Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Food Uses of Garcinia afzelii Fruits in Vavoua, Haut-Sassandra Region, Ivory Coast

Background: Many edible plants are consumed in Côte d’Ivoire. However, some species produce fruits that are of little interest, such as the fruits of Garcinia afzelii. These fruits are largely unknown to the population and often fall from trees, where they rot. Aim: The present study aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical study to gain a better understanding of the Garcinia afzelii tree and its organs. Study Design: The survey was conducted in five localities in the Vavoua department (Seïtifla, Bonoufla, Gatifla, Bahoulifla, and Gnamienkro), targeting a sample of 600 individuals with diverse profiles. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-square test to identify potential dependencies between the studied variables. The study aims to specify the level of knowledge about Garcinia afzelii fruit trees and fruits, their use, and consumption. Results: The Chi-square independence test showed that the variables locality, age, education level, and ethnic group significantly influence (P < 0.05) the level of knowledge and use of Garcinia afzelii fruits. Regarding knowledge of the fruits, awareness rates vary between 33.33% in Bonoufla and 81.66% in Gatifla. Concerning education level, illiterate individuals and those with a primary education level show the highest awareness rates (84.21% and 71.14%, respectively), while secondary and higher education levels display lower percentages. Age plays a determining role. Individuals aged 60 and above know the fruits 100%, compared to 91.05% for those aged 41-59 and only 34.78% for those under 30. Results also revealed that indigenous people have the highest awareness rate (78.08%) compared to 55.69% for Ivorian migrants (χ²obs=13.04 > χ²théo=5.99; p < 0.05). Finally, fruit utilization varies significantly by locality, reaching 93.68% in Gnamienkro compared to 68.11% in Bahoulifla (χ²obs=21.05 > χ²théo=5.99; p < 0.05). Depending on education level, utilization rates range between 77.50% and 83.17%, with a predominance among individuals with a primary education level. Conclusion: This study highlights disparities in the knowledge and use of Garcinia afzelii fruits based on sociodemographic characteristics. These findings suggest the need to promote awareness and enhance the value of this resource among less-informed populations, encouraging its sustainable exploitation.