Safou (Dacryodes edulis)

by Abdon Awono

Introduction

Safou (African plum), an oleaginous fruit produced by the safou tree (Dacryodes edulis), is native to Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea (Sonwa et al., 2002). Ranked among the five priority local fruit trees identified for Africa (Franzel et al., 2008), the value of its fruit is remarkable both nutritionally and economically. In Cameroon, it is counted among the most important seasonal tropical products; in view of its role in household nutrition and in rural and urban trade (Awono et al., 2017; 2002). Its contribution to GDP has exceeded US$7.5 million since 1999 (Awono et al., 2016). Moreover, the value chain of the safou market offers more than 20,000 jobs whose monthly income is relatively above the Minimum Wage (Awono et al., 2002). However, the processing sector is very underdeveloped, resulting in post-harvest losses of up to 50%. Nonetheless, its oilseed character could inspire business opportunities in order not only to reduce these post-harvest losses but also to develop profit margins in a value chain perspective (Poligui et al., 2013). Sustainable management of the safou market value chain in Cameroon requires mastering its current situation. With this in mind, this document describes the production, processing, consumption and trade of safou in Cameroon.

Sampling 

The findings in this document are based on data collected from a simple random sample. To this end, socio-economic surveys were carried out with 690 actors. There are 347 producers in sub-divisions of Nyong and Kellé, Mefou and Akono, Mefou and Afamba, Lékié, Haut Nkam, Mbam and Inoubou, Moungo and Mfoundi Divisions. In addition, 193 traders, 14 exporters, 129 consumers and 7 processors were chosen.

Safou production

A forest species endemic to Africa, in Cameroon, apart from the home garden the safou tree (Dacryodes edulis) has been transferred to the agricultural landscape where it is generally associated with cocoa and coffee. For this, vegetation propagation techniques have been tested and are increasingly used for the production of seedlings (Elomo et al., 2014; Mialoundama et al., 2002). The safou tree is included in agroforestry systems as a shade plant and/or secondary crop (Sonwa et al., 2002). Consequently, 95% of safou in Cameroon comes from agroforestry plantations and fallow land (Awono et al., 2010). The production area for this fruit extends to the West, Littoral, Center and South regions. The average annual production differs from one locality to another. However, it is higher in the Mbam and Inoubou, Nyong and Kellé, and Lekié Divisions in the Center Region; Moungo in the Littoral, and Haut Nkam in the West Region. The highest production is observed between the months of June and September (Awono et al., 2017; 2002).

According to the main criteria of size, skin color or oil content, there are three main varieties of safou in Cameroon: the superior variety, the intermediate variety and the inferior variety. Superior variety safous are characterized by their large size (large fruit) and high oil content. The intermediate variety safous are oval in shape, medium in size, maroon in color, fleshy like melon with a white and sometimes yellow skin. Lower variety safous are small in size and sometimes green or reddish in color (Awono et al, 2017). Based on the established criteria, it shows that the volumes of safou from most of the main production areas in Cameroon are distributed in an almost balanced manner between the 3 varieties considered.

Safou Processing 

Safou processing in Cameroon is still nascent, given the low volume processed and the non-industrial techniques used (Awono et al., 2017; Tabouna et al., 2010). Safou processors are mainly established in the cities of Yaoundé and Obala (Center Region). The processors in Obala mainly produce safou balm and oil. While those of Yaoundé produce in addition to the two products mentioned above, dried safou and soap. A 30ml bottle of glycerin oil or soap is sold on the local market at 1,000 CFA Francs. While a liter of safou oil costs 25,000 CFA Francs and a tenia of 50 Kg of dried safou has a value of 200,000 CFA Francs. The main products derived from safou provide substantial income to processors. In fact, the average annual income per processor is 116,000 CFA Francs in Obala and 512,600 CFA Francs in Yaoundé. In short, the average income per safou processor in Cameroon stands at 446,500 CFA Francs per year.

Safou consumption

Safou is generally eaten steamed, grilled, fried, or in the form of a paste; and with cassava, plantain, cassava bread, etc. The last two types of consumption depend on the backgrounds of the household and sometimes on its living standard and also on the quality of the product available on the market. Although this product is seasonal, its consumption per household and per person is significant. In fact, 4111.2 kg of safou is consumed annually per household, or 685.2 kg per person. 28% of this consumption comes from commercial purchases, i.e., annual expenditure of 196,416 CFA Francs. Safou consumption in Cameroon varies with the seasons.

Marketing 

The marketing of safou is done in urban markets to the tune of more than 60% of production. In rural areas, the sale of safou contributes 6 to 27% of the annual income of producer households, depending on the locality. The profit margin of safou exporters overall constitutes 62% of their turnover, while producers and local traders respectively have profit margins of 32% and 36% of their turnover (Awono et al., 2017).

In urban areas, the markets of Yaoundé were analyzed. The average income is 5,665,530 CFA Francs, for an average total cost of 3,615,085 FCFA. The average margins are 2,050,445 FCFA is much higher than that observed in rural markets. Urban markets are more profitable than rural markets despite high costs due to purchase price, taxes and transport. This is due to the fact that the purchasing power of the urban consumer is higher than that of the rural consumer. However, profit margins represent a small part of overall revenue, ie 36% of turnover.

Discussion

Safou is a fruit endemic to the Gulf of Guinea whose production is seasonal. The quantities produced change throughout the fruiting period, for all varieties. Production is lower at the start of the season, than in mid-season, the end of the season or even the off-season. Safou is consumed in all producer households and in urban households. In fact, more than 60% of production is consumed domestically (Awono et al., 2017). Especially as this product is full of great nutritional values (Ajibesin, 2011).

The highly perishable and seasonal nature of safou has led households to develop processing methods. This produces products such as: balm, safou oil, soap and dried safou. This processing is still at an embryonic stage with very few actors involved (less than 3% of the sample), processing small quantities and using non-industrial techniques. This is due to lack of financial means of the producers. These financial means would enable them to develop strategies (or tools) for the conservation of the raw material, with a view to use during the so-called off-season periods. The average annual income from products derived from safou amounts to 446,500 CFA Francs per actor. Thus, the monthly income of a safou processor is estimated at 37,208 CFA Francs. This income is slightly higher than the minimum wage in Cameroon, demonstrating that the processing of safou is a promising sector. In fact, if there is political will, the processing of safou in Cameroon can contribute to the national economy, the fight against poverty and unemployment. Safou produced in Cameroon is marketed throughout the national territory and internationally.

Profit margins from the marketing of safou are significant for exporters. Local traders come second; and safou producers are the least profit-makers. This finding is contrary to that of Awono et al. (2002) who asserted that producers derive the greatest benefit in the safou market value chain in Cameroon.

Conclusion

At the end of this analysis, it appears that Safou in Cameroon is mainly produced in agro-forestry systems using known vegetation propagation techniques. This fruit is of proven socio-economic importance for the populations. In addition to being anchored in the dietary habits of households, it is marketed on rural markets, those of large urban agglomerations, and on the international market. Therefore, the plant Dacryodes edulis is a source of income and creates jobs. In addition, it is used in pharmacopoeia. Unfortunately, constraints related to the very perishable nature of its fruits, the aging of the orchards, and the lack of investment for extensive fruit processing, do not allow the full hidden potential of this African product to be exploited. Especially as its oil has considerable cosmetic and food virtues.

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References

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