The African barwood tree (Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir) is a multipurpose tree having a direct role as a source of additional household income. In fact, its technological qualities are such that this timber species is one of the most sought-after in West Africa, much appreciated for cabinet-making, heavy carpentry, outdoor carpentry (Duvall 2008). In addition, African barwood yields a diverse range of non-timber products including food for human consumption, cattle fodder (Petit and Mallet 2001), medicines and raw materials for handicrafts (tannins, dyes, sap, resin, etc.). Given these values, African barwood has been overexploited (fraudulently and illegally), especially during the crisis experienced by the country. In addition, due to a lack of awareness raising about fire risks, certain practices involving the use of fire and resulting in forest fires such as the slash and burn cultivation and livestock transhumance are commonly in use in the region and constitute a serious threat for African barwood.
Despite the importance accorded to this multipurpose species, the country still lacks scientific and technical information to guide specific silvicultural treatments or to assess the current status of natural stands to identify adequate management strategies. It is today essential for Côte d’Ivoire to maintain and increase plant cover for this multipurpose species, which is in danger of extinction. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire is hereby submitting this project proposal for ITTO funding with a view to preserving this endangered species and restoring the forest cover while addressing poverty in rural areas.
The project proposal was initially developed for a total budget of US$828 718, and was subsequently restructured in two phases following the request of ITTO, which announced a pledge of US$320 000 for Phase I funding.