Rodrigue Idohou 1,*, Pascal Gbenou 1 and Cocou Aristide Franck Sinsin 2
1Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP: 43 Kétou, Benin; 2Ecole de Foresterie Tropicale, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43: Kétou, Bénin
*Corresponding author: rodrigidohou@gmail.com
Wild edible plants are essential for food security in Africa. However, some species have not been well studied in their habitat, and their potential remains largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate local populations’ ethnobotanical knowledge of these plants and to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of different land-use patterns in the Wari-Maro classified forest. Surveys were conducted through semi-structured interviews with men and women from the study area. To analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics, three different dates were selected for analysis: 1990, 2005, and 2020. Data were processed by calculating several indices. The main results show that Parkia biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Vitellaria paradoxa are recognized as the most important species by the local populations. Dynamic analysis of land use patterns revealed a regressive trend in savannah and forest habitats, while fields and bare soil showed greater progression. Future projections confirmed these trends. Timely actions, including raising awareness, assisted regeneration, and co-management, are essential for better management of the species and their habitats.