Contribution of Forest Resources to Household Socio-Economic Resilience in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso: Evidence from the Razoutenga Community Forest

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Résumé

The Razoutenga forest in Burkina Faso serves as a vital ecological and socio-economic asset for the surrounding rural communities. It is located in the Sahel region, specifically in the sub-Saharan sector of Burkina Faso. It falls within the municipality of Zitenga, which is in the Oubritenga region. This study investi-gates the extent to which forest resources contribute to the resilience of house-holds living in proximity to the forest. This is why a survey based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 56 heads of household, representing more than 62% of the households in the village, was carried out, employing a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach to ensure the robustness of the data and its extrapolation to the entire population. The results highlight a local governance framework based on customary norms, in which access to forest resources is regulated by the authority of the village chief. This community con-trol system, although informal, plays a central role in the sustainable manage-ment of timber resources in the Razoutenga forest. Additionally, the forest sup-ports food security by providing wild fruits, edible plants, and game, especially during periods of agricultural shortfall. Its medicinal plants also bolster commu-nity health, offering accessible and culturally relevant healthcare alternatives. Furthermore, the forest acts as a buffer against climatic and economic shocks, reducing vulnerability by offering fallback options when conventional livelihoods are disrupted. The study underscores the importance of sustainable and par-ticipatory forest management practices. It advocates for inclusive governance models that involve local stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure the long-term preservation of the forest’s ecological functions. Such approaches not only safeguard biodiversity but also reinforce the socio-economic stability of rural populations. Ultimately, the Razoutenga forest emerges not merely as a natural resource but as a cornerstone of rural resilience, deserving of inte-grated conservation and development strategies that align environmental sus-tainability with human well-being.

Mots-clés

Non-Timber Forest Products, Community-Based Forest Management, Livelihood Diversification, Sahelian Ecosystems, Rural Adaptation Strategies, Socio-Economic Resilience, Razoutenga, Burkina Faso