Full Length Research Paper
Abstract
Studies on bamboo resources are limited in Congo Basin. This study assessed species diversity, distribution, characterisation and socio-economic importance of bamboo to livelihood in Menuoa, Cameroon. Ninety questionnaires, one focus group discussion per village, observation and interviews were administered in 9 villages. Yushania alpina (K. Schum.) W.C.Lin, Phyllostachys aurea Carrière ex Rivière & C. Rivière, Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex. J.C.Wendl., Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata, Bambusa species Longinternode, Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro, Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f) Backer ex K.Heyne and Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees were identified. P. aurea dominated cultivated lands and settlement areas covered the greatest land surface of 2137 m2 with an altitudinal range (1200-1400 m). Internodes vary (21.8-40 cm) per culm and length (9.8-34.5 cm). The number, length of internodes, height, diameter and number of culms varied significantly across Menoua (P<0.005). The culm (56%) was the greatest used parts. Bamboos had several uses such as aesthetics, soil erosion and landslide control, and landscape restoration. Municipalities are proper to lead bamboo resource management and conservation.
Key words: Bamboo species, biodiversity conservation, Cameroon, Menoua, Poaceae, status.
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