Sociocultural variations of endogenous knowledge on the uses of the wild annona, Annona senegalensis Pers., in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between local populations and natural resources is useful to guide strategies for
their sustainable management. This study aims to assess the variation of endogenous knowledge of the wild
annona, Annona senegalensis Pers., among different communities across a phytogeography gradient North-west
to South-west of Burkina Faso. Stratified and random sampling scheme was adopted to survey 285 people, in eight
socio-cultural groups across three phytogeographic zones. Collected information through semi-structured
interviews made it possible to calculate ethnobotanical indices on the basis of which socio-cultural groups were
compared. The results revealed that the pulp of fruit, leaves and roots have the Relative Citation Frequency of
84.2%, 79.4% and 63.9%, respectively. The domain of pharmacopoeia (86.25%) and food (85.22%) had the
highest Relative Citation Frequency. The Use Value varied significantly according to the phytogeographic zones
(p <0.05) and the socio-cultural characteristics. The Vulnerability Index (VI) reveals that the annona is very
vulnerable due to anthropogenic pressure. In view of its importance in society, it is imperative that urgent measures
be taken for its sustainable management.