Dynamics and farmers' perception of the degradation of woody forage in the pastoral zone of Gadeghin, Burkina Faso

Dynamique des ligneux fourragers dans la zone pastorale de Gadeghin

Abstract

In the Sahel, woody vegetation plays an important role in animal nutrition. Pastoral resources degradation
in Burkina Faso is a major concern. To remedy this, knowledge of the vegetation cover is a prerequisite.
The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of degradation and forms of management of woody
fodder resources in the Gadeghin pastoral zone. Vegetation structure, composition and dendrometric
surveys were carried out in 116 plots in order to identify tree dominant species. A total of 35 tree species
were recorded, divided into 14 families and 27 genera. Tree average density with minimum diameter was
estimated at 301 individuals/ha and a basal area of 6.52m²/ha. The study of the vertical structure showed
an unstable, degraded population. Also, the observed regeneration rate was relatively very low in savannah
trees (111 trees/ha), crop fields (104 trees/ha) and riparian formations (0 trees/ha). A perception survey of
125 people showed that the vegetation in the study area is under degradation phase.