Local knowledge, uses and agroforestry potentials of Mafurra, Trichilia emetica, Vahl: preliminary report of the study carried out in Inharrime, Zavala e Chidenguele
Mafurreira (Trichilia emetica Vahl.) is a valuable oil-producing tree species that belongs to Maleaceae family and grows successfully in Mozambique. The species is well adapted to different agro-ecological conditions, but is mainly found along the coastal lowlands in the southern part of the country where it is commonly integrated in local agroforestry practices. Mafurra’s development is mainly spontaneous but it is also widely propagated by farmers through seed, rootstocks and wild seedlings on-farm and near homesteads. In urban areas, Mafurra is also frequently used for ornamental purposes and as a shade tree. Mafurra tree has significant cultural and socioeconomic value in Mozambique, especially in the southern part of the country. For unknown reasons, the species is being used for spiritual ceremonies that involve pledging to ancestors, and in the identification of graves in family cemeteries. In addition, Mafurra fruits are widely consumed and sold during the season. There are many types of mafurra mainly identified by the colour of the pericarp (the edible cover of the seed) such as red and white mafurra, and also by size of the seeds, such as big and small mafurra seeds/fruits. White mafurra is the most preferred for both local consumption and for sale. However, there are few families who own or produce mafurra trees mainly due to the difficulties associated with propagation of the species. During the harvest season, households with bigger quantities supply urban markets in order to raise and increase family income to support other basic needs. The importance of mafurra goes beyond immediate local consumption by farmers, as it is also locally processed into edible oil (called Munhantsi) and pulp (called Xibehe) that improve local diets and used as food sources particularly during post-harvest periods that are characterized by high food shortages.
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Publication year
2023
