COMPOSITION AND CONSUMPTION OF GATHERED WILD FRUITS IN THE V-BAOULE, COTE-DIVOIRE

Studies in various parts of Africa have stressed the importance of wil d fruits in the diet of rural people. Eleven such fruits (Aframomum al boviolaceum, Annona senegalensis, Dialium guineense, Landolphia hirsut a, Landolphia owariensis, Lantana camara, Napoleonaea vogelii, Pseudos pondias microcarpa, Salacia owabiensis, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Trit er doniana) consumed in Cote d'Ivoire have been analysed (general comp osition, vitamin, carotene and mineral content) and their nutritional importance has been examined by means of a nutritional survey (24 hour recall). It was concluded that, although the diet is based essentiall y on agricultural crops, wild fruits make an important contribution by providing rare nutrients and are an important source of variation and of complementation especially with vitamins and minerals. However, as a result of the changes sweeping through African societies, wild plan ts are in danger of disappearing. This may have harmful consequences t o the nutritional status of the rural populations.