Dynamique du couvert végétal et implications socio-environnementales à la périphérie du parc W/Burkina Faso

The climatic crises in the Sahelian zone, particularly in Burkina Faso, have impacted the environment. In this context, conservation efforts have been undertaken throughout the country through the development of protected areas. However, the peripheries of these areas are experiencing a degradation of their vegetation cover. This study aimed to understand the dynamics of vegetation cover in the periphery of Park W and its social and environmental implications. The methodology implemented consists to satellite images processing and the analysis of data collected using questionnaires with 114 household heads interviewed. Landsat images of 30 meters of resolution from 1984 and 2015 were classified using the maximum likelihood method. The results show that 48.26% of the area of Diapaga were affected by vegetation degradation, while 40.38% and 11.36% were in a state of stability and improvement respectively. This evolution is well perceived by the local populations, since more than 80% of the people interviewed perceive a degradation of the vegetation cover. Kendall's correlation has shown that the perception of changes in vegetation cover density depends on the distance to the park. The socio-environmental implications concern the multiplication of conflicts and infractions in Park W. Therefore, further investigations are needed to better understand the driving factors of vegetation dynamics in the study area