L’arbre en milieu soudano-sahélien dans le bassin arachidier (Centre-Sénégal)

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of trees in the pasture land of Kaffrine communities. Methodology and results: Ethnobotanical surveys applied to transhumant and local population were carried out in the selected villages in the two sites. Content addressed topics related to the perception on the role of trees. Results indicate a very high level of consensus (greater than 60% for all uses). This proves that woody species occupies a very important place in the lives of rural people. In this area trees are first used for livestock feed, in pharmacopoeia, and in food for men. The FCA indicates a high species-purpose link with multipurpose species showing a strong pressure on the resource. Conclusion: The present work shows the role and function that the trees play in the daily lives of farmers and pastoralists in the pasture lands of Lour Escale and Ida Mouride rural communities. Wood diverse and multiple functions and thus plays a very important social role. These roles includes: Feeding cattle and humans, medicine, crafts and production of firewood. Therefore, the means of management and rehabilitation of ecosystems should be analyzed with people to enable public and private decision to have practical tools for rational exploitation of the resource in the community.