Stand Dynamics of Non-Wood Forest Product Species in the Kuinima Classified Forest (KCF) in the Houet Province (Burkina Faso)

The vegetation cover of forest ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa is currently deteriorating. Species that provide non-wood forest products such as Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Adansonia digitata are not spared. The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization and conservation of these species. To achieve this, a forest inventory of the main species was conducted in the Kuinima classified forest. A systematic inventory was carried out using circular plots with a radius of 20 cm. The data obtained was complemented by a structural study of these formations, based on the circumference measured at 1m 30 from the ground. ANOVA analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between densities. The results show that Vitellaria paradoxa has the highest average density (47.714±65.165 individuals/ha), followed by Parkia biglobosa (5.626±2.29 individuals/ha). In terms of health condition, Vitellaria paradoxa is the most attacked by Loranthaceae (41.93%). Regarding the stand structure, all three species show an abundance of juvenile trees (c ≤20 cm). Moreover, with the low mortality rates observed, the dynamics is evolutionary for all three species. In order to preserve the wood potential of this forest, capacity building, technical and awareness-raising actions could be undertaken. These results constitute data that should be taken into account in programs for the conservation of NWFP species in general, and for the control of Loranthaceae that parasitize Vitellaria paradoxa in particular.