Floristic diversity and characteristics of juvenile demography of Faidherbia parklands in climate sectors of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Agroforestry parklands form the basis of the production system and provide goods and services to rural populations. However, their exploitation does not guarantee a sustainable conservation of juvenile woody populations. This study aims to characterize the regeneration potential of the parks in Faidherbia albida (delile) A. chev. parklands which are areas of high socio-economic interest. The floristic diversity and the demographic structure of the juvenile vegetation of parklands as well as the regeneration mechanisms of the dominant tree F. albida were characterized in the three climatic sectors of Burkina Faso. A total of 43 species were recorded with a juvenile woody flora of F. albida parks typical for each climatic sector. Most of the 11 dominant juvenile species in these parks have a regressive population dynamics even though the Sudanian sector seems to be conducive to a good recruitment of F. albida and of Piliostigma thonningii

(Schumach.) Milne-Redh. Suckering remains the best regeneration mechanism adapted to ecological conditions of F. albida. Results of this study contribute to consolidating the basis for development activi- ties on F. albida in order to ensure their sustainable management.