Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex Benth. harvesting as a tool for conservation and source of income for local people in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

We analyze the contribution of Parkia biglobosa fruit harvesting as source of income for local communities around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin and the role that this exploitation plays in improving the conservation status of this species. We interviewed 124 farmers in five villages and conducted field surveys on 80 plots of 50 m * 50 m. Results show that P. biglobosa contributes to 53% to family net income during its fructification period. Poorer, intermediate as well as wealthier households rely equally on the species. It appears that land unavailability is an important factor which determines household link with species. Very little evidence could be found indicating that harvesting is damaging the resource. Therefore, for reproducible resources such as P. biglobosa, it would be possible to reconcile conservation and poverty reduction objectives.