variability of Nere [Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don] Forests in the Sudanian Zone of Chad

Abstract

This study consisted of determining the uses and distribution of the woody flora in the néré parks of the Middle Chari Province and characterizing it. Surveys were conducted among the local population on the use and management of Parkia biglobosa. Floristic inventories were carried out using rectangular plots of 2,500 m². To this end, 96 phytosociological surveys were conducted. The ethnobotanical data were subjected to content analysis using SPSS 25.0 software. The 3-parameter Weibull distribution was performed using Minitab 17 software. The results showed that the seeds (100%) and fruit pulp (98,7%) are widely consumed in various forms by the population. The leaves, bark, and roots are used to treat diseases (dental caries and pinworm infection). Fermented seeds are used as an additive in sauces. The yellowish pulp of the fruit is considered a staple food by the local population. In addition, the floristic inventory of P. Biglobosa identified 95 species divided into 65 genera and 29 families. The diameter distribution structure of néré trees varies across different production systems. Nevertheless, there is a high density of stems in the diameter classes [10-15] and [100-105] for the Dannamadji field, with 9 and 5 trees per hectare, respectively. Indeed, P. biglobosa is a food tree with multiple uses, including food, medicinal, economic, and cultural, and therefore requires industrial development.