Ethnobotanical study of Burkea africana Hook. in the Reserves of Bontioli and the Classified Forest of Koulbi, Burkina Faso

Background: Burkea africana Hook. is one of the species exploited throughout Africa, particularly in south-western Burkina Faso. However, this species has not been investigated at a community level. The aim of the study is to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by B. africana to three communities located around two protected areas, which will allow for the identification of strengths and weaknesses that can guide local conservation. Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured survey involving 360 respondents from 12 villages around the Reserves of Bontioli and the Classified Forest of Koulbi. Respondents were randomly selected, mainly among the three indigenous communities of Birifor, Dagara and Lobi. Informant diversity value, informant equitability value and consensus value of use types (CTU) were used to analyse the data. Results: The best-informed respondents knew 14.7% of all uses, while the least informed respondents knew 4.0% of the uses of the plant. Burkea africana is used in the construction (CTU = 1.054) and the handicrafts trades (CTU = 0.824), as firewood (CTU = 0.714), medicine (CTU = 0.311), culture artifacts (CTU = 0.245), and as fodder (CTU = 0.096). Twenty-six medicinal uses were reported. Asthenia is treated by washing and drinking the decoction of leaves. Decoction and macerated roots treat hernia. Conclusion: The use of this species in construction and culture is of great importance for the traditional life of the Birifor, Dagara and Lobi. The transition to modern housing construction materials should be encouraged so that the wood is used less, thus contributing to the conservation of B. africana. Keywords: Construction wood, Distribution of knowledge, Informant diversity value, Plant conservation, Traditional drugs.