The Cultural Keystone Status of Cola Nitida in Benin: A Biocultural Approach for Conservation

Cola nitida (Malvaceae), widely used in rituals, medicine, and social exchanges, holds significant cultural and economic importance in Benin, especially within the traditional religion Thron. However, increasing environmental pressures are compromising the availability of this species and the sustainability of its traditional practices. This study used six key biocultural criteria to examine the connection between Cola nitida and the continuity of traditional practices and beliefs among Thron communities in southern Benin. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multivariate analysis were used to assess the contribution of each criterion to the cultural keystone status. The findings highlight the symbolic connection between Cola nitida and the vodun Thron in southern Benin. They also emphasize the importance of the species’ nuts in the five steps of members’ initiation in the Thron religion. Furthermore, the results indicate that the availability of Cola nitida nuts for the Thron religion in Benin is significantly based on the kola nut import market, due to the decline of the species' populations in Benin. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and conservationists regarding how biocultural frameworks can enhance the understanding of priority species for reforestation programs in Benin. The results also underscore the urgent need for conservation and cultivation strategies.