Work

Carbon stock potential of preferred woody species for agroforestry in West African Savannah

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Agroforestry is a land management strategy with high potential for carbon sequestration. However, the high carbon sequestration potential for agroforestry is still doubtful in many developing countries. This study investigates smallholder farmers’ preferred woody species for agroforestry and their carbon stock potential in West African Savannah. A sample of 345 smallholder farmers was selected across the four area councils within the Nandom Municipality. The plot method was adopted in surveying the woody species on farmlands. A non-destructive biomass estimation method was used by applying an area specific allometric model. A factor of 0.47 was used to convert the biomass of the preferred tree species to carbon. Parkia biglobosa , Acacia sp , Vitellaria paradoxa, Mangifera indica, and Azadirachta indica were the most preferred tree species. The preference for the tree species was based on the socio-economic and environmental benefits smallholders derived from the tree species. Vitellaria paradoxa and Parkia biglobosa were the tree species with the highest carbon stock potential. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Forestry Service Commission and Non-Governmental Organisations interested in promoting agricultural activities, should facilitate training smallholder farmers on the nursery and integration of these tree species with their crops.

Source: Social Sciences & Humanities Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101105

Authors: Patrick Benebere, Kabila Abass, Divine Odame Appiah, Raymond Aabeyir, Lawrence Guodaar

Institution: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: African Botany and Ecology Studies

Subfield: Forestry

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $825