This study focuses on the valorization of woody plant species and local communities’ perceptions of climate change, in a context marked by declining rainfall, rising temperatures, and land degradation. Conducted in the rural commune of Kirtachi, the study aims to assess the different forms of use of plant species and vegetation formations, as well as farmers’ perceptions of climate change. Household surveys were carried out with 182 farming households across 20 villages. The results revealed an overall species richness of 86 species belonging to 29 families and 56 genera. Fabaceae was the most represented family (28.75%). Species richness was distributed across the surveyed formations, with 51 species recorded on plateaus, 34 in agroforestry parklands, and 32 within villages. Based on a preferential ranking established by farmers according to socio-economic and ecological benefits, 34 species were identified as priority species. Ten (10) main categories of woody plant use were identified: shade provision, fuelwood, food, soil fertility improvement, traditional medicine, fodder, service wood, windbreaks, construction, and trade. Climate change is perceived by local communities as a slight increasing trend in rainfall and temperature (XX%) and a slight decrease in wind intensity (XX%). According to 84.7% of respondents, these climatic stresses have resulted in reduced agricultural yields. In response, farmers implement a range of adaptation strategies, including physical and biological soil and water conservation measures, soil fertility management, agroforestry practices, livelihood diversification, and integrated production systems, thereby strengthening the resilience of both communities and ecosystems.

This study, conducted in the core area of ​​the giraffe's habitat, aims to assess tree species diversity and the demography of the woody stand for the survival and conservation of the species in situ. The floristic inventory, carried out on 154 plots, identified 33 woody species belonging to 25 genera and 15 families. The Fabaceae, Capparaceae, and Combretaceae families are the most dominant, representing 60% of the stand. Tiger scrub is the densest land cover unit, while fields exhibit the highest regeneration rates and diversity indices. The diameter structure reveals a predominance of young individuals and low regeneration potential in tiger scrub and fields; whereas fallow land and shrub steppes show a more balanced and ecologically stable structure. Regarding the vertical structure, it is distinguished by the majority of individuals measuring between 1 and 4 meters in height across all geomorphological units. These results reflect a trend toward biodiversity degradation, marked by the dominance of a few tolerant species (Guiera senegalensis, Combretum micranthum, Annona senegalensis). Urgent conservation and restoration measures are needed to maintain the ecological viability of the habitat of the last remaining giraffes in West Africa.

The Voandzou [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc], is generally cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa, where its production ranks third in seed legumes. The valorization of this crop is therefore one of the best alternatives to ensure the food security of the population in the face of declining production of food crops such as millet and sorghum in a country like Niger. Indeed, the control of the diversity of the voandzou will undoubtedly allow it to be taken into account in the varietal selection programs. The objective of this study is the agro-morphological characterization of thirty (30) accessions from the Nigerian Voandzou collection in the Sudanese agro-climatic zone. The data used are collected through an agronomic test set up on a Fisher device in complete random blocks, with three (3) repetitions. Sixteen (16) characters, including four phenological, six (6) morphological, and six (6) traits related to yield components were evaluated for characterization of accessions. The descriptive statistics analysis showed that the coefficients of variation ranged from 4.16% (maturity date) to 72.51% (shell weight). Significantly high values ​​ (CV> 20%) were observed for 12 characters out of 16 analyzed. Characterization revealed very highly significant differences between 11 parameters of the accessions studied. It was found that accessions Di-017, Ma-045, Ta-095 and Ta-096 are early (86 JAS) and give more pods per plant. The Zi-007 accession is the most efficient in performance components. Strong correlations were observed between the dates of the first flowering and that of fifty percent r = 0.840. Correlations of the same order were obtained between the diameter of the plants and the height r = 0.714 and between the weight of the pods and seeds r = 0.954. In order to specify the different groups Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AMP) were performed. The group G3 consists of 7 accessions, are late, more productive in biomass, give better yields, but fewer pods per plant. The G2 group consists of a single accession Zi-007, which is early, more productive in biomass, yield and gives more pods per plant. Then the group G1 consists of 22 accessions that are intermediate to those of the other two groups.