Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Impact of Grazing Intensity on Floristic Diversity and Woody Structure in Grazing Area Near Kaboré Tambi National Park (Burkina Faso)
ZAMPALIGRE Nouhoun, KAGAMBEGA Wenemi François, SANOU Lassina, SAWADOGOLouis

Abstract
Natural forests are under pressure due to intensification of anthropogenic activities, especially in the destination zone of pastoralists. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the sedentarization of pastoralists on the floristic diversity and vegetation structure of a grazing area near KaboréTambi National Park, in order to improve the management of this ecosystem. For this purpose, floristic census and dendrometric measurements were carried out in 0.25 ha plots (50 m x 50 m) following a gradient of increasing pastoral pressure from the place of residence to the core of the park, through a systematic sampling design. The results show that the floristic richness has significantly increased (F = 6.406; p = 0.013) following an increasing gradient of pastoral pressure. However, despite a stable structural dynamics and a high regeneration rate (> 80%), the low densities and basal areas of woody trees near pastoralists’ homes, indicate a degradation state of woody resources. Therefore, in the context of sustainable management of natural resources and securing pastoral systems, several intervention strategies involving the main actors have been recommended in the grazing area.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v8n2a13