Local perception of forest dynamics in the municipality of Sourgou in Burkina Faso : between indicators and factors

Abstract

Context and background
In Burkina Faso, environmental resource degradation is characterized by declining soil fertility, water and air pollution, and especially the degradation of forest resources. Despite the plethora of studies on forest resource dynamics, few highlight the local perception of the issue.
Goal and Objectives:
This study aimed to highlight the local indicators and factors of forest cover dynamics in the municipality of Sourgou.
Methodology:
Secondary and primary data were collected for this purpose. A total of 86 households living near the forests studied were surveyed using questionnaires.
Results:
The analysis of the collected data through the informant consensus factor (Fci) and the Likert scale revealed characteristic results. These results reveal a degrading dynamics of vegetation cover in forest areas according to local perception, with an Fci value of 0.97. This degradation is at a moderate level with an average score on the Likert scale of 2.47. Furthermore, these results highlight seven local indicators, the most characteristic of which are the reduction of vegetation cover, low availability of forest products, and expansion of agricultural fields with respective Fci values of 0.91, 0.91, and 0.86. Moreover, these results show that this degradation is due to a number of factors including low rainfall (Fci=0.93), logging (Fci=0.89), and population growth (Fci=0.89). In light of these results, this study can serve as a solid basis for the development of an effective and area-specific strategic plan for the protection and promotion of forest areas in the study area.