Sub-Saharan Africa
Reforestation project using native species in Maringa-Lopori-Wamba region (Democratic Republic of Congo): establishment of the Bonobo Peace Forest.CDM-AR-PDDBackgroundBonobos are endemic to the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and are at a high risk of extinction. Specifically, the UN has drawn attention to the speed at which infrustructure growth is infringing on bonobo habitat. Thus, it developed a program to halt these trends and conserve the bonobos. Open access copy available |
The Horseradish Tree, Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae)— A boon to Arid Lands?BackgroundThe horseradish tree (Moringa pterygosperma) is being introduced into drought-ridden lands t o augment the local food and fodder supply.This study evaluates the reforestation potential of Moringa in India and Africa. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seed Dispersal and Potential Forest Succession in Abandoned Agriculture in Tropical AfricaBackgroundForest succession on disturbed and post-agrarian lands is often slow because the resources necessary for succession – such as soil nutrients, seeds, and moisture – are depleted. In such areas, succession may depend on bat- and bird-dispersed seeds arriving from distant forest patches. Open access copy available |
Regeneration of Five Combretaceae Species along a Latitudinal Gradient in Sahelo-Sudanian Zone of Burkina FasoBackgruondThis study examines seedling density and regeneration processes of 5 species of Combretaceae across latitudinal gradients in the Sahelo-Sudanian ecoregion in Burkina Faso. Species were chosen based on their economic importance and large distributions. Rainfall varies across the area studied from 400-900 mm annually with elevations of about 300 m. The vegetation in the area is strongly seasonal with mostly deciduous trees and most herbacious species dying back during the dry season. Open access copy available |
The Effects of Cultivation History on Forest Recovery in Fallows in the Eastern Arc Mountain, TanzaniabackgroundThe authors of this study looked at fallows of varying age within systems of shifting cultivation to understand factors that influence their recovery. The authors focused on the role of duration of cultivation and cropping history in influencing recovery. All cropping systems in the area are shade intolerant. Research Goals & MethodsPrimary forests, farms, and fallow areas were surveyed for basal area, stand complexity, and diversity (Fisher's alpha). Available with subscription or purchase |
Influence of species richness and environmental context on early survival of replanted mangroves at Gazi bay, KenyaBackgroundMangrove restoration is often unsuccessful, thus this study involves long-term large-scale experiments measuring a range of ecosystem functions in replanted mangrove stands in Ghazi in Kenya funded by Earthwatch. Open access copy available |
Tanzania: Forest Restoration in the Shinyanga RegionBackgroundIn the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania, deforestation, bush clearing, and overgrazing have been persistent problems. The government of Tanzania recognized the traditional ngitili system of land management as a potential solution. Open access copy available |
Natural Regeneration of Woody Stands in the Groundnut Basin Lands in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone (Region of Kaffrine, Senegal)backgroundThis study evaluates the regeneration capacity of woody tree species in lands of South-eastern Groundnut Basin in Senegal. Open access copy available |
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Projects: Lessons for Future Policy Design and ImplementationBackgroundThis study reviews six representative Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) initiatives, two each from Africa, Asia and Latin America, by presenting their strengths, weakensses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Open access copy available |
Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach - KenyabackgroundThis study reviews an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the Ghazi region of Kenya. The study seeks to improve the sustainable development and conservation of mangrove forests in order to enhance productivity of natural resources in ways that sustain continuous flow of desired forest products and services. All 10 mangroves found in the Indian Ocean region are found in Ghazi. The dominant mangroves in the Ghazi area are Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina. Open access copy available |
