Vécu expérientiel et justification des usages du Raphia sese De Wild dans la ville de Kikwit en République Démocratique du Congo
Abstract
Contexte/objectif : Dans la ville de Kikwit en République Démocratique du Congo, la pulpe du fruit de Raphia sese De Wild est largement utilisé dans l’alimentation, les habitudes traditionnelles de santé et dans diverses activités socioculturelles. Cette recherche prétend examiner le vécu expérientiel, les représentations sociales et les cohérences des justifications liées à ces usages dans la population locale.
Méthodes : Une approche qualitative a été adoptée par le biais d’entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès de dix-sept répondants sélectionnés par échantillonnage raisonné. Les données recueillies ont fait l’objet d’une analyse thématique de contenu.
Résultats : La pulpe à l’étude est perçue comme un atout polyvalent qui combine les fonctions alimentaires, symboliques et usages traditionnels de la santé. Les participants attestent son emploi dans la prise en charge traditionnelle des certaines maladies principalement divers troubles métaboliques, maladies infantiles et états pathologiques généralement reconnues par la population locale. Les savoirs concernant ses usages sont communiqués particulièrement dans la famille et se fondent sur l’expérience vécue mais aussi sur les savoirs collectifs. Les répondants paraissent favorables à un examen scientifique de ces habitudes en souhaitant protéger les savoirs traditionnels.
Conclusion : La pulpe étudiée représente une ressource alimentaire et culturelle ayant une forte valeur anthropologique. Les pratiques traditionnelles lui attribuées, sont dignes d’être davantage étayés par des investigations ethnobotaniques, nutritionnelles et pharmacologiques.
Context/Objectives : In the city of Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the pulp of the Raphia sese De Wild fruit is widely used in food, traditional health practices, and various sociocultural activities. This study aims to examine the experiential knowledge, social representations, and underlying rationales associated with these uses among the local population.
Methods : A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with seventeen respondents selected through purposive sampling. The data collected were subjected to thematic content analysis.
Results : The pulp under study is perceived as a versatile resource that combines nutritional, symbolic, and traditional health functions. Participants attest to its use in the traditional management of certain illnesses, primarily various metabolic disorders, childhood illnesses, and medical conditions generally recognized by the local population. Knowledge regarding its uses is passed down primarily within families and is based on lived experience as well as collective knowledge. Respondents appear supportive of scientific research into these practices while expressing a desire to preserve traditional knowledge.
Conclusion: The pulp studied represents a food and cultural resource of significant anthropological value. The traditional practices associated with it warrant further investigation through ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological studies.
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