Abstract
Nigeria’s vegetation in general and some important tree species in particular are under increasing threats from several factors. Worsening climate and environmental conditions, enhanced by a huge population pressure on limited resources, are some of the dominant issues of discourse among scientists. This study investigated the density of Faidherbia albida, a nitrogen-fixing tree, that has been an important component of the farming systems of the smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, Nigeria. Results indicate a 55% decrease in the density of the tree in the study area. The overall diversity of trees on the smallholder farms has also declined by 38%. The study concludes that while climate change may be a catalyst, woodfuel extraction and disease are the immediate factors for the decline of F. indica in the area. It recommends (1) the inclusion of this species in the list of endangered species for deliberate regeneration and protection by all stakeholders (2) an extended study that could lead to determining the specific role of climate change on the density of the tree in the study area.
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Yakubu, I (forthcoming) Climate change impact on tree diversity on smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, northern Nigeria
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Yakubu, I. Climate change impact on the density of Faidherbia albida on smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, northern Nigeria. Environmentalist 30, 330–332 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-010-9279-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-010-9279-4