Structure and Dendrometric Characteristics of Anacardium Occidentale L. Plantations Based on Harvesting Methods in the South Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso

Cashew cultivation plays a key role in the socio-economic developement of local communities. It is both an ecologically and socially transitional crop, yet its cultivation remains poorly understood. This study aims to provide esential information to support the sustainable developement of cashew production. The methodological involved phytosociological inventories conducted in two farming systems: agroecsystems with crop association, where we established plots of 50 m x 50 m plots were established, and agroecosytems without crop association, where we established plots of 50 m x 20 m plots were set up for adult woody species (diameter at 130 cm ≥ 5 cm). Tree height and diameter at 130 cm above ground were measured. This was supplemented by visual observations.

Results: The findings show that tree density varies according to the management system, with 77.81 ± 37.59 (individuals/ha) in the agroecosystems with crop association and 163 ± 61.49 (individuals/ha) in agroecosystems without crop association. The average diameter at 130 above ground was 16.70 ± 9.33 (cm) in agroecsystems with crop association and 23.53 ± 9.24 (cm) in agroecosytems without crop association.

Conclusion: Enhancing producers’ technical capacity and improving disease control are essential for sustainable development of the cashew sector.

Keywords: Cashew, Agroforestry, Management, Burkina Faso.