A Traditional Precolonial Practice and Its Ecological Value: A Case Study of Quickset Hedge

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Made of bushes, creepers, bamboos, stakes, thorn bushes or intertwined branches, the quickset hedge is an art, a practice observed at the colonial time in grass-field people. Reserved for man only, this practice with incontestable advantages and is transmitted through the generations, required a great skill and master of technique. This article presents on the basis of empirical data the relevance of this practice as well securely and ecologically as medicinal and economically. The quickset hedge considered as a traditional landmark which prevented any land dispute. It secured houses against any nasty person, prevented the small livestock from escaping. Ecologically, let us note that the trees of the quickset hedge shaded the place where people could stay in case of great heat. The roots of these trees served to fix and solidify the ground and even prevented erosion. As for branches and leaves, these prevented windmill erosion. Economically, let us note that rafters grounded during the string helped to establish the roofs or the opening up of future huts. While fresh leaves and barks were used as food for livestock, the dead leaves were used as droppings. Trees of quickset hedge were used to make potions which help to eradicate several diseases in the community. This is its medicinal aspect/side. Apart from this, this article also underlines the substitution of this practice with modern fences made of breeze-block, reinforced concrete and bricks. That is why a real plead is required for a return to the quickset hedge. That return will contribute not only to maintain dips which are the real biotopes of creepers and bamboos but also to favour the ecosystem balance.