Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 70: 5580 - 5590 Published October 31, 2013.
Socio-economical
aspects of the exploitation of Termitomyces fruit bodies in central and
southern Côte d’Ivoire: Raising awareness for their sustainable use
N’Golo Abdoulaye Koné (1)*, Kolo Yéo (1), Souleymane Konaté (1) and Karl Eduard Linsenmair (2) (1) UFR-Sciences de la Nature, Station d’Écologie de LAMTO, Université Nangui Abrogoua (Côte d’Ivoire). BP 28 N’Douci; (ngolo197804@yahoo.fr, koloyeo@yahoo.fr and skonate2@yahoo.fr)
(2) Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften der Universität Würzburg (Biozentrum), Lehrstuhl Tierökologie und Tropenbiologie (Zoologie III), Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany (ke_lins@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de)
*Corresponding author : N’Golo Abdoulaye Koné, Station d’Écologie de LAMTO, BP 28 N’Douci, Côte d’Ivoire. Phone: +225 07620384, Email ngolo197804@yahoo.fr
Original submitted in on 30th August 2013 Published online at www.m.elewa.org on 31st October 2013.
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Picking fungal fruit bodies is a popular spare time occupation, as well
as a source of income in many countries. In central and southern Côte
d’Ivoire, fruit bodies of the genus Termitomyces are intensively
harvested and sold by the local inhabitants. However, information on
the dimensions of this trade and on other socio-economic aspects of the
exploitation of these edible mushrooms is lacking. This study aims at
(a) investigating the local populations’ knowledge about Termitomyces
fruit bodies, (b) examining their utilization by identifying the actors
involved of their exploitation and (c) determining the factors,
explaining income differences among actors of this exploitation and
fructification areas. Methodology: Some 240 persons from 12 villages
belonging to two sub-ethnic groups (Baoulé and Abbey) were interviewed
as to their attitude towards Termitomyces, using a structured survey
questionnaire. Thus, we obtained information on Termitomyces fruit
bodies’ availability, on indigenous knowledge and especially on the
modes of utilization as well as on seasonal aspects of their trade.
Conclusions: Interviewees had a solid knowledge of edible mushrooms in general and Termitomyces in particular. Four species were recorded in the study area (Termitomyces medius, T. letestui, T. cf. eurhizus and T. fuliginosus). The latter three species were considered as edible. These mushrooms are a key source of cash income, especially for women (traders) and the farmers (harvesters). However, only one species, Termitomyces letestui, is sold through a well-established trade route. Seasonal earnings within this trade route differed among actors, visited villages and phytogeographic zones. These fungi representing a typical Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are menaced by unsustainable depletion. Overharvesting is jeopardizing their persistence as well as that of their dependant termite species. Raising an awareness that prevents their incurring the “tragedy of the commons” by developing a sustainable form of harvest is an essential prerequisite for their long-term preservation.
Key words: Termitomyces; fruit bodies; Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs); seasonal income; Sustainable use.
Conclusions: Interviewees had a solid knowledge of edible mushrooms in general and Termitomyces in particular. Four species were recorded in the study area (Termitomyces medius, T. letestui, T. cf. eurhizus and T. fuliginosus). The latter three species were considered as edible. These mushrooms are a key source of cash income, especially for women (traders) and the farmers (harvesters). However, only one species, Termitomyces letestui, is sold through a well-established trade route. Seasonal earnings within this trade route differed among actors, visited villages and phytogeographic zones. These fungi representing a typical Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are menaced by unsustainable depletion. Overharvesting is jeopardizing their persistence as well as that of their dependant termite species. Raising an awareness that prevents their incurring the “tragedy of the commons” by developing a sustainable form of harvest is an essential prerequisite for their long-term preservation.
Key words: Termitomyces; fruit bodies; Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs); seasonal income; Sustainable use.
FULL PAPER [PDF AVAILABLE HERE]
