Département de Géographie et Gestion de l’Environnement, Option : Sciences Exactes Institut Supérieur et Pédagogique de la Gombe. B.P. 3580 Kinshasa/Gombe, RD Congo
A forest mushroom, Auricularia delicata (Mont ex Fr.) Henn, largely consumed by the populations of the provinces of Equateur, Kwilu, Kwango, Mayi-Ndombe, Kasaï Central, Kasaï-Oriental and the citizens of the city of Kinshasa, subject to a significant trade, generating substantial revenue, was studied in the context of a non-timber forest product. A survey conducted in 10 markets in the city of Kinshasa and the analysis of the chemical composition of this mushroom, reveals that Auricularia delicata is very appreciated and provides protein (10 %), carbohydrates (50 %), lipids (9 %) and minerals. An important commercial activity of this product, characterized by a stream of traffic, ensures the transport and supply of the congolese capital in food products. This work highlights one of the characteristics of urban ecosystem: the importation of some of his intra-somatic energy for its operation. It appears interesting to protect habitats and natural substrates of this forest resource, to undertake cultivation trials and innovations needed to integrate this forest product in the formal trade circuit in order to generate attractive incomes for the producers and traders, and to ensure availability for consumers.