Stands structure characterization, health and regeneration status of Adansonia digitata L. in agroforestry systems of northwest Benin

The present study characterized the population structure and natural regeneration of stands of baobab in North-Western Benin. Data were collected using linear transects of 2 km x 50 m bands in three communes of the Atacora department. Two villages per commune were chosen based on the visual abundance of baobab feet. In each village three transects were installed. A total of eighteen linear transects were installed. ANOVA followed by Student Newman Keuls test were used to test the differences in morphological traits between systems within categories and districts. The results showed that Cobly was home to the lowest density (15 ± 16.43) of young plants in contrast to Materi (58.33 ± 45.35) and Boukombe (58.33 ± 62.10) which had equal density of baobab trees. In addition, district of Materi had higher density in adult individuals (198.33 ± 74.68) and the district of Cobly the least dense adult baobab individuals (85 ± 22.58). There was also a significant difference between the different density categories (p-value <0.001). The youngest individuals were found in Boukoumbe and the older ones in the commune of Cobly and Materi. The number of individuals less than 5m tall was 8, 13 and 3, in the communes of Materi, Boukombe and Cobly respectively. The results showed that most of the baobab individuals were healthy. However, there were feet mutilated, pruned, attacked by Loranthaceae and some had trunks debarked.