Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Irvingia wombolu Vermoesen is a local fruit tree with a wide distribution across west and central Africa. It is also a multipurpose tree that provides non-timber forest products. In particular fruits, kernels can be transformed into powder for cooking, pharmaceutical and cosmetic use and its wood is also used in house construction. Fruits of this tree are gathered for kernels extraction. The kernels have both culinary and economic value locally, regional and internationally. Unfortunately, poverty and malnutrition are increasing in Cameroon in rural area. The objective of the study was to assess the growth and the development of almost 10 years old Irvingia wombolu trees of seed set as progeny trial. To better understand its development on farm cultivation in Cameroon, 550 trees of I. wombolu were assessed. The result of the study indicates that I. wombolu parameters varied in the same way but not at the same rate and it is exploited mainly from local communities. Height and crown diameter are growing simultaneously as collar diameter and DBH. The most important factor is the percentage of growth of the trees since last 10 years of implementation practices so that we would be able to make some prevision in fruits production and tree management to handle some constraints when cultivating the species in any land use system. Large fruits size, easy kernel extraction and weight from fruits during fruiting season are found to be main selection characteristics of farmers cultivating. Observations showed that, the species is more useful and need more strategies to develop another types of propagules and preserve it. From these results and field observations, it is important to develop suitable and sustainable methods to intensify the cultivation of the NTFP�s in agro-forestry systems.

Biography

Email: Patrick_choungo@hotmail.fr