Assessment of ethnobotanical knowledge about Flemingia faginea (Guill. & Perr.) Baker around the protected areas of Bontioli and Tiogo (Burkina Faso)

Authors

  • Raymond Nana Plant Ecophysiology research team (EcoPV), Biosciences Laboratory (Labios), Life and Earth Sciences Training and Research Unit, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0266-069X
  • Hugues Roméo Bazié Plant Ecophysiology research team (EcoPV), Biosciences Laboratory (Labios), Life and Earth Sciences Training and Research Unit, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ), 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6300-8953
  • Assan Gnoumou Training and Research Unit, Applied Sciences and Technologies (UFR/SAT), Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly University, D´ edougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Background: Flemingia faginea is a riparian species restricted to riverbanks and currently facing population decline. Its limited natural regeneration results from the combined effects of climate variability and anthropogenic disturbances. Ethnobotanical surveys serve as a vital bridge between scientific and local knowledge, supporting sustainable management and conservation. This study aimed to explore endogenous knowledge and practices related to F. faginea.

Methods: Data were collected from 205 respondents using simple random sampling to ensure an unbiased representation of local knowledge. A semi-structured interview based on a questionnaire was conducted with populations living near the Tiogo and Bontioli classified forests, which are home to the species. The data collected focused on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of the plant, its parts, areas of use, threats, solutions, and conservation strategies.

Results: Six factors explain the presence of F. faginea across different habitats, primarily related to ambient humidity, water availability, and soil fertility. The abundance of F. faginea was significantly associated with the rainy season. Reported regeneration modes include both sexual and asexual reproduction. However, the species faces intense exploitation pressure, mainly linked to traditional medicine (use value of 0.521), involving all of its organs. Bushfires, grazing, and drought are cited as major constraints limiting its natural regeneration and long-term sustainability in its habitat. Consequently, local communities advocate conservation measures through planting, awareness-raising, and law enforcement.

Conclusions: This study will help to preserve certain endogenous knowledge about F. faginea and contribute to its sustainable conservation.

Keywords: Conservation, Classified forest, Ethnobotany, Flemingia faginea, Traditional medicine

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Published

2026-09-17

How to Cite

Nana, R., Bazié, H. R. ., & Gnoumou, A. . (2026). Assessment of ethnobotanical knowledge about Flemingia faginea (Guill. & Perr.) Baker around the protected areas of Bontioli and Tiogo (Burkina Faso). Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 35, 1–16. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8557

Issue

Vol. 35 (2026)

Section

Research

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