Socio-economic value of trees in the Malinke Community (Khossanto, Senegal)) Objective: To determine the socio-economical interest of woody species in the population life of the Khossanto rural community in the southern zone of Senegal and to appreciate their local knowledge and expertise on the tree. Methodology and results: Ethno botanical interviews were undertaken with populations of Khossanto rural community. The knowledge and expertise of the Malinke on trees in six categories of uses: food, fodder, construction, crafts, household energy and pharmacopoeia was identified, with relatively high levels of consensus (all more than 80%). Six multipurpose species (involved in almost all categories) proved to be the most useful: Cordyla pinnata, Borassus aethiopum, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ziziphus mauritiana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Adansonia digitata. Fruit (31%), leaves (29%) and wood (22%) are the most used parts.Journal of Applied Biosciences 70:5617-5631 ISSN 1997-5902 Gning et al J. Appl. Biosci. 2013.Valeur socio-économique de l'arbre en milieu malinké, Sénégal
5618Conclusion and application of findings: The socio-economic importance of trees in Malinke environment is clearly demonstrated. But, the intensity of the levies related to a high consumption is gradually inducing a threat on these ligneous species. Hence the need to establish a sustainable model for managing these community rangelands is established.