Usages de piliostigma reticulatum (dc.) hochst. et contribution à la sécurité alimentaire des populations rurales en zone nord-soudanienne au Burkina Faso

Abstract

The northern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso is confronted with capricious rainfall due to recurrent droughts and floods, which are the cause of low agricultural yields and frequent famines among rural populations. This study aims to analyse the contribution of Piliostigma reticulatum to the resolution of food crises. A survey was conducted among a random sample of 285 farmers in Yilou from January to June 2021 to find out the uses of the plant by the farmers, followed by chemical analyses to determine the nutritional value of the parts consumed. The results revealed the presence of four socio-professional groups made up of women, herders, producers and traditional practitioners who exploit the leaves, pods, roots and bark in different ways for food, medicinal, fodder, craft and economic purposes. The content of mineral salts; calcium (6,714 mg/Kg), magnesium (3,353 mg/Kg), potassium (27,035 mg/Kg), phosphorus (1,755.49 mg/Kg) sodium (96 mg/Kg) and nitrogen (2.21%) obtained in the pods is greater than in the leaves. These results show that P. reticulatum is widely used by the populations, represents an important source of nutrients and the income obtained from sales allows to face food crises and to fight against poverty.