Ecological Characterization of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Agroforestry Parklands in the Cacheu Region (Guinea Bissau).

Abstract

Elaeis guineensis Jacq is a species of palm commonly called oil palm. It is a source of many products and services. It is used in agroforestry systems. The Elaeis guineensis Jacq parklands or palm groves occupy an important place in the livelihoods of the local population of Guinea Bissau especially in the region of Cacheu where important natural formations were found. However, despite the socio-economic importance of these parklands, their dynamics in the region have been poorly studied. It is in this context that the present study was initiated with the objective of evaluating the current state of the Elaeis guineensis parklands in the region through an ecological characterization. To this end, 90 vegetation surveys of 2500 m2 were carried out in six villages in three sectors of the region, for a total area of 22.5 ha. These surveys revealed a high floristic diversity in the Elaeis guineensis parks in the region. Thus, 75 species divided into 63 genera belonging to 25 families were registered. The parklands are also characterized by a high density of Elaeis guineensis with 775 individuals / ha and 90% of which consist of young plants that often do not reach adulthood. In addition to the difficulties associated with poor recruitment of regeneration, populations of Elaeis guineensis are under heavy human pressure in the area. The mortality rate and the anthropization index, which are respectively 15.97% and 23.35%. These combined factors reveal a certain fragility of the Elaeis guineensis parklands in the Cacheu region. Hence the need to make the inventory that is a prerequisite for any strategy of recovery and sustainable exploitation of the species in order to sustain these production systems.