An Integrated Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity in the Balleyara Department, Niger

Abstract

Plant biodiversity plays a vital role in providing various benefits which affect positively the life of people mostly in dryland region like Niger. Many studies exist about the types of the ecosystems, their floristic composition and their functions but there is scarcity of studies from specific geographic area such as West Africa Sahel. Therefore, the study determined the types of ecosystems, plant diversity and the services they provide to the local population at Department of Balleyara. We used questionnaires and field observations for data collection. The different ecosystem services have been identified through surveys on a sample of 10 villages. In each village, ten (10) persons composed of men and women were questioned, making a total of one hundred (100) people. Descriptive statistics such as percentage was used for the data analysis. The main types of ecosystems identified are aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems and plantation of Acacia senegal and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The 61% of the aquatic ecosystems are permanent and 39% are semi-permanent with an average duration of 6 to 9 months The key ecosystem services identified are firewood, medicine, water, forage, green fertiliser etc. The main woody species used for the fuelwood are Guiera senegalensis (41%), Combretum micranthum (24%), Faidherbia albida (15%) in the Department of Balleyara. The study recorded two exotic tree species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Azadirachta indica) which provided diverse ecosystem services. Therefore, the ecosystems of the Department of Balleyara are rich and diversified and can contribute to the wellbeing of the local population regarding to the services they offer.  The study provided the ethnobotanical and floristic knowledge which can be used as a reference level for the sustainable management of the ecosystems in the study. The study recommends also the use of ecosystem services to restore peace by reducing resource-driven conflict, fostering cooperation over shared natural assets, and rehabilitating livelihoods in conflicts zone like the Department of Balleyara in Niger.