Local plants for food and health security in Sahel countries: Case of an area in the layout of the great green wall of Burkina Faso

Abstract

The increase in new health problems related to an unbalanced diet calls for promoting local plants with nutritional and therapeutic virtues. A study was conducted in the province of Oubritenga in central Burkina Faso to know these plants. Twenty five (25) nutritional species with therapeutic virtues and high use values (UVs ≥ 0.50) have been identified. Results also showed that leaves and fruits were the most consumed parts (48%). Leaves were also the most used in medicinal recipes (54%). The trunk bark and fruits were recommended at 28% and 7% respectively. The presence of numerous mineral elements, vitamins, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and important chemical groups with well-known biological properties justify the use of these therapeutic food plants. Traditional foods can be an important track in finding solutions to chronic disease and malnutrition as well as ensuring food and health security in low-income countries.