An Ethnobotanical Study of Indigenous Fruit Trees in Northern Cameroon

SUMMARY This ethno-botanical study identified the potential economic value of indigenous fruit trees in the three provinces of northern Cameroon. 25 households in two villages from each division in three northern provinces of Cameroon were selected and 175 persons interviewed. Villagers mentioned 72 fruit tree species with preferences varying from one province to another. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa, Vitex cienkowskii, Detarium microcarpum, Borassus aethiopum and Ximenia americana 1 were among the top 14 species cited in all the three provinces. The fruits of those species were regularly consumed by people as food, and sold to generate income. Fruits are sold in the local markets in small lots from 1–100 fruits, depending on size. The price varies from $US 0.02–0.1, so they make a significant contribution to householder income. Farmers also identified their uses, indicated the reasons for the decline in the wild resource and suggested ways to promote the cultivation and improve their yield.