Diversity and structure of woody melliferous plants and apifauna habitats in the pastoral zone of Gadeghin in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Gadeghin pastoral area, like the other pastoral areas, was created to increase livestock productivity and ensure pastoral activities security. However, a deterioration of fodder resources is observed in this pastoral zone endangering livestock production. Beekeeping has the advantage of being an income-generating activity while improving crop production through bees’ pollination. To promote a rational exploitation of beekeeping resources by agro-breeders and optimize bee pollination services, investigations on the structure and diversity of woody honey and apifauna habitats were conducted in Gadeghin pastoral area. To do this, trees serving as habitat for honey bees were identified through 28 parallel observation transects. The woody honey - bearing plants were then searched for a radius of 2 km around these habitats. The state of the woody habitats and honey - producing plants was characterized following a systematic floristic inventory. 144 plots of vegetation surveys were conducted. The result shows Adansonia digitata as the primary bee habitat and the whole habitat is located within 1 km of a natural water source. 26 honey-bearing species have been identified, which strengthens the possibility of developing beekeeping production in the pastoral area. However, the state of plant resources requires protection and vegetation restoration actions.