Determinants of the Uses and Conservation of Terminalia superba in Forest Guinea

Abstract

For centuries, human communities have relied on natural resources to satisfy their various needs (food, health, housing, etc.). Among these resources, Terminalia superba, a wood of high technological quality, is highly sought-after, which has led to strong pressure on its natural populations throughout its range, including Guinea. The present study assessed the factors determining the use and conservation of the species in Forest Guinea. Specifically, it aimed to i) assess the factors affecting the use values of T. superba, and ii) analyze the socio-economic factors controlling the conservation of Terminalia superba by rural communities. Data were collected on a random sample of 354 people in three prefectures (Lola, Macenta and N'Zérékoré) of Guinée Forestière. The relative frequency of users of the species (all forms of use combined) was calculated, and through a generalized linear model based on the Poisson distribution, the relationship between use values and respondents' socio-economic factors was analyzed. Logistic regression in a step-by-step selection approach was used to identify the factors controlling the retention of Terminalia superba plants in the fields. The relative frequency of use of Terminalia superba was 99.15%. The average number of uses reported per respondent was 1.92, with a coefficient of variation of 49.72%. Of all the factors involved, only gender had a significant effect on the number of uses reported, with men reporting more uses (mean = 1.97 and CV = 48.72%) than women (mean = 1.06 and CV = 22.91%). The final logistic regression model identified variables such as prefecture of residence, time spent in the village over 20 years, monthly income, main source of income, age category, marital status and level of education as factors controlling the retention of Terminalia superba plants by respondents in their fields. This study demonstrates the importance of the species and identifies the socio-economic factors of interest to be considered in programs for its valorization and conservation.

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