Research Article
Native Applications of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) Tree from the Three Northern Regions of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
28 November 2025
Accepted:
16 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: The objective of this study was to contribute to the valorization of B. aegyptiaca and local technologies. Local uses were studied in northern Cameroon (Adamawa, North and Far North). A questionnaire was administered in nine locations, three per region. The results showed that the largest number were found along the Far North stretch: Mayo-Kani and Mayo-Danay divisions, extending to the Chadian stretch. Its presence in Adamawa is mainly reported in the locality of Mbe. The name Tanné, in Fulfulde, was the most common name in all three regions. All parts of the tree were used by locals (100% of respondents). Native uses were numerous: food, medicinal, animal feed, domestic, cosmetic, industrial and handicraft. Preparations were based on the pulp. It also appeared that B. aegyptiaca was widely used in the treatment of numerous ailments and diseases. The kernel of B. aegyptiaca had technological potential. Kernel oil was seen to be primarily produced upon demand. A traditional oil extraction process has been described for the first time in Cameroon, to the best of our knowledge. The marketing of B. aegyptiaca fruits and their derivatives was socio-economically important for the population in général, and for women in particular. A detailed traditional oil extraction technique in Cameroon has been described for the first time. This survey provided information on B. aegyptiaca in Cameroon in terms of opportunities, raw material supply and technological possibilities.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to contribute to the valorization of B. aegyptiaca and local technologies. Local uses were studied in northern Cameroon (Adamawa, North and Far North). A questionnaire was administered in nine locations, three per region. The results showed that the largest number were found along the Far North stretch: Mayo-Kani and...
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Research Article
Wood Basic Density, Stem Quality, and Disease Resistance of Corymbia and Eucalyptus Species at North Ruvu Forest Plantation, Kibaha District, Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
11-21
Received:
14 December 2025
Accepted:
5 January 2026
Published:
23 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20261501.12
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Abstract: Forest plantations in Tanzania play a critical role in supporting sustainable wood supply hence reducing pressure on natural forests. However, expansion of forest plantations in the coastal lowland areas remains constrained by the limited availability of appropriate tree species that combine varieties of traits such as acceptable wood quality, stem form, and resistance to biotic stresses in order to cope with the challenging site conditions. This study evaluated wood basic density (WBD), stem quality, and disease resistance of eight-year-old Corymbia and Eucalyptus pure species/provenances grown at North Ruvu Forest Plantation, Kibaha District, Tanzania. The trials were established using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with five replications for Corymbia and six for Eucalyptus. WBD was determined from increment core samples, while stem quality and disease resistance were assessed in the field using standardized visual scoring systems. The results (presented as mean ± standard error (SE)) shows that (Corymbia species/provenances differed significantly in WBD, ranging from 385 ± 18 kg m-3 (C. henryi, CSIRO) to 475 ± 27 kg m-3 (C. citriodora, TTSA). In contrast, Eucalyptus species showed lower and more uniform WBD values (mean = 394 ± 0.9 kg m-3), with no significant differences detected among entries. C. variegata (CSIRO) and C. citriodora (TTSA) showed the highest stem quality, with 100% and 92% high-quality stems, respectively. Disease resistance was strongest in C. citriodora (TTSA and ZFC) and E. camaldulensis (TTSA), where no visible disease symptoms were observed. Overall performance ranking identified C. citriodora (TTSA), C. variegata (CSIRO), and E. camaldulensis (TTSA) as the most promising species/provenances for coastal lowland conditions. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of selected Corymbia species as viable alternatives or complements to Eucalyptus in Tanzanian plantation forestry and provide empirical guidance for site–species matching and diversification strategies in similar environments.
Abstract: Forest plantations in Tanzania play a critical role in supporting sustainable wood supply hence reducing pressure on natural forests. However, expansion of forest plantations in the coastal lowland areas remains constrained by the limited availability of appropriate tree species that combine varieties of traits such as acceptable wood quality, stem...
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,
Gilles Bernard Nkouam*
