FARMING OF WHITE GUM TREE : SENEGALIA SENEGAL (L.) WILLD. IN THE CHARI BAGUIRMI REGION OF CHAD

Abstract

This study on the use of white gum by farmers was carried out in Mandalia and the surrounding area. Its aim was to determine the perceptions and socio-economic uses of Senegalia senegal stands. Participatory surveys were carried out on the different types of use and management of Senegalia senegal in agrosystems. A total of 110 men and women were interviewed. The exploitation of S. senegal is essentially based on the production of gum arabic, firewood and fodder. S. senegal is also used in agrosystems for soil fertilisation, shading and stocking (living hedges). Use of S. senegal varies according to gender and needs. 71.42% of men and 28.5% of women harvest this species for the production of gum arabic (90%), firewood (60%), fodder (80%), soil fertility (60%) and living hedges (60%). The survival rate of underground shoots at weaning was very low (25%). This means that the survival of weaned offspring depends on a number of factors. In addition to its economic interest, it is currently the species used in the fight against desertification in the Sahel. In the interests of future generations, this species must be taken into account in programmes for the conservation and sustainable development of plant genetic resources of socio-economic interest.