Local knowledge on population structure and conservation of Lannea species in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Abstract

Fruit trees occupy an important place in the daily life of people in West Africa, but the most valuable species are often overexploited and undergo severe threats. This study focused on three Lannea species (Lannea macrocarpa, Lannea acida, and Lannea velutina) with the aim to assess local ecological knowledge on habitats, population dynamics, drivers of degradation and conservation strategies. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 576 informants in 16 localities across the Sudanian and the Sudano-Sahelian climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The majority of respondents (86 %) recognize, reduced rainfall is as the primary driver of Lannea velutina population declines in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. In the Sudanian zone, however, more respondents (75 %) identified bushfires as the main threat to Lannea microcarpa and Lannea acida populations. These changes were more reported by women (63 %) than men (55 %), and the Mossi ethnic group exhibited a particularly detailed knowledge of Lannea population dynamics in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Conservation efforts are largely supported by traditional cultural practices, with cultural bans for the three Lannea species. Assisted natural regeneration is also practiced for Lannea acida and Lannea microcarpa. The findings revealed significant variations in local perceptions of habitat changes and conservation strategies across climate zones, species, and ethnic groups (p< 0.05), but also stress the potential of building on traditional practices in nature management and conservation.