Faidherbia albida (Delile) Tree Dieback Effects on Crop Production in the Parkland Agroforests of Southwestern Niger

Abstract

Faidherbiaalbida is an agroforestry tree species playing important agroecological and socioeconomic roles in arid and semiarid zones in Africa. For many years, anthropogenic and abiotic stresses were considered as the main threats for the species in West African parkland agroforests. Considerable dieback has recently occurred in F. albida trees of parkland agroforests in central southwestern Niger, and the causes are unknown. The objectives of this study are to (i) investigate the magnitude of dieback of F. albida trees and (ii) assess local community perceptions of the effects of F. albida dieback on crop production. The health status and phenology of 213 F. albida trees were observed in the area where the dieback is occurring. Similarly, a sample of 144 people, 86% of which were farmers, was surveyed. Dieback incidence of F. albida trees was 19%, with mortality of 6%. Large-diameter trees had greater dieback than small-diameter trees. The most affected parts of the tree were the branches at 54% and the trunks at 39%. The populations noted a 33–55% reduction in the yields of major crops. This dieback of F. albida trees poses a serious threat to the survival of rural communities. Further studies can be conducted to identify the cause or cause of the dieback to guide the suitable agroforestry parkland management strategies.

Nature Based Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Sustainable Crops Production in Ethiopia: Review

“…Farmers with increased number of trees on their farm land have increased crop production in the face of climate change in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia [53]. Reductions in the yields of major crops were noticed in the Parkland Agroforests of Southwestern Niger due to the Faidherbia albida (Delile) tree dieback in the system [54]. Positive effect of agroforestry in combination with enhanced manure management is found as a climate smart strategy in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia [15].…”

Seed germination dynamics of some woody legumes: implication for restoration of arid zones ecosystems

“…Notably, it sheds its leaves at the onset of the rainy season. These features position the tree as an excellent agroforestry species, enhancing soil fertility and organic matter, as well as the yields and nutritional values of crops (Tougiani et al, 2021 ). P. reticulatum , another shrub, significantly improves soil quality and nutrient availability, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Fall et al, 2022 ).…”