This study examines the preferences of communities in the Mali-South area in terms of local woody species exploited for the production of oil. The study was conducted using ethnobotanical surveys based on semi-structured interviews in two localities of the circle of Sikasso. The surveyed ethnic groups are the Fulani and Senufo in Ziékorodougou, and Bambara and Fulani in Niankorobougou. The sample totaled 48 informants, including twelve defined by ethnic group in both localities. Vitellaria paradoxa, Lophira lanceolata, Carapa procera and Pentadesma butyraceae are the main local tree species identified for the production of oil in the area. Preference ranking scores revealed that C. procera is a species of priority importance after V. paradoxa. There is a similarity of community preferences in terms of plant species used for the production of edible oil. In contrast, community preference varied in terms of choices for the production of cosmetic oil. This differ- ence appears to be related to the level of knowledge and uses of the products of these plants by local communities. The results of this study will help to integrate the needs of people in term of production of vegetable oil in promotion strategies and sustainable management of forest resources.

Key words: indigenous oil trees species, preference ranking, ethnobotany, local knowledge, sub-Saharan Africa