Author(s) :

K.N. Ngbolua, L.K. Gbanzo, D.E. Ebuta, F. Koffi Bin Boteko, C.A. Masengo, G.K. Gerengbo, D.D. Tshilanda, D.S.T. Tshibangu, D.B. Mbembe, Y.B. Da-Musa Masens, P.T. Mpiana.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The objective of this study was to assess the socio-cultural knowledge and uses as well as the cubing rate and carbon dioxide sequestration potential of two forest species (Entandrophragma cylindricum and Khaya grandifoliola) in the Binga Community Reserve. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a stratified probability sampling technique. The sample size was determined using the Dagnelie relationship. The dendrometric measurements were carried out in a 12 ha area subdivided into 50 m x 50 m plots, where all trees with a dhp of 10 cm or more were counted. The study showed that both plants are used in traditional medicine to treat 14 diseases. K. grandifoliola is the most cited plant (76.51%) than E. cylindricum (23.49%); the two most cited diseases are generalized pain (29 citations) and malaria (29 citations) with a Jaccard's coefficient of similarity equal to 57%; K. grandifoliola treats more malaria while E. cylindricum is more used in the treatment of generalized pain. For both plants, bark is the most used organ (99.3%) while decoction is the most cited method of recipe preparation (95.3%). The cubing rate of E. cylindricum obeys the mathematical models of polynomial regression (y = -0.0002x2 + 0.2935x - 16.392) and Power (y = 0.0038x1.6976) while that of K. grandifoliola obeys only the polynomial regression (y = 0.0012x2 - 0.0216x + 0.5592). E. cylibdricum sequesters more CO2 (77.10 tonnes/ha) than K. grandifoliola (33.83 tonnes/ha). It is therefore desirable that the results obtained should encourage local stakeholders (local population) and institutions in charge of forestry administration to work towards establishing standards capable of guaranteeing rational management and sustainable development of these forest species through a community bio-cultural protocol.

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