Background: In Burkina Faso, Ficus is one of the largest plant genera. However, its resource availability, populations status and uses which are crucial for the conservation of the species have not been sufficiently documented. This study aims to fill this gap of knowledge. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out purposively from August 2021 to April 2022 with 240 informants of different age categories, ethnic groups and sexes across 12 villages in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Collected information related to the resource availability, the population status and the uses of Ficus species. The data analysis consisted of calculation of frequencies and ethnobotanic indices such as relative frequency of citation (RFC) and use value. Chi-squared test and generalized linear model were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Ficus species resources were perceived to be rare (69.06%) while populations status was perceived to be declining (41.39%). Both resource availability and populations status were only influenced by the ethnic group (p-value < 0.05). The most useful species were F. sycomorus, F. platyphylla and F. sur. Species were mostly used in medicine (RFC = 91.25%), fodder (90%), food (84.58%) and firewood (79.16%). Uses were strongly influenced by informants’ ethnic group (p-value = 0.002), sex (p-value = 8.75e-06) and age category (p-value = 0.001). Conclusions: The global decline trend of Ficus species in Burkina Faso combined with their high use by populations suggest the necessity of implementing conservation strategies involving the local population.

Locals’ perceptions, Ficus species diversity, Fig tree uses, Plant use value