CHARACTERIZATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF CASHEW PLANTATIONS (Anacardium occidentale L.) IN THE PENDÉ AND NYA DEPARTMENTS (EXTREME-SOUTH, CHAD).

In order to enhance the value of edible fruit trees from the Sudanian zone, such as cashew, a study was carried out in the Logone Oriental province in Chad. Ethnobotanical and socioeconomic surveys, through structured and semi-structured interviews, were carried out with 18 resource persons, who were the owners and/or managers. It appears that the cashew nut sector is relatively young in this region. Nevertheless, the price per kg of nuts has evolved positively over the last three years (2019 to 2021), ranging from 186±44.11 FCFA (2019) to 386±75.93 FCFA (2021). Maximum production is recorded in plantations over 15 years old in Pendé and Nya respectively with 600 kg/year and 617 kg/year (2019), 700 kg/year and 625 kg/year (2020), 550 kg/year and 668 kg/year (2021). Seven traces of anthropization were encountered and it appears that young plantations (less than 10 years old, 10 to 15 years old) are more anthropized, but also, the species Anacardium occidentale L. is highly anthropized in the study area than other species. The study revealed that, despite a favourable eco-geographical setting for cashew cultivation, local populations are not interested in the crop and do not have enough land for it. A development plan for these agrosystems should be envisaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]