Assessment of Pastoral Potential of Earial Pastures at the Centre for the Conservation, Multiplication and Dissemination of Endemic Ruminant Livestock in Madina Diassa, Rural Commune of Gouanan, District of Yanfolila, Mali

Abstract

Mali, a vast West African country characterized by predominantly arid and semi-arid conditions, relies heavily on agropastoral systems where livestock plays a crucial role in national livelihoods and the economy. However, increasing pressures from climate change, bushfires, and land-use conflicts are progressively reducing pasture productivity and threatening sustainable livestock management. This study was conducted at the Centre for the Conservation, Multiplication and Dissemination of Endemic Ruminant Livestock in Madina Diassa (Mali). Its objective was to characterize aerial pastures. The transect method was used to inventory woody flora and assess floristic composition, cover and pastoral value according to soil type. A total of 78 woody species belonging to 27 families were identified, 92.3% of which were forage species. Fabaceae and Combretaceae were the most represented families. Forage species were most abundant on ferruginous soils (56 species), followed by sandy loam soils (49) and gravelly soils (48). The flora is dominated by moderately palatable species (47%). Pastoral value remains low, with averages of 30.56% (clay-sandy soils), 26.60% (gravelly soils) and 26.39% (ferruginous soils). These results highlight the need to extend the study to the entire ranch for better management of plant resources.