Ethnobotanical knowledge and use of Coelocaryon oxycarpum fruits in Côte D'Ivoire: Socio-cultural drivers, consensus and local perceptions

Non-timber forest products play a crucial role in food security, traditional medicine, and cultural practices across sub-Saharan Africa. Coelocaryon oxycarpum, an underutilized wild fruit species endemic to Côte d’Ivoire, remains poorly studied despite its nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic potential. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, patterns of use, and socio-cultural factors influencing the valorization of C. oxycarpum in two contrasting agroecological regions: Gontougo (North-East) and Lôh-Djiboua (South-West). A total of 800 households (400 per region) were surveyed between April and August 2023 using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed through knowledge level (KL), use rate (UR), and informant consensus factor (ICF), with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between demographic variables and knowledge or use. Results revealed that 51.5% of respondents were familiar with the fruit, but only 21.7% reported using it. Knowledge was higher in Gontougo (53.8%) compared with Lôh-Djiboua (49.2%), while usage followed a similar trend (26.8% vs. 16.6%). Knowledge and use were significantly associated with ethnicity, education, and gender. Indigenous groups (Koulango, Dida, Degha, Abron) accounted for over 80% of knowledge holders, while women were the main users (16.2%). The highest ICF values were recorded for food uses (0.91) and cosmetic applications (1.0), underscoring the species’ multifunctional potential. This study demonstrates that C. oxycarpum is culturally significant yet underexploited. Its valorization through biochemical characterization, nutritional assessment, and domestication efforts is critical to ensure sustainable conservation and enhance its contribution to local food and health systems.