Traditional use and management of Piliostigma reticulatum on the central plateau of Burkina Faso.

摘要

The characteristic species in the agroforestry system of Burkina Faso's central plateau are Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. F., Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, Tamarindus indica L. and Lannea microcarpa Engl. or K. Krause. However, these traditional agroforestry species are declining rapidly because of overuse and poor regeneration. These recent constraints are causing new species to appear in cropfields, such as Piliostigma reticulatum, which used to be destroyed when land was prepared for planting or sowing. This study is aiming to understand the reasons underlying the adoption of P. reticulatum by peasant farmers in the province of Boulkiemde. Farmers' perceptions and management of P. reticulatum were assessed in several local areas in the province through surveys and observations. P. reticulatum has been spared, especially when clearing bush for crop fields, for some 20 years now. Its density in cropfields depends on how far traditional agroforest species are represented. As a hardy, rapidly regenerating species, P. reticulatum has been adopted by local communities, who possess considerable endogenous know-how and knowledge in agronomy, crafts, nutrition and traditional medicine. The species also has an important social role. Although it is heavily used, it regenerates almost naturally with very little assistance, but the mechanisms involved are little known as yet. In view of the socio-economic importance of the species, it seems necessary to promote more effective methods to aid its regeneration.