Roël Dire Houdanon
Other projects
2 May 2019
Conservation of Mushrooms through the Establishment of Edible Mushroom Value Chain and the Optimization of Sensitizations
24 Jun 2021
Identification of Fungal Species and their Chemical Compounds to Enhance their In-Situ Conservation and their Integration in National Program of Conservation in Benin
Mushrooms are among the most important non timber forest products (NTFPs) in the forest areas of West and East Africa. In northern Benin, wild edible mushrooms are a source of protein, vitamins and minerals for local people. Because of the destruction of vegetation and qualitative habitat changes, observers suspect a reduction in the number of species and biomass of mushrooms. Recent surveys in the Bassila forest reserve revealed the increasing scarcity of several species. Therefore, our project aims to deepen the social and ecological knowledge of wild edible fungi species and establish public awareness for their conservation
Ectomycorrhizal and saprophyte edible fungi are present in the woodlands and evergreen forests of Benin. However, these forests are threatened by a high level of human pressure and mismanagement. Selective cutting of symbiotic partner trees (Afzelia africana, Berlinia grandiflora, etc.) of ectomycorrhizal edible fungi and the passage of fires are among the most harmful human pressures on wild edible mushrooms. We have observed both a qualitative reduction (number and types of species) and a quantitative reduction (biomass) of edible mushrooms, as well as the endangerment of some plant species given their critical importance in regenerating of this one. Apart from their use as food for humans, wild mushrooms may also have other uses which are poorly researched, e.g., as sources for novel pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, identification of edible mushroom species is poorly known by the local populace, and misidentification has lead to public health problems. In urban areas of Benin, currently 100 grams of edible mushrooms costs 2.30 £ and due to the lack of supply at the local level, the majority of edible mushrooms consumed come from the international market. This represents an income opportunity for Beninese people to supply mushrooms locally. This project aims to fill these gaps and improve the sustainable use of the habitats where these species grow. It aims to:
- Assess the rural knowledge on useful mushrooms species;
- Reinforcement of competence of local people in fungal species recognition (threatened fungi and non threatened fungi, edible and toxic close species), identification and their habitat preferences;
- Training people on good harvesting practices fungi for their viability, conservation and the management of fungi habitat;
- Produce and replant 4000 ectomycorrhizal trees, especially Afzelia africana;
- Inform rural communities on the threats to different species and potential business opportunities