KNOWLEDGE OF SHRIMPS COMPOSITION AND THEIR IMPLICATION IN FOOD SECURITY IN DRYLAND AREA IN BURKINA FASO (WEST AFRICA)

Abstract

In West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, shrimp are an important natural resource with high economic and nutritional value for rural populations. However, the knowledge of shrimp composition and their potential use in fisheries are still very limitedin Burkina Faso. To fill this gap,we examined the shrimps composition and addressed their potentiality in fisheries, and for farming in Burkina Faso. To do so, keys environmental variables were measured, and shrimp were collected using a hand net and a cast net, and identified using taxonomic manuals and keys. From our findings, seven species belonged to genus (Macrobrachium) were identified, with two more species reported for the first time in Burkina Faso. The results showed that dryland lakesbear a high shrimps species richness due to good habitats conditions, and many efforts need to be done to boost shrimps production, both artificially and naturally in rural areas of Burkina Faso,where hunger and malnutrition are the recurrent issues.Thus, the implementation of water resources policy by promotingcrustaceans fisheries, encouragingscientific researches and providing technical and financial supportsmightbe the future challenges for scientists and policy makersto boost shrimp fisheries and cultivation for the well-being of poor population in rural areas.