Using data collected in 2023 from 530 randomly selected rural households in two regions of Burkina Faso, statistical analysis and Cragg (1971) model specifications, the present research analyzes the economic dependence of rural households on non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Unlike previous works, this article focuses solely on NTFPs derived from local species with high socio-economic potential found in most sub-Saharan African countries. The results show that NTFPs provide an average annual income of €347.24 per household. Household economic dependence on NTFPs is estimated at 21.51% for the entire sample. The variables influencing the decision to participate in NTFP exploitation include marital status, education level, age, price perception, number of women in the household, land area owned, duration of food deficit, and distances from home to collection sites and markets. The intensity of dependence is determined by household size, number of women, total income, demographic dependency ratio, land area owned, duration of food deficit, and membership in forest management groups. These results highlight the importance of NTFPs in supporting rural household livelihoods and suggest integrating income-generating activities based on their exploitation into rural development policies. Policymakers should also implement effective natural forest management strategies, promote reforestation, and support the domestication of species providing the main NTFPs. Furthermore, since the most disadvantaged households are the ones most dependent on NTFPs, it is crucial to implement strategies aimed at diversifying their income sources to reduce pressure on forest resources.