This work was a literature review of the available data on the plant diversity in protected areas in Niger. It was based on several studies carried out in the period from 2005 to 2021 in nine (9) reserves of Niger. It aimed to assess the current state of the floristic diversity and ecosystem services in these protected areas. The results revealed the information on species richness, ecological spectrums and ecosystems services provided to local population living around these protected areas. A total of 648 plants species, mostly herbaceous, and dominated by Poaceae, were recorded. The spectrum of biological types is dominated by Therophytes (43.57%) and Microphanerophytes (19.07%), which are characteristic of Sahelian vegetation. The chorology revealed a predominance of multi-regional African species and species with a wide distribution. The study highlighted six (6) main categories of ecosystem services for local populations: human food, fodder, traditional pharmacopoeia, energy wood, service wood and craft wood. This review showed that the assessment of plant diversity in the protected area of Niger was far from exhaustive, and much remains to be updated.
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea l.), third food legume in Africa, is the largest in terms of production and consumption after the peanut (Arachis hypogeae) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata walp.). The valorisation of this culture is one of the best alternatives to ensure the food security of populations faced with the decline in the production of food crops such as millet, sorghum or wheat. To achieve this goal, a better knowledge of the genetic diversity of this culture is more than necessary. Therefore, followed by exploration of accessions collection was made across the country. All the areas visited were geo referenced and a map has been prepared. In total one hundred and fifteen (115) Bambara groundnut accessions were collected within six (6) regions of Niger with fifty (50) locations visited throughout the different growing areas. Fourteen morphotypes numbered Ne-01 to Ne-14 were identified after the collection. Following carried out discussions, the yellow color Ne-01 morphotype is the most appreciated both by producers and consumers. It is also clear that this culture of Bambara groundnut is practiced on small areas by both women and men. The choice of the seedling period is the same as well among women than among men. The production is destined for self-consumption or for sale depending on the quantity harvested. Chemicals, ash, salt, natron, cans are commonly used for the seeds conservation. Several types of dishes are made based of Bambara groundnut. In addition, Bambara groundnut has therapeutic values in some farmer's areas.