Abundance, structure and uses of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) populations in Omusati Region, Namibia
This study sought to determine the biology and the uses of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) populations in Outapi and Onesi constituencies in Omusati Region, Namibia. As one of the important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)-providing species of ecological and socio-economic significance, there is need to have a better understanding of the biology and local uses of the species before its full potential and sustainable harvesting is realized. A comparison of densities, distribution patterns, structure, phenology, stem conditions and uses of baobabs between the two constituencies was done. Field data collection was conducted in April 2014. Road transects were used to sample baobabs in the two sites by purposively choosing the next road to gain access to the next focal tree. Circular plots with a radius of 30m from the edge of the canopy of each focal tree were demarcated. In each plot, diameter at breast height (dbh) of adult and sub-adult trees, height of adults, subadults and saplings and their stem conditions, number of fruits on each fruiting baobab tree, the Global Positioning System (GPS) waypoints and coordinates and the land-use types where baobabs occurred were recorded. The results revealed that there was nornsignificant difference in the baobab densities (χ 2=2, df=1, p>0.05) and median fruit abundance (U=5550.5, p>0.05) between Outapi and Onesi constituencies. The Chi-square tests detected significant differences in the dbh-size classes (χ 2=33.038, df=8, p<0.001)rnand height classes (χ 2=16.295, df=4, p<0.05) between the two study sites. The bell-shaped distribution curve in dbh size-classes in the two sites showed poor recruitment. Onesi constituency had 77% damaged stems compared to 50% in Outapi constituency (χ 2=22.705, df=2, p<0.001). Onesi villagers make use of the baobab tree more extensively than Outapi residents (χ 2=31.022, df=9, p<0.001). Some of the common uses of baobabs in both study sites include human and livestock consumption and treating various ailments. Poor seedling survival resulting primarily from herbivory, human activities and climate variability hampers baobab recruitment. Considering the poor recruitment due to the above factors, the potential for commercialization of baobabs in the region may not be viable.rnTherefore, active planting in undisturbed areas, protection of seedlings from livestock coupled with community awareness are vital to ensure recruitment so that effective commercialization and subsistence use is realized and sustainable. Keywords: Adansonia digitata L, baobab, commercialization, NTFPs, populations,rnrecruitment.
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Abundance_structure and uses of Baobab populations in Omusati Region_Thesis.pdf | 2.01 MB |