RESUMO
The functional versatility of plants can be seen in their numerous uses by the people of Northern Cameroon. They have implemented local know-how which has allowed them to effectively exploit their botanical environment. The disappearance of valuable species has forced them to develop other strategies, with a new era marked by the consumption of manufactured products. This article summarizes the principal uses of plants by the people of Northern Cameroon, evaluates their strategies for extracting value from grasses and woods, and questions the validity of the measures currently in place to preserve the botanical heritage at risk due to the actions of man and nature.
RESUMO
La polyvalence fonctionnelle des végétaux se matérialise à travers les nombreux usages que les peuples du Nord-Cameroun en font. Ils ont mis sur place un savoir -: faire local qui leur a permis d'exploiter de manière efficace leur environnement végétal. La disparition des essences de valeur les oblige à développer d'autres stratégies en relation avec une nouvelle ère marquée par la consommation de produits manufacturés. Le présent article récapitule les principaux usages des plantes par les peuples du Nord-Cameroun, évalue leurs stratégies de mise en valeur des herbacées et des ligneux et interroge sur la validité des dispositions en cours portant sur la préservation du patrimoine végétal mis en péril par l'homme et par la nature.
The functional versatility of plants can be seen in their numerous uses by the people of Northern Cameroon. They have implemented local know-how which has allowed them to effectively exploit their botanical environment. The disappearance of valuable species has forced them to develop other strategies, with a new era marked by the consumption of manufactured products. This article summarizes the principal uses of plants by the people of Northern Cameroon, evaluates their strategies for extracting value from grasses and woods, and questions the validity of the measures currently in place to preserve the botanical heritage at risk due to the actions of man and nature.