Sub-Saharan Africa
Regeneration Status of Mangrove Forests in Mida Creek, Kenya: A Compromised or Secured Future?BackgroundThis study investigates natural regeneration and timber potential of the mangrove forests of Mida Creek for better management through the principle of sustained yields. Research Goals & MethodsA stratified sampling technique was used in two main study areas. Transects and quadrants were used to measure vegetation measurements, species density, and frequency. Open access copy available |
Dominant Species’ Resprout Biomass Dynamics After Cutting in the Sudanian Savanna-Woodlands of West Africa: Long Term Effects of Annual Early Fire and GrazingBACKGROUNDThis study examines the potential for forest regeneration after harvest in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The study area is a tropical dry forest of tree-shrub dominated by trees of Combretaceae and Mimosaceae (Fabeaceae). The area is part of the Sudanian savanna ecoregion, stretching across Africa , and receives approximately 700-1200 mm of rain, interspersed by a 6-7 month dry season. Firewood is the major source of home energy. It is estimated that 25-50% of the forest area naturally burns each year, and all areas burn every 2-3 years. Cattle browsing is also common in the region, especially on the grass that sprouts after burns. Open access copy available |
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 |
