Ethnotaxonomy and Ethnobotanical Studies of Honey and Resinous Plants in the Tchamba Prefecture in Togo
Belei Essotolom Gabriel
Forest Research Laboratory (LRF), FDS/ UL, Togo.
Koudegnan Comlan Mawussi *
Forest Research Laboratory (LRF), FDS/ UL, Togo.
Ekoue Akouété Galé
Applied and Fundamental Anthropology Research Unit (URAAF), University of Lomé, Togo.
Gangue Minlipe Martin
Linguistics and Communication Research Team (ERLinCo), FLLA/UL, Togo.
Kokou Kouami
Forest Research Laboratory (LRF), FDS/ UL, Togo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Natural plant products have gained increasing attention, but climate change and human activities have led to the degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of local knowledge related to the classification and use of honey-producing and resinous plants in the Tchamba prefecture, Togo. Ethnotaxonomic and ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-directed interview and focus groups in the four localities, involving 92 respondents. A total of 96 plants of beekeeping were identified, classified into 88 genera, 33 families, and 22 orders, with 16 ethnotaxonomic criteria used for classification. The most common criteria were "plant use" and "plant habit". The study highlights the rich local knowledge of plant uses for food, medicine, and rituals, emphasizing the importance of conserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage. These findings contribute to understanding how indigenous knowledge can support conservation and sustainable use of plant resources.
Keywords: Honey and resinous plants, endogenous knowledge, vernacular phytonyms, ethnotaxonomy, Togo