Degradation of Natural Resources in the Lowlands of Burkina Faso

The Burkinabe Sahel is characterized by a strong degradation of natural resources. This regression is attributable to natural and anthropogenic factors. The present study concerns the lowlands of the Nakanbé-Dem sub-watershed located in the southern limit of the Sahel. In this area dominated by rain-fed agriculture and extensive livestock farming, wetlands are of paramount importance. In the face of their continued degradation, community participation is necessary for sustainable management of the lowlands. This study analyzes endogenous indicators of inland valley degradation in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Semi-structured survey data were collected from 325 farmers in six lowlands. Descriptive statistics and correspondence factor analysis (CFA) were applied. The results show that farmers clearly perceive the degradation of the inlands. Farmers use meteorological, floristic and physical elements to characterize the state of degradation of the inlands.