Benin/For the development of a precious natural resource: Gwladys Azongnidé provides all the necessary information for the benefit of the local authorities and communities, and then for the actors of the shea butter industry

(Genetic improvement, production techniques, domestication, conservation and sustainable management of the species)

Gbèdotchitché Gwladys Azongnidé admitted as a Doctor at the University of Parakou. The student defended her PhD thesis in Agronomic and Water Sciences, specializing in Forest Sciences, under the theme "Morphological characterization and improvement of juvenile growth of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. In Benin". Directed by Prof. Christine Ouinsavi, this thesis defended with brilliance, Thursday, January 26, 2023, has raised Gbèdotchitché Gwladys Azongnidé to the rank of Doctor, very honorable mention with congratulations of the jury.

The shea tree, scientific name Vitellaria paradoxa, called "the butter tree" or "the gold of women", is a tree of sub-Saharan Africa.is a tree from sub-Sahelian Africa of food, economic and ecological importance for local communities. Despite the importance of the species, it is subject to many threats that make it vulnerable in its range. "Still in the semi-domesticated stage due to its slow growth in the juvenile stage and late fruiting, the present study aims to provide the basis for a better understanding of the species.This study aims to provide the basis for an effective strategy for domestication and improvement of the juvenile growth of Vitellaria paradoxa in Benin," says Gwladys Azongnidé. To this end, the methodological approach was based on a bibliographic synthesis, ethnobotanical surveys, measurements carried out on morphological descriptors of the trees, and a study of the quality of the fruit.The methodological approach was based on a literature review, ethnobotanical surveys, measurements of morphological descriptors of shea fruits and leaves, experiments based on provenance tests, natural and controlled mycorrhization, and organic and mineral fertilization.

Perception of the actors of the sector on variability

The surveys revealed that the actors in the shea tree sector have a good perception of the morphological variability of the tree according to sex, age and socio-ethnic and socio-economic groups. "Morphological characterization indicates that the type of habitat influences certain parameters, notably the mass of nuts and fines. Similarly, there is a link between climatic variables and the morphological parameters of shea. Three distinct morphotypes have been identified on individual shea trees and can serve as a basis for the implementation of a program to improve the species," she said. "After 12 months of germination of the nuts, we note an influence of the origin on the number as well as the length and width of the leaves, while fertilization has an impact on the height and the diameter at the collar. The best performance in terms of height is obtained with seeds from the Sudano-Guinean zone and fertilized with organic matter. In response to the question of the usefulness of her research, Gwladys Azongnidé answers "this study provides the necessary information for the implementation ofIn addition, the study provides the necessary information for the establishment of a genetic improvement program for shea trees, as well as techniques for the production of young seedlings for domestication, conservation and sustainable management of shea parks.. Moreover, his future plans are clear: to work with political and administrative authorities to set up a project to restore shea in Benin.

Beyond the observations, what the jury thinks

For Prof. Kouami KOKOU "I am satisfied. It impressed me: this work is so important that we must try to make this research available to institutions in charge of natural resource management. As for Dr. Carole AVOCEVOU "I congratulate the candidate for what she has brought to science, for the fluidity of her presentation and the clarity of the slides. I would like to point out the original character of your work which resides in the types of fertilizers, the rich bibliography and the methodological approach completely in phase with the specific objectives, as evidenced by the two articles published before the finalization of your thesis ". Prof. Valérien ZINSOU will say no less "I knew her for the first time through the ''AWARD fellowship'' program. She is very dynamic and everywhere we went, she was always in the lead. I see that she has scrupulously followed a certain number of trainings at the doctoral school which has allowed her to do a remarkable quality work". Professor Nourou SOULEMANE YOROU was very impressed: "It is a well elaborated work. It's a thesis that you approach with several perspectives. It is great to have doctoral students who seek by themselves the funding for their work. Finally, the president of the jury, Prof. Jacob YABI and the thesis director, Prof. Christine OUINSAVI are unanimous: "It is one of the rare doctoral students who are the most dynamic, especially in terms of seeking funding. The document is easy to read and understand. The information is very useful for the training work". Therefore, "when we look at all your performances, we decided to give you a very honorable mention with congratulations of the jury" announced the president of the jury, Prof. Jacob YABI.

Let us emphasize that, during her thesis, Mrs. Gwladys AZONGNIDE benefited from the financial support and scientific stay coming from several national, regional and international institutions such as the Beninese Government through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), West African Research Association (WARA), Laboratoire Commun de Microbiologie (LCM), International Foundation Science (IFS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).