Usage Patterns and Conservation Practices of Wild Palm Species (Arecaceae) in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract

Wild palms provide high-value resources and contribute to generating income for rural people. This study documents the usage patterns and conservation practices of wild palms in Western Burkina Faso. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 258 participants across five different communities. The participants cited seven palm species. The number of palm species cited per participant varied according to their ethnic group, gender, and age category. Elaeis guineensis and Borassus akeassii were the most cited and useful species. The influence of ethnic group, gender, and age on use values depended on the specific palm species among the communities. Local people adopted natural assisted regeneration (watering, protecting, and taking care of seedlings that germinate naturally) and cultivation to conserve Borassus akeassii and Elaeis guineensis. Local conservation practices and sustainable exploitation of wild palms are needed for their successful and effective conservation in the semi-arid climatic context of Burkina Faso.