Theme 1: Grassland Ecology
Description
Senna obtusifolia is a less appreciated plant species. Its invasion has led to the disappearance of several herbaceous species of interest in West Africa rangelands. As adaptation strategy, people use it to substitute for those that have disappeared. This study aimed to assess the importance of this species for animal and local ethnic groups according to two contrast climate zones in Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanic survey mixed with direct observations on the field were conducted. Three hundred (300) people from height (8) ethnic groups were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. At the early stage of the rainy season, Senna obtusifolia is one of the plants available in abundance. Animals graze on the leaves of the seedlings. During the dry season, animals graze on the dry pods of Senna obtusifolia due to lack of fodder. Grazing dry pods also reduces the high rate of tree pruning. In addition, local population uses Senna obtusifolia in eight (8) categories. The most important are food (100%) and construction (46%). Sahelian people use the species more than Sudanian people. This study revealed the benefit of Senna obtusifolia to animals and people. The use of this species could be seen as an adaptive strategy to the negative ecological invasion of the species. Furthermore, these results could guide the formulation of management policies and how to further value invasive species.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Assessing the Usefulness of Senna obtusifolia, an Invasive Plant Species in West Africa Rangelands
Senna obtusifolia is a less appreciated plant species. Its invasion has led to the disappearance of several herbaceous species of interest in West Africa rangelands. As adaptation strategy, people use it to substitute for those that have disappeared. This study aimed to assess the importance of this species for animal and local ethnic groups according to two contrast climate zones in Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanic survey mixed with direct observations on the field were conducted. Three hundred (300) people from height (8) ethnic groups were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. At the early stage of the rainy season, Senna obtusifolia is one of the plants available in abundance. Animals graze on the leaves of the seedlings. During the dry season, animals graze on the dry pods of Senna obtusifolia due to lack of fodder. Grazing dry pods also reduces the high rate of tree pruning. In addition, local population uses Senna obtusifolia in eight (8) categories. The most important are food (100%) and construction (46%). Sahelian people use the species more than Sudanian people. This study revealed the benefit of Senna obtusifolia to animals and people. The use of this species could be seen as an adaptive strategy to the negative ecological invasion of the species. Furthermore, these results could guide the formulation of management policies and how to further value invasive species.
