Importance of Piliostigma reticulatum: Comparative study of the perception of the species by the populations of Saria and Nassoulou in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, Piliostigma reticulatum is transforming agriculture! Farmers in Saria and Nassoulou use this species to revitalize soils and enhance crop yields amidst challenging conditions. From fertilizing fields to aiding livestock and boosting household income, P. reticulatum is crucial. However, its survival is threatened by overuse and habitat loss. There is a need for preserving this vital resource and ensuring sustainable farming for future generations.

P. reticulatum-culture association, TIENDREBEOGO W. Jules, INERA Saria, UNB

P. reticulatum plant with pods, TIENDREBEOGO W. Jules, INERA Saria, UNB

Introduction

The preservation of agroforestry species is a necessity in Burkina Faso. In a context of erratic rainfall and unsuitable farming practices, agricultural production has seen a considerable drop in yields over the years. Local farmers are now using agroecological practices to build resilience. In Saria and Nassoulou, Piliostigma reticulatum is usedto recover degraded soils and fertilise fields (Yelemou et al, 2007). This study aims to understand the importance of Piliostigma reticulatum for farmers in Saria and Nassoulou.

Methodology

Direct individual interviews and open discussionswere carried out from 2 to 17 September 2023. We carried out a random selection in four villages, namely Nassoulou, Koné, Villy and Saria, i.e. twenty people including ten women and ten men per village in two age groups: young people under thirty-five (35) and adults over thirty-five. In all, seventy-nine (79) people were interviewed, including forty (40) women and thirty-nine (39) men. The study focused mainly on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the species and its management by producers in the area. The analysis was qualitative.

Results

Below are detailed results from the survey, a summary of uses can be found in Table 1 below.

1. Perception and different uses of Piliostigma reticulatum (P. reticulatum) by growers.

All the people interviewed (100%) in Saria and Nassoulou claimed to know the species well from a phenological and ecological point of view. P. reticulatum is highly valued in socio-economic and cultural terms. It is used by the population for a variety of purposes:

The presence of P. reticulatum would be a natural indicator of soil fertility and favourable farming activities. (specified by 38% of respondents)
It is used by all growers, i.e. 100% in the production of compost and in the fields as a mulch fertiliser, 100% of those surveyed mulch with P. reticulatum, less than 5% use it to produce compost and/or as a bund to prevent rainwater run-off (around five out of ten fields do so in Nassoulou and 2 out of ten in Saria)
In livestock farming as feed for small and large ruminants and as treatment for diarrhoea in animals, 51% of respondents, particularly the older age groups, but less than 30% of respondents actually use it because there are few livestock farmers
In traditional medicine as a remedy for many illnesses such as measles, itching, deep or hard-to-heal wounds, migraines, fatigue and aches
In the kitchen, leaves are used in the preparation of local dishes, say all the women, at a rate of 100%
P. reticulatum also contributes significantly to the income of some households through the sale of pods, bark used as rope and wood for fuel.

2. Management of P. reticulatum by growers on the farm

Generally speaking, the management of P. reticulatum in the farm is mainly linked to crop cycles. During the rainy season approaches (April-May), P. reticulatum plants are partially or totally pruned, and most of the young plants are cut down during weeding. The resulting leaf biomass is used to mulch bare or eroded areas. At Saria and Villy, all the growers cut P. reticulatum plants either during ploughing or sowing.

The number of plants saved depends on their density in the field and the size of the field. In the Nassoulou area, around 70% of those surveyed spared P. reticulatum in their fields, as the species is seen as favourable in association with crops. Higher crop in association with P. reticulatum are explained by:

Decomposition of the litter under P. reticulatum
Longer-lasting humidity under P. reticulatum thanks to its canopy, which has a covering effect on the soil• Animal droppings in search of pods under the crown or from animals tied up under its shade.

The difference in P. reticulatum management between Nassoulou and Saria/Villy shows that when fields are smaller, farmers tend to try to eliminate Piliostigma to make more room for crops. Unfortunately, despite extensive use of P. reticulatum, farmers do not plant it.; only assisted natural regeneration (ANR) is applied. As a result, P. reticulatum is losing more and more of its value and the tendency is to decrease in abundance, due to a number of factors, including:

the disappearance of scrubland
the cutting of firewood by women
the excessive cutting of leaves for mulching.

Aware of this, endogenous solutions have already been adopted by the local people, who point to the appointment by the village chief of people called "Tiis-Naaba" and "Koogul-Wéogo", who are responsible for monitoring and preserving the plant. In addition, the SustainSahel's approach of integrating shrub-crop-livestock is innovative and effective in helping to protect P. reticulatum. In order to better preserve the species, people need to be made aware of the results of research which show that in a cultivation association, P. reticulatum cut at the base gives the same yield as a partially pruned P. reticulatum. It is therefore important for people to know that preserving a plant of Piliostigma reticulatum in the field fertilises the field better than mulching alone.

Table 1. Summary of uses of the different plant parts

Domain	Men	Women
Farming sector	Leaves are used to cover bare spots on the ground; Used as fertiliser to fertilise fields; Substitute for chemical products such as fertiliser; Used to channel run-off water into fields.	Fertilising arable land; Replaces chemical fertiliser in the event of a shortage; Ash obtained from the wood of the plant is spread on the fields; Use as mulch in fields; Used to channel run-off water into fields.
Livestock	Pods are crushed and fed to animals; Veterinary care (diarrhoea, fibres are used to tie around the neck and it heals).	Pods are used as animal feed.
Social	The fibres are used to weave straw; the fibres are used to make ropes for weaving hut doors, mats, hut roofs, granaries and sheds; Wood for the kitchen; The leaves contain an acidic substance that is used to prepare the tô; Twigs are also used to make tea and coffee in the field; Wood is used to make dolo (a local drink).	Potash made from the wood ash of the plant; Piliostigma fibres are used to make roofs for huts, seccos, mats and granaries; The twigs and wood of the plant are used as energy in cooking; The juice from the leaves of Piliostigma reticulatum is used in the preparation of tô or porridge; The leaves of Piliostigma reticulatum are used to steam certain dishes.
Sanitary	Veterinary care (diarrhoea); The fibres tied around the neck help the animal to heal.	Leaves and roots used in therapeutic treatments (diarrhoea, chickenpox, malaria, coughs, itching)

Conclusion

This study shows that in the localities of Saria and Nassoulou, Piliostigma reticulatum is of inestimable socio-economic value to households. Nevertheless, it is important to step up awareness-raising campaigns and agro-ecological practices in order to slow its gradual decline.

Literature cited

BAZONGO J. P., OUEDRAOGO L., DAO M. C. E., SANOU M., RAMDE G., SOME D., HIEN E., DOUZET J. M (2022). Contribution à la valorisation et à la conservation du Piliostigma reticulatum (DC) Hochst. (F) à Yilou et dans la région centre-nord du Burkina Faso.

YELEMOU B., 1993. L'étude de l'arbre dans le système agraire au Boulkiemdé : inventaire des principales espèces et étude de l'interface neemsorgho. Dissertation, University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 1 001 p. + appendices.