Variability in indigenous knowledge and practices of wood treatments against termites in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala (Cameroon) and their status
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F J O Feumba 1 * , E F Fongnzossie 2 , C L T Djuideu 2 , A B Biwolé 1 , J M Zobo 1 , F M Ngangyou 1 , P Mkounga 3 , P N Akono 4 , S Kekeunou 2
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1 Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorization, Training Unit in Engineering Sciences, Post Graduate School of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, CAMEROON2 Laboratory of Forest Resources and Wood Valorization, Training Unit in Engineering Sciences, Post Graduate School of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon;3 Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, CAMEROON4 Laboratory of Animal Biology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, CAMEROON* Corresponding Author

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the wood treatment sector in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé (Cameroon). A total of 319 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The respondents were agents of wood depots, sawmills, hardware stores, and carpentry shops. They were asked about the diversity of products used and their perception of the risks and dangers of treatments. The chemical method (40.4%) was the main means of preserving wood against termite attack according to the respondents, followed by the traditional method with 9.4%, the physical method (2.2%) and more rarely, the use of plant extract (0.3%). All the chemicals were found to be hazardous to the environment and human health, with Xylamon being classified as the most hazardous. The physical control methods and those using plant extracts were found to be not at all dangerous for human health and the environment. Notwithstanding concerns for the protection of the environment and human health, toxic and hazardous products are still predominantly used. It would be important to move towards less or non-toxic products.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 7, Issue 3, 2023, Article No: em0225

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/13352

Publication date: 01 Jul 2023

Online publication date: 05 Jun 2023

Article Views: 687

Article Downloads: 521

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