Parkia biglobosa as an economic resource for rural women in south-western Burkina Faso

An approach for commercialising a product from Parkia biglobosa in order to improve the economic situation of rural women in south-western Burkina faso was explored. Income is generated from sales of a derivative from the fermented seeds called soumbala. About one fifth of the women (18%) were involved in the sale of soumbala, and 34% of those not participating in soumbala sales were interested in getting involved, suggesting that there is a basis for expanding the soumbala trade. Possible factors that could motivate more women to participate in soumbala sales were sustainability, sowing of seeds and amount of seeds harvested per year. In addition, 90% of the informants managed Parkia sustainably, suggesting that enhanced exploitation of Parkia for commercial purposes can be ecologically sustainable if present management techniques are maintained. The results suggest that Parkia have a potential to improve the economic situation of women through increased production and sale of soumbala.