Quantitative Approach of Sterculia setigera Del. (Sterculiaceae) Ethnobotanical Uses Among Rural Communities in Togo (West Africa)

The relationship between human, their culture and their environment has high importance in the frame of sustainable management of natural resources. This study aimed to assess the local uses of Sterculia setigera within rural communities in Togo. The methodology followed during this study was based on inquiries. Fifteen ethnic groups were involved. The interethnic convergence was assessed by using 4 use indices: reported use, plant part value, specific reported use, and intraspecific use value. The mean reported uses showed significant difference between geographic zones, ethnic groups, age, and corporations; but no significant difference between genders. Pharmacopeia (67.00 %), followed by magicomystic (15.23 %), and food (10.43 %) were the main quoted uses. The most used organ is the bark. Decoction was mentioned as the most used method of preparation. Considering the socio-economic and cultural importance of this species, it is important to promote its integration in agroforestry systems. Resume Le rapport entre etre humain, leur culture et leur environnement est d’une grande importance dans le cadre de gestion durable de ressources naturelles. La presente etude compte determiner les usages locaux de Sterculia setigera au sein des communautes rurales du Togo. La methodologie suivie au cours de cette etude a ete basee sur les enquetes. Quinze groupes ethniques ont ete impliques. La convergence d’usage interethnique a ete etudiee en utilisant 4 indices d'usage: l'usage rapporte, la valeur de l’organe, l’usage specifique rapporte, et la valeur d’usage interspecifique. Les moyennes d’usages rapportes montrent une difference significative entre les zones geographiques, les groupes ethniques, l’âge et les corporations. Par contre, aucune difference significative n’existe entre les genres. La pharmacopee (67.00%), suivi par l’usage magico-mystique (15.23%), et alimentaire (10.43%) etait les principales categories d’usages rapportes. L'organe le plus usage est l'ecorce et la decoction est le mode de preparation la plus cite. Compte tenu de l'importance socio-economique et culturelle de cette espece, il est opportun d'encourager son integration dans les systemes agroforestiers.