Impact of urbanization on uses and conservation of indigenous leafy vegetable species in Burkina Faso, West Africa

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Résumé

Despite the importance of local leafy vegetable species in alleviating hunger and malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, little information is available on the impact of urbanization on the use of indigenous leafy vegetables. The present study investigated the use of indigenous leafy vegetable species and local people's perceptions of threats to these species and efforts to conserve them in Burkina Faso. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 257 informants across six villages in two climatic zones. Results indicated that indigenous leafy vegetable species are well-known by local people. In total, 20 indigenous leafy vegetable species were reported as being used, spanning 19 genera and 15 families. The diversity of indigenous leafy vegetable species used by the local people varied between climatic zones (F = 34.92, p < 0.001) and along an urbanization gradient (F = 36.34, p < 0.001). The main threats to the reported species that were identified by informants included environmental pressures such as drought and broader ecological degradation. In response, informants proposed several conservation solutions, including awareness-raising, integrated reforestation, and the adoption of sustainable harvesting practices. Promoting and conserving indigenous leafy vegetables remains essential for enhancing food and nutritional security in Burkina Faso.

Mots-clés

Food and nutritional security Indigenous knowledge Underutilized species Wild edible plants