TITLE:
Contribution of Forest Resources to Household Socio-Economic Resilience in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso: Evidence from the Razoutenga Community Forest
AUTHORS:
Fatimata Sanogo, Yacouba Ouédraogo, Diakalya Traoré, Safiétou Ilboudo
KEYWORDS:
Non-Timber Forest Products, Community-Based Forest Management, Livelihood Diversification, Sahelian Ecosystems, Rural Adaptation Strategies, Socio-Economic Resilience, Razoutenga, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Forestry,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: The Razoutenga forest in Burkina Faso serves as a vital ecological and socio-economic asset for the surrounding rural communities. It is located in the Sahel region, specifically in the sub-Saharan sector of Burkina Faso. It falls within the municipality of Zitenga, which is in the Oubritenga region. This study investigates the extent to which forest resources contribute to the resilience of households living in proximity to the forest. This is why a survey based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 56 heads of household, representing more than 62% of the households in the village, was carried out, employing a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach to ensure the robustness of the data and its extrapolation to the entire population. The results highlight a local governance framework based on customary norms, in which access to forest resources is regulated by the authority of the village chief. This community control system, although informal, plays a central role in the sustainable management of timber resources in the Razoutenga forest. Additionally, the forest supports food security by providing wild fruits, edible plants, and game, especially during periods of agricultural shortfall. Its medicinal plants also bolster community health, offering accessible and culturally relevant healthcare alternatives. Furthermore, the forest acts as a buffer against climatic and economic shocks, reducing vulnerability by offering fallback options when conventional livelihoods are disrupted. The study underscores the importance of sustainable and participatory forest management practices. It advocates for inclusive governance models that involve local stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure the long-term preservation of the forest’s ecological functions. Such approaches not only safeguard biodiversity but also reinforce the socio-economic stability of rural populations. Ultimately, the Razoutenga forest emerges not merely as a natural resource but as a cornerstone of rural resilience, deserving of integrated conservation and development strategies that align environmental sustainability with human well-being.