Sub-Saharan Africa
Land Ownership and Forest RestorationBackgroundReports have indiciated that the majority of forests worldwide are owned by governments yet are typically managed similar to an open-access regime. Moreover, the use of forests by various stakeholders have led to issues, typically regarding access and ownership. This paper examines the connection between ownership regimes and restoration. Open access copy available |
Modified Taungya System in Ghana: A Win–Win Practice for Forestry and Adaptation to Climate Change?backgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Effect of Prior Land Use on the Recolonization of Native Woody Species under Plantation Forests in the Highlands of EthiopiabackgroundThis study analyzes the recolonization of native woody species in 16-18 year old plantation forests (Eucalyptus saligna and Cupressus lusitanica) in the highlands of Ethiopia. Goals & MethodsEffects of recolonization were evaluated through assessing naturally regenerating flora (NRF) and soil seed banks (SSB) in plantation forests established on abandoned farmland and cleared natural forest sites. About 66 plant species were recorded in the NRF and 55 plant species germinated from the soil samples collected for SSB analysis. Available with subscription or purchase |
Putting Participatory Domestication into Practice in West and Central AfricabackgroudThis article reviews the process of participatory community tree domestication in central Africa. Research Goals & MethodsIn case studies examined, nurseries were planned in coordination between the International Center for Agroforestry Research and local communities, and the two groups divided the funding and supply of nursery materials. No salaries were paid to the farmers working in the nursery. ICRAF staff trained community members in propagation techniques. Open access copy available |
Feasibility of Farmer-Managed Vegetative Propagation Nurseries in CameroonbackgroundThis article reviews farmer-managed vegetative propagation nurseries in Cameroon. The authors summarize the division of costs required to establish and operate the nurseries. Research Goals & MethodsCuttings of Dacryodes edulis, Irvingia gabonensis and Ricinodendron heudelotti were studied. All had successful rates of propagation by cutting, but only Dacryodes edulis had success with air layering. Open access copy available |
Sesbania sesban improved fallows in eastern Zambia: Their inception, development and farmer enthusiasmBackgroundIn eastern Zambia, nitrogen deficiency is a major limiting factor for increased food production. Soil fertility has been declining because of nearly continuous maize (Zea mays) cultivation with little or no nutrient inputs. The use of short-duration tree fallows was one of several agroforestry options hypothesized to restore soil fertility. This study reports on long-term trials with Sesbania sesban in field station and farm trials. Open access copy available |
Domestication of Dacryodes edulis: State-of-the-artBackgroundThis article provides an overview of the work being done to domesticate Dactryodes edulis, a fruit tree widespread to the humid lowlands of Central Africa. It focuses on a program in Cameroon coordinated by ICRAF that is based on a participatory approach of domesitcating D. edulis. Open access copy available |
Uses, Management, and Economic Potential of Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) in the Humid Lowlands of CameroonbackgroundThis article discusses the economic potential of a African rainforest fruit tree, Dacryodes edulis. The fruit is locally consumed and traded, in addition to its household value for oil and medicinal bark. Available with subscription or purchase |
Karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) and Néré (Parkia biglobosa) associated with Crops in South MalibackgroundThis study analyzes the growing conditions of agricultural crops (cotton, sorghum, and pearl millet) under the common African savanna agroforestry trees Parkia biglobosa (karité) and Vitellaria paradoxa (néré), the source of the cosmetic product shea butter. Available with subscription or purchase |
Uses, Management and Economic Potential of Garcinia kola and Ricinodendron heudelotii in the humid lowlands of CameroonBackgroundThis article describes two common fruit and medicinal trees (non-timber) that grow in secondary forests in the lowlands of Cameroon. The trees are found to have a mixed effect in an agroforestry environment; sometimes they improve crop production, sometimes they do not. Fruit are consumed by families and sold in markets. Open access copy available |
