Afzelia africana is a tree species that plays an important role in forest ecosystems and local cultures. Its presence contributes to soil stability, nutrient cycling, and the regulation of the local climate (Kitin et al., 2021). Moreover, A. africana provides vital resources to communities, including animal feed during the dry season, medicinal products, and a source of income (Donkpegan et al., 2020). However, the species is severely threatened by overexploitation, habitat loss due to extensive agriculture, and climate change (Balima et al., 2022).
In this context, it is imperative to adopt effective conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of this species. The project "Improvement of the conservation status of Afzelia africana in Benin" aims to develop conservation and awareness actions to improve its conservation status. It is structured around four specific objectives (SOs):
SO1: Identify habitats favorable for the conservation of A. africana,
SO2: Assess the impact of livestock on the demographic structure of A. africana populations,
SO3: Assess the perception of local communities on the temporal dynamics and local conservation practices of A. africana,
SO4: Raise awareness among local populations for the conservation of A. africana in Benin. Under SO4, it is planned to raise awareness, provide environmental education, and train local communities on sustainable harvesting techniques, as well as reforestation efforts to increase the species’ density in habitats favorable to its conservation. This third interim report presents the activities carried out to achieve these objectives.