Abstract
This study used a quantitative market survey to examine the ecological importance of the medicinal plant trade in Sierra Leone and the existing trading systems, so that it could be determined (1) if trade has a negative impact on the species traded, and/or (2) if trade could be used to support conservation projects. We interviewed vendors in three major cities and two towns and carried out focus–group discussions among collectors at forest edge communities. In the markets, specimen samples were collected and identified. In several forests, observations were made on harvesting techniques and relative abundance. More than 40 species are traded in urban markets, nine of which are the most frequently traded. Some plants are transported great distances to reach the urban markets, especially Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. and Garcinia kola Heckel. Certain species might not be sustainably harvested depending on the collector practices (e.g., ring debarking, tree felling), and this might threaten these species, especially Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. However, results also suggest that the trade of some species could be promoted as an alternative livelihood strategy for edge communities of forest reserves. In this latter case, special attention should be paid to sustainable harvesting techniques.
Résumé
Este estudio utilizó un sondeo cuantitativo de mercado para examinar la importancia ecológica de la comercialización de plantas medicinales en Sierra León y los sistemas de venta existentes, con la finalidad de determinar: (1) si la comercialización tiene un impacto negativo sobre las especias vendidas y (2) si esta comercialización podría contribuir con proyectos de conservación. Entrevistamos comerciantes en tres grandes ciudades y en dos pueblos, y llevamos a cabo discusiones de grupo con colectores de comunidades que viven en los alrededores de un Parque Nacional. En los mercados, se recogieron e identificaron muestras de plantas. En varios bosques tropicales, se hicieron observaciones de técnicas de recolección y abundancia relativa. Más de 40 plantas son comercializadas en mercados urbanos, nueve de las cuales son vendidas frecuentemente. Algunas plantas son transportadas grandes distancias para llegar a los mercados urbanos, sobretodo Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. y Garcinia kola Heckel. Las prácticas de recolección de ciertas especias no son sostenibles (tala de árboles, descortezada en anillo), y esto podría poner en riesgo a estas especies, sobretodo Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados también sugieren que la comercialización de algunas plantas medicinales podría ser utilizada como estrategia de diversificación de ingresos en comunidades situadas en los alrededores de reservas forestales. En este caso, se deberían promover técnicas de recolección sostenible.
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Acknowledgements
A. Jusu is grateful to his parents for their support. We are thankful to all the participants in this study for their time and interest in collaborating. We also thank M. Swaray and A.M.B. Feika for identifying certain plants and contributing to the discussions. We express our gratitude to two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.
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Jusu, A., Sanchez, A.C. Medicinal Plant Trade in Sierra Leone: Threats and Opportunities for Conservation. Econ Bot 68, 16–29 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-013-9255-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-013-9255-2