References on Mango

Moggi M. A., Deleporte P.

Abstract : A questionnaire survey was carried out (in February 1994) into the traditional use of, and knowledge of, trees and woody plants in Madagascar. Nineteen families in three hamlets were interviewed; two settlements were in the upper part of the watershed, and one in the lower part. After a description of the topography and socioeconomic conditions of the area, some details are tabulated of the farming systems, livestock, agricultural crops produced for consumption and sale, and other sources of income of the participants. The principal woody plants utilized fell into several categories: (1) fruit trees (e.g., avocado, mango, peach, apple, and 8 additional species); (2) trees of which one product was fruit (e.g., papaya, banana, 4 others); medicinal plants (16 species); fuelwood (e.g., Eucalyptus sp., Pinus sp., and 4 others); multipurpose trees (11 species, many providing fodder, fuelwood, fruits and/or medicinal properties, as well as forming shelterbelts, erosion control measures, and soil improvement). A total of 38 species were recorded, although only 25% of these were common to the 3 settlements, reflecting the different ecological conditions between the upper and lower zones of the watersheds. Generally, fruit tree crops were an important food supply in both areas, particularly in the rainy season (November to March), and were not marketed to any large extent. The protection role of trees was not considered an important function by those interviewed. The study suggests that access to good seed supplies of a wider range of species would benefit the local farmers. An FAO project in the region, using Tephrosia vogelii for rehabilitation of degraded land, is cited.