Spatial Distribution and Bioclimatic Factors of Sudano-Sahelian Agroforestry Tree Species: The Case of African Locust Bean (Parkia Biglobosa) and Shea (Vitellaria Paradoxa) in the Province of Boulkiemdé, Burkina Faso

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Résumé

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) and shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) are emblematic species of West African agroforestry parklands. They play a major role in food security, rural livelihoods and the structuring of agricultural landscapes. However, their spatial distribution is insufficiently documented at the local level, particularly in a context of climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources. This study analyses the spatial distribution and bioclimatic determinants of African locust bean in the province of Boulkiemdé, in central-western Burkina Faso, combining an integrated approach that combines field inventories, spatial analyses and modelling of potential distribution. Data on presence and abundance were collected between November and December 2024 using systematic sampling based on a 3 km grid. The potential distri-bution of the species was modelled using the MaxEnt model, and the relationships be-tween the probability of presence and bioclimatic variables were analysed using Pear-son's correlation. The results highlight a heterogeneous distribution of African locust bean and shea trees, structured by a marked south-north gradient. The southern areas have the highest probabilities of occurrence and densities. The seasonality of rainfall and quarterly precipitation explain the spatial distribution of the species. Conversely, climate variability and temperature extremes appear to be limiting factors. This study highlights the importance of combining ecological modelling and abundance data to inform land use planning and sustainable management of agroforestry parks in the con-text of climate change.

Mots-clés

Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, spatial distribution, climate change, Burkina Faso