Abstract

To assess the level of knowledge of the farming population and the ecological importance of Jatropha curcas, ethnobotanical surveys were carried out among the local population in three villages in the province of Logone Oriental, namely Bébédjia, Miandoum and Komé. A total of 250 people of different sexes were surveyed. The results of these surveys showed the socio-economic importance of this species for the local population. Some of the people surveyed have a very good botanical knowledge of the species and its qualities, and have developed systems for managing the species in agrosystems that could facilitate its domestication and conservation. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is used in agrosystems as a hedge, to combat erosion and as firewood. In medicine and traditional pharmacopoeia, various plant parts are used to treat several illnesses.

Key words: Jatropha curcas, ethnobotany, farming, Chad.