Borassus akeassii facing societal and environmental challenges amid the Gouin society of southwestern Burkina Faso

Borassus akeassii Bayton, Ouédr. & Guinko is a multipurpose palm species historically central to the livelihoods of rural communities in southwestern Burkina Faso, particularly the Gouin society in Gouindougouba. Its traditional uses included the production of palm wine and handcrafted items from various plant parts. However, this longstanding tradition has undergone profound socio-economic changes, threatening the species’ continued cultivation and presence.Based on an ethnographic survey, an ecological assessment and participatory observations, this study reveals a marked decline in B. akeassii populations and use in a region where the species has played an important role for local livelihoods. The reduced economic and cultural importance of the species appears to be mainly linked to the decline in palm wine production, once the main product derived from the palm and a major driver of its cultivation. The decline is exacerbated by a rural population transitioning toward more profitable economic activities and distancing from traditional practices.The erosion of cultural ties to B. akeassii can be framed within a broader societal transformation, including shifts in religious habits, changes in dietary patterns, and overall modernization, all of which contribute to the weakening of rituals and knowledge associated with the species. To ensure the sustainable use and conservation of B. akeassii , the study advocates for renewed interest in its cultivation and the promotion of its derived products. This promotion could be supported by government-led initiatives, particularly through plantation programs aimed at enhancing its presence in reforestation efforts and strengthening its role in local livelihoods.