Characterization of the agro-operational systems of shea (vitellaria paradoxa c.f. gaertn) farms and household dynamics in the commune of po, south-central region of Burkina Faso

Shea production plays a significant role in the economic development of major shea butter-producing regions worldwide. Despite the growing interest in shea, there has been limited research focused on characterizing cropping systems within shea parks and evaluating their contribution to ecosystem functions. This research aims to fill this gap by enhancing the understanding of shea parks and their potential to improve the livelihoods of rural households and the ecosystem services they provide. The study was conducted from January to June 2022 in the commune of Pô, specifically in the villages of Dongo, Katchéli, and Torem, located in the Centre-South region of Burkina Faso. A purposive sampling method, considering producer group and education level, was used to select 116 agricultural producers representative of the study area for interviews. The findings reveal that 68.18% of producers have been utilizing shea parks for several decades. The majority of these producers engage in Assisted Natural Regeneration, and 86.21% apply organic fertilizers to their crops. However, the survey also indicates that 82% of producers do not use improved seed varieties, and 91% rely on plant protection products to safeguard their crops against pest infestations. The results underscore the role of shea parks in providing ecosystem services in the municipality of Pô. Future research should focus on assessing the impact of conservation and restoration efforts on the sustainability and functionality of shea parks.