Farmers’ Knowledge and Interest Traits of Hibiscus cannabinus Grown in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The present study aims to contribute to a better sociocultural knowledge of Hibiscus cannabinus through an inventory of the local knowledge and the identification of interest characters for farmers. Seventy-two (72) accessions were collected from fifty-six (56) villages distributed in seven (7) provinces. The information has been collected through semi-structured interviews. Twelve (12) vernacular names have been counted. Their denomination by the farmers is based on the phenotypic characters such as the cycle of the plant and the seeds origin. Meanwhile, the study revealed that the farmers get their seeds from parents and friends, by a direct withdrawal in the spontaneous and cultivated ecotypes, through donation or exchange, the purchasing to the market and the massale selection. This survey also revealed a net regression of Hibiscus cannabinus farming that is always practiced mainly by a minority of Mossi and Gurunsi. Indeed, these two ethnic entities use the leaves of this plant as vegetable-leaf for the cooking of the local dishes and even sell it in the local markets. The fibers and the seeds also constitute organs of interest for the local populations. They use it for the stringing and food. The results of this study have permitted to undertake the varietal improvement of the species according to the needs of the producers.