This study explores the potential of rabbits as a sustainable solution for poverty alleviation and food security in Burkina Faso, a country facing socio-economic and environmental challenges.In the context of limited resources and employment opportunities, rabbits offer advantages such as small size, short generation interval and high reproductive capacity.The research focuses on characterizing the morphol. of Burkina Faso's local rabbit population, comparing it with two Italian breeds: a local medium-growing breed called Leprino di Viterbo (LV) and a fast-growing hybrid (a crossbred New Zealand x California, NZC).Utilizing path anal. and principal component anal., the study identifies key morphometric traits crucial for breeding programs and examines the influence of specific traits on body weight (BW) gain and heat stress resilience through 'Transpiration Indexes'.Findings highlight the importance of variables like chest girth (CG), abdominal girth (AG), rump width (RW) and nose to shoulders length (NSL) in influencing body weight (BW) and reveal significant size and shape differences among the breeds.The study suggests potential climate adaptation in Burkina Faso's rabbit population, providing practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions.This research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions, emphasizing the importance of certain morphol. traits for heat dissipation.