list of figures - Terry Sunderland

It is clear that within these two main classification systems discussed above both
morphology and functional utility are considered in relation to African rattans.
However, the differences between the two approaches can be considered cognitive. In
the case of the non-Bantu classifications, it is “climbing palm”, and the morphological
differences within that group that are the important criteria for classification; in the
Western Bantu classifications, it is the aspects of functional utility i.e. “cane”, and
how taxa relate to each other in that functional context, that take precedence.
Although equal correspondence has been found to occur between folk classification
and scientific taxonomy at the generic level in some classifications, this parity is not
commonly encountered in the case of African rattans. As discussed, within rattan folk
systematics, under-differentiation of western species recognised in Western taxonomy
tends to be more commonly observed. However, limited over-differentiation is also
encountered, particularly when juvenile stages are lexically distinguished from adult
stages in specific folk taxa.
6.8 CONCLUSION
Understanding how local people both view and use their resources is often a greatly
under-valued means of developing integrated sustainable strategies for forest and
resource management. When complimented by biosystematic data, the study of local
classification systems of indigenous groups can provide considerable insights into
which species are used and why, and how, in these functional respects, species relate
to each other. In the case of African rattans, such an approach has been critical in
providing clear information on the most utilised taxa and which species could be
targeted for promotion and development in the context of sustainable development.
This is particularly pertinent for the plethora of development and government
agencies that are currently calling for the promotion of “rattan” to contribute to the
improved livelihoods and wider conservation of the forests of West and Central
Africa. It is essential that such initiatives first identify which species are of particular
importance and then focus on the few species worthy of such investment. Now that a
sound taxonomic base has been provided through the study of nomenclature and use,
the utilisation of each biological species is now more comprehensively known, it is
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