Authors : Patrick Byakagaba, Gerald Eilu, John Bosco L. Okullo, Susan B. Tumwebaze and Edward N. Mwavu
Abstract: Vitellaria paradoxa is an ecologically and economically important tree in the dry savanna woodlands of Africa contributing immensely to livelihoods and amelioration of microclimate in areas where it occurs. Despite its importance, this tree is currently considered threatened by the World Conservation Union. This has been mainly due to over exploitation of this tree and agricultural encroachment. Despite its red list status, there is no clear understanding of its population structure and regeneration status under different land management regimes. In this study, we assessed the population structure and regeneration status of V. paradoxa under old fallows, young fallows and current fields. The specific objectives were: to determine the density of seedlings, saplings and mature V. paradoxa to examine the size class distribution and regeneration status of V. paradoxa. We hypothesised that its density is not influenced by land management regime. We measured thickness of all mature trees, saplings and seedlings in 50x50 plots. The population structure was described using densities, size class distributions and their slopes. Generalised linear model analysis was used to compare the density of each size class under different land management regimes. Seedling density was influenced by land management regime while sapling and mature tree densities were not. Young fallows registered high seedling density compared to old fallows and current fields. Size class distribution and regeneration status were influenced by land management regime. Young fallows had more stable populations with better regeneration compared to old fallows and current fields. This study confirms that land management regimes can influence the population structure and regeneration status of V. paradoxa.
Patrick Byakagaba, Gerald Eilu, John Bosco L. Okullo, Susan B. Tumwebaze and Edward N. Mwavu, 2011. Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F.Gaertn.) Under Different Land Management Regimes in Uganda. Agricultural Journal, 6: 14-22.