Research Article
Impact of Harvesting Method on Bush Mango (Irvingia wombulo) and Nutmeg (Modora myristica) to the Ecosystem of Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Nguti, Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
160-172
Received:
26 February 2026
Accepted:
9 March 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261404.11
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Abstract: This study examines the impact of harvesting method on African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) in the rainforest ecosystem. The research highlights that inadequate harvesting practices such as indiscriminate cutting, premature harvesting, and lack of sustainable techniques have detrimental effects on both species' populations and the broader ecological community. Data were collected through field surveys, interviews with local harvesters, and ecological assessments over a six-month period. Results indicate a noticeable decline in the population of I. wombulo and M. myristica, with associated effects on biodiversity, soil health, and local wildlife species dependent on these trees for food and habitat. The findings suggest a pressing need for education on sustainable harvesting practices and the implementation of conservation strategies to mitigate environmental degradation. This study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and local communities to foster sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of the Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary’s ecological integrity. The study revealed that the impact of harvesting method of African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) significantly associated to harvesting period X2=54.699 df=12 P=0.000, species population status over years X2=5.761 df=8 P<0.05, impact of plant species harvesting on plant and wildlife population r=0.357 P=0.053, and harvesting frequency r=0.426 P=0.019 respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant association between the local community awareness/ involvement in managing endangered plant species and their harvesting periods X2=9.655 df=3 P=0.022. Additionally, the local community awareness/involvement in managing endangered plant species associated significantly to their harvesting methods r=0.306 P=0.100. While approximately 70% of local community engagement in managing endangered plant species remains insignificant due to various challenges, there exists a robust 30% where awareness and involvement have led to significant conservation efforts. As the populations of I. wombulu and M. myristica decline, coupled with habitat degradation, the potential for economic returns from these species decreases. Enhancing awareness through education and training programs about the ecological importance of I. wombulu and M. myristica can empower local stakeholders to adopt better practices. Collaborative management approaches that incorporate local knowledge and traditional ecological practices can also foster sustainable usage and conservation.
Abstract: This study examines the impact of harvesting method on African bush mango (Irvingia wombulu) and African nutmeg (Modora myristica) in the rainforest ecosystem. The research highlights that inadequate harvesting practices such as indiscriminate cutting, premature harvesting, and lack of sustainable techniques have detrimental effects on both species...
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Research Article
Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economic Viability of Broiler Chickens Fed Partial Levels of Comfrey Leaf Meal (Symphytum Officinale)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
173-184
Received:
14 June 2026
Accepted:
29 June 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261404.12
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Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) with comfrey leaf meal (CLM) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic viability of broiler chickens. Fresh Symphytum officinale leaves were harvested, shade-dried, and milled to produce CLM. Four pelleted experimental diets were formulated to contain 0% (control), 4%, 8%, and 12% CLM inclusion levels. A total of 240 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were brooded for 14 days, after which the birds were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with three replicates of 20 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Growth performance, carcass traits, and economic parameters were evaluated during the growing-finishing phase. Final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in birds fed 4%, 8%, and 12% CLM compared to the control. Final body weights were 2245.40 g, 2119.06 g, 1833.96 g, and 1485.57 g for 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% inclusion levels, respectively. Corresponding ADG values were 66.26, 61.30, 51.30, and 38.30 g/bird/day, while ADFI values were 149.86, 148.00, 143.76, and 139.79 g/bird/day, respectively. Feed conversion ratio did not differ between 0% and 4% CLM (P>0.05) but was significantly poorer at higher inclusion levels. Slaughter weight differed significantly among treatments (P<0.05), whereas dressing percentage and organ weights were not significantly affected (P>0.05). Economic analysis indicated that 4% CLM inclusion produced the most favorable cost differential (160.96 TSH/kg gain) and relative cost reduction (5.90%) compared to the control. These findings suggest that partial replacement of SBM with CLM at 4% inclusion level maintains acceptable performance and carcass traits while improving economic efficiency, whereas higher inclusion levels negatively affect broiler performance.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) with comfrey leaf meal (CLM) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic viability of broiler chickens. Fresh Symphytum officinale leaves were harvested, shade-dried, and milled to produce CLM. Four pelleted experimental diets were formulated to contain ...
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,
Kamah Pascal Bumtu
