Importance of African locust bean trees
Part of our African Geography Hub — Explore Africa's landscapes and environment.
African locust bean trees are important to women's economics. Soumbala and Dawadawa pastes are made from the fermented seeds of African locust beans.
The African Locust Tree: A Multipurpose Marvel
The African Locust Tree (Parkia biglobosa) is a remarkably versatile tree with a long history of use across sub-Saharan Africa. This large, slow-growing tree thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, providing a range of valuable products and ecological benefits.
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| African locust bean tree |
The African Locust Tree: A Food Source and More
Nutritious Food: The seeds of the African Locust Tree are a significant food source. They are cooked like beans, fermented into pastes like Soumbala and Dawadawa (rich in protein and fat), and used to flavor various dishes.
What are Soumbala and Dawadawa?
Soumbala and Dawadawa are fermented pastes made from the seeds of the African locust bean tree, known scientifically as Parkia biglobosa. These pastes are popular flavoring agents in West African cuisine.
Soumbala is typically found in countries like Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is often added to stews and soups to enhance the taste.
Dawadawa, on the other hand, is common in Nigeria and some other regions of West Africa. It has a slightly milder flavor compared to Soumbala and is used in similar culinary applications.
Both Soumbala and Dawadawa are nutritious, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they contribute a unique depth of flavor to various West African dishes.
Traditional Uses: The tree offers a wide range of uses:
- Food: The sweet pulp within the pods is eaten raw, made into drinks, and even fermented into an alcoholic beverage.
- Medicine: The stem bark exhibits antibiotic properties, particularly against Shigella infections.
- Pest Control: The beans possess termite-repellent properties.
- Economic Activity: The production and sale of locust bean products, especially by women, contribute to local economies.
Environmental Benefits:
- Shade and Shelter: The tree provides much-needed shade and shelter from the harsh sun and winds in arid regions.
- Honey Production: Its melliferous flowers attract bees, contributing to honey production.
- Soil Improvement: The tree helps improve soil fertility.
A Sustainable Resource:
While the wood is used for construction and fuel, the tree's primary value lies in its non-timber products. Its sustainable use and cultivation can significantly improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Where Does the African Locust Bean Tree Grow:
The African locust bean tree, known as Parkia biglobosa, is found in many countries in tropical Africa. Here are some of the main countries where this tree grows:
West Africa:
- Senegal
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guinea
- Sierra Leone
- Mali
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Ghana
- Togo
- Benin
- Niger
- Nigeria
Central Africa:
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
East Africa:
- Sudan
- Uganda
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