Status of bamboo species (Poaceae) (Kunth) in Menoua, Agroecological Zone 3 of Cameroon

Studies on bamboo resources are limited in Congo Basin. This study assessed species diversity, distribution, characterisation and socio-economic importance of bamboo to livelihood in Menuoa, Cameroon. Ninety questionnaires, one focus group discussion per village, observation and interviews were administered in 9 villages. Yushania alpina (K. Schum.) W.C.Lin, Phyllostachys aurea Carrière ex Rivière & C. Rivière, Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex. J.C.Wendl., Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata , Bambusa species Longinternode, Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro, Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f) Backer ex K.Heyne and Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees were identified. P. aurea dominated cultivated lands and settlement areas covered the greatest land surface of 2137 m 2 with an altitudinal range (1200-1400 m). Internodes vary (21.8-40 cm) per culm and length (9.8-34.5 cm). The number, length of internodes, height, diameter and number of culms varied significantly across Menoua (P<0.005). The culm (56%) was the greatest used parts. Bamboos had several uses such as aesthetics, soil erosion and landslide control, and landscape restoration. Municipalities are proper to lead bamboo resource management and conservation.