Impact of Transhumance on the Populations of Afzelia africana and the Wildlife in the National Park of Benoue North-Cameroon

Abstract

Breeding is a very important activity to the population of the North-Cameroon Region. In dry season when fodder is scarce or non-existent, breeders use leaves of Afzelia africana.  This plant is a threatened woody species that is becoming rare in the northern Cameroon due to its over-exploitation in the non-protected natural areas. This situation originated from the invasion of transhumant shepherds in the Benoue National Park where fodder unavailable in the dry season. This study is aimed at investigating the impact of the transhumant shepherds on Afzelia africana in the National Park of Benoue, specifically to determine its impact on the physiology of Afzelia africana on the National Park of Benoue. The investigations of the populations (Banda, Sakdje, Gamba and Guidjiba) bordering the park have been carried out at the rate of 100 persons per village and on 17 livestock farmers. The isosceles triangular transect was used in the study and the following results were attained: 17 livestock farmers were having seen 40% have recognizing pass all the year in the park while 60% stay in the park during the dry season. Two types of transhumances exist; national and international, with the means of 13.8 in 2014 to 13 in 2017 and international with the means vary 13.8 in 2014 to 6.8 in 2017. The transhumance circuit has showed that the NPB is accessible on all sides (West, South, East, North). A. africana serves as feed and habitat to several animals in particular giraffe and Elan de Derby two endangered animals so the attendance rate is respectively 7.3 and 0.4.