Drivers of Fire Occurrence and Local Management Solutions: Evidence from the Sudanian Savanna-Woodland

Abstract

Fires are considered the most important disturbance agent in various ecosystems including savannas, grasslands, and forest ecosystems. In the sudanian zone, it is estimated that 25 to 50% of the area burns annually. The use of fire as a land management is widespread, but its effects on ecosystems depend very much on the nature of the fire regime. Furthermore, in certain savannah areas of Africa, the use of fire often meets needs that are as cultural as they are economic. This paper presents an analysis of household representative’s socio-economic determinants and other the factors that explain the decision to use fire based on data collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 respondents in two surrounding villages of each forest (Tiogo and Dinderesso, Burkina Faso). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to extract factors. In addition, the multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between participation indicators and respondent's socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The results showed that two (2) factors determine the application of fire: pastoral and socio-economic benefits, and food consumption. These factors were found to be significantly correlated to socio-economic and demographic characteristics (Ethnic group, religion, gender, source of income, comfort level, education). It is desirable that the policies also take into account these socio-cultural and economic considerations of the practice of fire in the programmes for the management of natural spaces in order to ensure participatory and community-based management and better involvement of the local communities.