Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Anthropogenic Actions in Burkina Faso: A Case Study of the Neighboring Communities of Dinderesso and Peni Classified Forest

Abstract

Protected areas' vulnerability assessments of neighboring communities fail to fully account for the relationship among climate, protected areas, and human activities, making it challenging to manage biodiversity sustainably and preserve neighboring communities' livelihoods. This study aims to evaluate the vulnerability of eight neighboring communities of Dinderesso and Peni classified forest to climate and human activities through a simplified and consistent framework. Eight focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire addressed to resource persons from eight neighboring communities. They assessed their vulnerability using a participatory research method. The categorial qualitative data collected were normalised and analysed using an arithmetic method in the Excel spreadsheet before being mapped using the software QGIS 3.18. The analysis revealed that neighboring Dinderesso and Peni classified forest vulnerability to climate and human activities ranges from low to moderate due to climate, socio-economic conditions, geographical location, topography, altitude, and management policies of the protected areas. These findings emphasise the importance of considering the vulnerability of neighboring communities to climate and human activities in the management plans and investments for protected areas by policymakers, forest managers and stakeholders. This is essential for advancing biodiversity conservation and safeguarding the well-being of local communities.