Tree Biodiversity, Land Dynamics and Farmers’ Strategies on the Agricultural Frontier of Southwestern Burkina Faso |
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Authors: | Xavier Augusseau Paul Nikiéma Emmanuel Torquebiau |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Land, Environment, Resources, Stakeholders (CIRAD TERA), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, TA 60/15, 34398 Montpellier CX5, France;(2) Institute for Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), BP 910 Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso |
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Abstract: | In the sub-humid part of Burkina Faso, population growth, migrations and new marketing opportunities have induced rapid land-use
changes and social reorganization, leading to new approaches to natural resource management. The objective of this study was
to evaluate tree biodiversity parameters in agroforestry parklands (scattered trees in crop land) as population increases
and fallows become shorter. Out of about 100 tree species existing in the area, and 50 commonly found in traditional parklands,
only 3 indigenous and 2 non-native species hold a significant importance for farmers, all for their fruits. No indigenous
tree species are planted, but a few are protected when clearing the land. Planted cashew nut orchards develop rapidly and
are seen as a land tenure guarantee and an important source of income. Given these facts, the perspectives for tree biodiversity
management in farmers’ land may appear bleak. Yet, the importance given by farmers to specific tree products demonstrates
that trees do play a part in land development and farmers’ strategies. Existing practices of farmers show potential for improved
land-use and spatial patterning of the land, as revealed by emerging parklands and orchards. Our data do not confirm common
statements that migrant farmers do not manage the land as sustainably as native farmers do. Rather than trying to conserve
tree biodiversity as it is, researchers and developers should identify with farmers the complementarities between trees and
farms and promote tree biodiversity through existing practices. |
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Keywords: | Agroforestry Anacardium occidentale Cashew tree Fallow Farmers’ practice Migration Orchard Parkland Shea butter tree Vitellaria paradoxa |
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