WILD LEAFY VEGETABLES IN THE COMMUNITY OF SÉGUÉNÉGA, NORTHERN BURKINA FASO AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME GENERATION

Abstract

Edible wild plants contribute to food security in the Sahelian regions but not all of them are recorded at local level, limiting their conservation, promotion, and pricing. The article presents results of an ethnobotanical study conducted in the community of Seguenega, Northern Burkina Faso, to record wild plant species used as leafy vegetable by local people. Results show that about 43 species including trees, shrubs, and annual herbaceous plants are harvested and nearly all of them grow in the wild. Leaves are harvested mainly by women and children for household consumption as famine food and are also sold in the local markets. Despite their importance, these plants are threatened by over-harvesting, cutting, animal browsing, and bushfires. In order to increase edible plant availability, it is recommended that farmers, agricultural agents, and extension technicians work together to promote the husbandry and the use of these underexploited plants. The findings of the study could be a starting point for participatory and sustainable agricultural development in the study zone. Botanical gardens creation for ex situ conservation of the leafy vegetable species genetic resources deserves more attention.