Status of production and use of Artocarpus altilis and Artocarpus camansi in Benin Republic

The fruits of Artocarpus altilis and Artocarpus camans are non-timber forest products with a great nutritional and medicinal potential but still underused in Benin. This study was initiated to take stock of the production and use of the two species. A survey was carried out among 300 people who owned trees of the species in South Benin. The study was conducted using a cluster sampling technique. At the end of the study, two varieties were distinguished; these are the round shape and the oval/oblong shape for A. camansi species whereas A altilis presented a round, oval/oblong shape with yellow pulp and round, oval/oblong shape with white pulp. The number of trees or plantation per house varies between 1 to 1000 for A. altilis and 1 to 8 for A camansi. The median number of fruits/tree peryear is 260 for A. altilis and 205 for A. camansi. Both fruits are available all year round and abundant in the rainy season. Among the people surveyed, 78.3% are owners of Artocarpus altilis trees, 15.0% of Artocarpus camansi and 6.7% of both species. The organs of the two trees are used in several fields, namely food, traditional medicine, energy and crafts. However, conservation problems are noted in the study area and the work on fruit valorization of the fruit of the two species can contribute to the food and nutritional security of local populations.