Characteristics of woody species diversity based on the type of agroforestry parkland bordering the Kuinima classified forest in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, the conservation of woody species in agroforestry parklands is a major concern. The aim
of this study was to characterize the diversity and health status of woody species according to the
management units bordering the Kuinima classified forest. A systematic inventory of woody species in 84
square plots of 2,500 m2 each, spread over four types of management units: hut fields, bush fields, village
fields and lowlands. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') and rarity index (IR) were determined. The
results show a total of 47 woody species belonging to 22 families and 45 genera. The bush and village fields
had the highest number of species recorded. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was very low in the
lowlands with H'=1.96 bits compared to that of the bush fields with H'=2.10 bits. A large number of species
with RI ≥ 80%, and therefore considered rare, were recorded in the bush fields (31 species) and village
fields (28 species). Regeneration concerned 44 species and was dominated by Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn.f
(36.8%). In addition, more than 50% of the species, with the exception of those in the hutches, had been
attacked by parasites, mainly Tapinanthus. These results are a reference for monitoring the dynamics of
agroforestry parklands.