Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe scientific community has been invigorated by the recent public defense of Satassa Hien’s doctoral thesis on the African plum tree, seen as a promising lever for enhancing food security in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the thesis, supervised by Professor Marie Laure Sougoti-Guissou, focused on the valorization of Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as the African plum or marula, referred to as “Nobga” in Moor©. Conducted entirely in Burkina Faso, the research underscores the untapped potential of this species, which thrives in the Sahelian savannas.

Despite its wide exploitation in southern Africa for producing high-value liqueurs, marula remains underutilized in Burkina Faso. Dr. Satassa Hien emphasized the importance of this species in his research, stating, ‘My work focuses on the African plum, an important but still underutilized species in Burkina Faso. It already contributes to the food supply and income of rural populations.’ Dr. Hien believes his findings demonstrate that the species holds substantial potential to sustainably enhance food security and stimulate local economies.

Dr. Hien further elaborated, ‘The main idea is to better utilize and domesticate it in order to make it a sustainable resource for communities.’ His study highlights the African plum tree’s central role within agroforestry systems, emphasizing its ecological and strategic importance for community resilience against climate-related challenges. The tree’s nutritional value and its potential for industrial processing offer opportunities to establish a robust agri-food sector.

By advocating for the domestication and efficient exploitation of Sclerocarya birrea, this research presents tangible pathways for improving rural living conditions and bolstering national food sovereignty.