In this study, we address the possibility of implementing a biorefinery in commercial eucalyptus forest plantations and adapting to the geographical and cultural conditions of the Cauca department in Colombia, where the use of these plantations is concentrated in harvesting the stems as raw material for the paper, cardboard, and furniture industries, without any use or utilization of the residual biomass generated during harvesting or derived from the transformations inherent to such activities. A thorough review of the literature revealed that this residual biomass, mainly represented in leaves, flowers, fruits, branches, and bark, can be transformed into energy, biofuels, biochar, and various bioproducts with agricultural, agro-industrial, or therapeutic uses, among others; and by creating a SWOT matrix, it was evident that the development of a potential biorefinery must not only be evaluated from a technical perspective but also consider the factors that generate opportunities for socioeconomic development and environmental care, adjusted to the specific context of the Cauca department. The availability of biomass throughout the year, as well as its suitability for commercial forestry plantations, along with the possibility of diversifying the products obtained, represents a strategic opportunity to promote economic and environmental sustainability in Cauca, generating employment and regional development that can be replicated for other crops in the area and/or for other areas within or outside the country with characteristics similar to those of the department of Cauca.
Accurate representation of stem taper is essential for reliable estimation of tree volume, which underpins forest inventory, timber valuation, and resource management. However, the ability of different modeling approaches to capture variation in stem form and its implications for operational volume estimation remains insufficiently evaluated. Therefore, this study compared multiple modeling frameworks, including nonlinear, mixed‐effects, generalized additive models (GAM), and random forest, for predicting stem diameter and assessing their implications for stem volume estimation in Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. (Sal) in western Nepal. The analysis included destructively sampled trees from western Nepal ( n = 180; DBH: 30–95 cm; height: 16.4–36 m), with multiple diameter measurements along each stem. Model performance was evaluated using leave‐one‐tree‐out cross‐validation, with additional assessment across lower (relative height ≤ 0.3 ), middle (0.3 < relative height ≤ 0.6 ), and upper (relative height > 0.6 ) stem sections. Flexible approaches, particularly GAM and random forest, consistently outperformed traditional nonlinear and mixed‐effects models. For diameter prediction, GAM achieved the lowest relative RMSE (7.76%), followed by random forest (8.59%), whereas mixed‐effects and nonlinear models showed higher errors up to 11%. Model accuracy varied along the stem, with the greatest deviations occurring in the middle section. These errors propagated into volume estimation, resulting in relative RMSE values of 13.63% for random forest and 14.53% for GAM, compared with mixed‐effects (18.59%) and nonlinear (17.77%) models. Our findings demonstrate that taper model performance varies across stem sections and support the application of flexible taper models for operational stem volume estimation in S. robusta . However, further validation across different species and forest conditions is required to establish broader applicability.
Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) are widely recognized for their roles in supporting the livelihoods and cultural practices of forest-dependent communities and their contributions to ecological conservation. However, the evidence base is highly heterogenous and dispersed across disciplines, regions, and product types, constraining both a consolidated understanding of their multifunctional roles and effective integration into policy. We conducted a global systematic map of peer-reviewed studies on NTFPs to characterize the evidence base in relation to resilience building and to identify key knowledge gaps. Our review finds that NTFP research has grown in recent years, with over half of all studies (59%) published since 2016 and is concentrated in Asia and Africa. Over 80% of the literature identifies NTFPs as important contributors to rural livelihoods, while also suggesting their potential role in supporting ecosystem resilience. However, important gaps remain. In particular, there are limited long-term ecological and productivity data, and inadequate integration of socioeconomic valuation with ecological outcome assessments. Key dimensions such as indigenous knowledge systems, gendered use patterns, and governance and institutional contexts are also underrepresented. Most notably, the role of NTFPs in climate change adaptation and long-term resilience remains poorly explored. These gaps limit the development of inclusive and climate-responsive NTFP management strategies, highlighting the need for more integrated interdisciplinary research.
Deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Peruvian Amazon are reshaping soil functioning and carbon storage, yet the factors influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) remain poorly understood. This study assessed SOC variability across contrasting land-use systems in Ucayali, Peru, including old-growth forest remnants and secondary forests, cocoa agroforestry, Brachiaria pastures, and oil palm plantations of different ages—by integrating 54 composite topsoil sampling units, aggregated into 37 spatially independent analytical locations (0–15 cm, in 2024 ) with Sentinel-2 spectral variables and land-use history derived from MapBiomas Peru (1985–2024). SOC stocks varied across sites but did not differ significantly among present-day land-use classes, indicating that current land cover alone can be a poor predictor of SOC in this highly heterogeneous Amazonian landscape. In contrast, SOC exhibited negative but nonsignificant associations with land-use history variables: more recent forest conversions retained higher SOC, and lower SOC values tended to occur along land-use intensification pathways. Exploratory analyses of Sentinel-2 variables revealed statistically significant but moderate associations with SOC. However, strong collinearity among predictors and relatively low correlation strength suggest that spectral variables capture broad environmental gradients rather than independent drivers of SOC variability. Although exploratory, these patterns are broadly consistent with the concept of soil carbon debt; however, further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Integrating field observations with long-term land-use trajectories provides a more robust methodology for assessing soil degradation in rapidly transforming tropical landscapes.
The tradition of coffee production varies from place to place in southwest Ethiopia. This study examines the comparative effects of coffee-based managed forests on woody plant diversity at varying elevations in southwest Ethiopia. Seventy-two 20 × 20 m plots were established along 12 transect lines, with nested 5 × 5 m subplots. At Halu, undisturbed/untouched forest (UDF) had 48 species (28 families), semiforest coffee (SFC) had 37 species (21 families), and semiplantation coffee (SPC) had 29 species (19 families). In Yayu, UDF had 50 species (29 families), SFC had 32 species (21 families), and the SPC included 22 species (12 families). The highest diversity was observed in the families Fabaceae, Moraceae, Loganiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height distributions followed an inverted J-shaped pattern, indicating older trees, except in UDF land uses. Basal area measurements were 16.98 m2ha−1 (UDF), 17.46 m2ha−1 (SFC), and 26.94 m2ha−1 (SPC) at Halu and 18.15 m2ha−1 (UDF), 21.7 m2ha−1 (SFC), and 27.92 m2ha−1 (SPC) at Yayu, with SPC having the highest basal area. Woody plant species diversity varied significantly (p<0.05) along the environmental gradient, indicating a gradient effect. However, there was no significant difference between the sites. Elevation differed significantly between the locations. Linear regression and principal component analysis showed significant differences (p<0.05) in woody plant distribution, with a positive correlation to DBH class across land uses. The study concludes that intensive coffee management practices significantly reduce woody plant diversity across different locations and land uses. It recommends community-based approaches and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable, deforestation-free coffee production and effective forest management.
Ethiopia hosts 67% of Africa’s bamboo forests, but its lowland bamboo forests (LBFs) face severe threats from unsustainable harvesting, land conversion, deforestation, and climate change. These challenges deprive society of numerous ecosystem services and benefits. While bamboo’s value is often dominated by direct extraction, its indirect and nonuse benefits are substantial; however, its total economic value (TEV) in Ethiopia remains largely unquantified. Quantifying this TEV is essential for making informed conservation decisions. To address this, the contingent valuation method was applied to estimate the economic value of LBFs in the Abramo District of the Benishangul-Gumuz region. This paper aims to quantify households’ willingness to pay (WTP) in daily labor for LBF conservation and investigate the determinants of WTP using a double-bounded dichotomous choice framework. A two-stage sampling method was used, selecting Kebeles purposefully and households randomly. Data from 199 respondents across four Kebeles were analyzed using a bivariate probit model. The findings revealed an exceptionally full initial willingness among respondents to actively participate in LBF conservation and development initiatives, demonstrating strong community participation. The bivariate probit regression results show a mean WTP of 15.64 and 30.16 man-days per year for the first and second bids, respectively (p < 0.01). Respondents’ sex, age, education, income, family size, marital status, land tenure security, conservation expectations, total livestock units (TLUs), and the assigned bid value were significant factors determining WTP. Consequently, authorities must elevate LBF conservation by integrating these regional demographic and economic factors into future initiatives.
Tree species, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, play a key role in enhancing soil fertility, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. Although Ziziphus species are dominant in the study area and provide economic and environmental benefits, their full potential remains underexplored. This study focuses on the income and soil fertility contributions of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. at Tsemera District, Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia. For this study, 98 farmers were selected using systematic random sampling and 36 composite samples with three depths. Data were collected through a household survey of 98 respondents, soil sampling and laboratory analysis of samples collected under and immediately outside the canopy of Z. spina-christi (L) Desf trees across different slope positions and soil depths, and field observations. The findings revealed that Z. spina-christi (L.) Desf. is vital in rural livelihoods, offering essential resources such as fruits, fuel, fodder, construction materials, and farming tools. The average total annual income of households was 111,814 ETB, of which crop production, livestock production, transfers and gifts, and Z. spina-christi (L) Desf contributed 35.8%, 32.9%, 25.8%, and 5.5%, respectively. Soil analysis showed that soils beneath the canopy of Z. spina-christi (L.) Desf. had higher organic matter and organic carbon contents than soils sampled immediately outside the canopy, indicating spatial variation in soil properties associated with the tree canopy. Additionally, variations in pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil texture were observed across different slope positions. To maximize its benefits, targeted management interventions, including appropriate species management and effective pest and disease control, are recommended.
Estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) is important for climate change mitigation, sustainable forest management, and carbon financing. Eucalyptus globulus has been grown extensively by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, but very few studies have used species-specific allometric models. This study developed and validated species-specific allometric models to estimate the AGB of E. globulus. A total of 60 trees representing a range of diameter and height classes were destructively sampled in Wogera district, northern Ethiopia. Diameter at breast height (D), total tree height (H), and wood density (ρ) were measured. The dry biomass weights of stems, branches, and leaves were recorded. The data were randomly divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) datasets. Six allometric models were developed and evaluated using adjusted coefficient of determination (RAdj2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Akaike information criterion (AIC) and then validated on an independent dataset using R-squared value (R2) and mean prediction error (MPE%). The best-performing model (M5): ln(AGB) = −2.887 + 1.228ln(D) + 1.644ln(H) + 0.660ln(ρ) achieved the highest Radj2 (0.936) and the lowest RMSE (3.810 kg), MAE (2.202 kg), and AIC (2.336 kg). Similarly, M5 showed the highest R2 (0.98) and the lowest MPE (1.47%) with independent validation dataset. Incorporating H and ρ improved model performance, with tree height contributing more than wood density. Compared to the generated model, previously developed pantropical allometric models underestimated or overestimated the AGB by between −41.77% and 25.68%. The results showed that species-specific allometric models provided more accurate AGB estimates than pantropical allometric models for E. globulus plantations in the Ethiopian highlands.
Accurate individual-tree volume estimation is essential for the sustainable management of Pinus patula plantations in the Peruvian Andes, where forest inventory data and locally validated growth models remain limited. This study evaluated machine learning algorithms for predicting individual-tree volume with bark and compared them with the Schumacher–Hall allometric model under two predictor sets: a tree-level set based on diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (H), and a stand-level integrated set including DBH, H, basal area (G), dominant height (HD), stand density (N), and age (t). A dataset of 125 felled P. patula trees from 21 plots in Chota Province was used. Random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and Schumacher–Hall models were evaluated using repeated grouped 3-fold external cross-validation, repeated 30 times, to account for plot-level structure and avoid information leakage. ANN with stand-level predictors achieved the best overall external validation performance (R2 = 0.9699, RMSE = 0.0371 m3, MAE = 0.0262 m3), whereas the tree-level Schumacher–Hall model remained highly competitive and produced the lowest MAPE (12.5%). Permutation importance showed that DBH and H were the dominant predictors, while basal area provided the strongest stand-level contribution. These results indicate that ANN models integrating stand descriptors can improve volume prediction stability and provide a robust tool for forest inventory and management in high-Andean P. patula plantations.
Cupressus lusitanica (Mill.) is one of the principal plantation tree species in Ethiopia; however, practical guidance on old-stand forest management practices that promote natural regeneration and early seedling development remains limited. This study investigated the impact of various old-growth forest management treatments on the regeneration success and initial seedling growth of C. lusitanica in Yeraba Forest, Northern Ethiopia. Four management treatments, clear-cutting, shelterwood system, stand thinning, and unmanaged control, were evaluated using a randomized block experiment layout with three replications. Regeneration density, seedling height, and root collar diameter were recorded 1 year after treatment application. Statistical evaluations were performed using analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test at the 5% significance level. Management treatment significantly influenced both regeneration abundance and seedling growth variables. The greatest regeneration density occurred in the clear-cut treatment (10,811 seedlings ha−1), closely followed by shelterwood treatment (10,189 seedlings ha−1), whereas unmanaged stands produced the fewest seedlings (2000 seedlings ha−1). In contrast, seedlings growing under shelterwood system conditions showed superior mean height (38.36 ± 0.32 cm) and root collar diameter (0.94 ± 0.01 cm), compared with other treatments, indicating more favorable microsite conditions for early development. The results demonstrate that canopy management strongly influences regeneration outcomes in C. lusitanica plantations. While complete canopy removal promotes high recruitment, partial canopy retention appears more beneficial for early seedling growth. Selecting suitable management systems is therefore essential for sustaining productive C. lusitanica plantations in Ethiopia.
The moist evergreen montane forest, which is home to Coffea arabica, supports high biological diversity. The local communities surrounding the forest implement various coffee-based management interventions to maximize coffee production. Although coffee-based forest management is widely practiced to enhance coffee yields, its ecological impact along the altitudinal gradient remains poorly understood due to limited integrated evidence. This study provides empirical evidence on the effects of traditional coffee management intensities along the altitudinal gradient on woody species composition, diversity, and forest structure across multiple life stages in evergreen moist Afromontane forest. Forests were purposively selected where a natural forest (NF) and semiforest coffee (SFC) systems occurred adjacently. The transect lines along the altitudinal gradients were laid down at 150-m intervals. A total of 30 plots with 20 × 20 m for mature trees and 150 subplots for seedlings and saplings for each forest were laid down along the transect line. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the effect of coffee management and altitudinal gradient on the forest structure and composition. Our results confirmed that 52 species representing 31 families were identified from the studied NF, whereas 33 woody species belonging to 22 families were recorded in the SFC. The interaction effect of altitude and coffee management significantly affects species evenness and diversity at the seedlings, saplings, and mature tree stages, as well as forest structure (DBH and height in all classes) in the NF (p<0.05). There is a significant variation in woody species diversity and composition at seedling, sapling, and mature trees between the forest systems (p<0.05). By jointly analyzing traditional coffee management intensities and altitudinal gradients, this study reveals that coffee-based forest management across elevation levels reshapes forest composition, diversity, regeneration, and stand structure, with consequences for long-term biodiversity persistence. Therefore, the forest manager should incorporate sustainable coffee management practices into forest management by maintaining adequate shade tree cover, minimizing understory clearing, and promoting structural diverse agroforestry systems to boost the productivity of the forest ecosystem and coffee yield at the same time.
Tree height is very crucial parameter in forest management. Tree height–diameter models are routinely used for tree height prediction. These models can be developed using fixed- or mixed-effects approaches. This study aimed to evaluate height prediction models for dense plantations of Acacia mearnsii in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. In this study, both fixed- and mixed-effects modelling approaches were used. Fagita Lekoma was purposively selected due to widespread exercise of A. mearnsii plantation. Among the 33 woodlots considered, ten woodlots were selected using a snowball sampling approach. A total of 870 trees were selected based on the performance of individual trees. Eight height-predicting models were evaluated, including power, Naslund, Wykoff, Curtis, Meyer, Michaelis–Menten, logistic and modified log-logistic (M. LogL), while one best fit linear model was developed for a particular tree species. The fixed-effects approach in the first stage and the mixed-effects approach in the second stage were used to fit the model. The adjusted coefficient of determination (R2-adj), root mean square error (RMSE), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to evaluate the models. The results showed that Model 7 and the logistic model performed better according to the evaluation criteria. Model 7 and the logistic model have R2-adj, RMSE, AIC and BIC of 1, 0.641, 45471.9 and 45462.9 and 1, 0.830, 45399 and 45385.6, respectively. In this study, the fixed-effect approach showed better performance in predicting the tree height of A. mearnsii smallholder plantations. Model 7, followed by the logistic model, is recommended for estimating the height of A. mearnsii-based smallholder plantations in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia.
The sustainability of reforestation initiatives depends strongly on the involvement of local communities, whose lack of ownership can compromise efforts to combat deforestation and land degradation. This study assessed floristic diversity, structural characteristics, regeneration capacity, and anthropogenic disturbances in reforested and natural habitats across three village areas in the Diamare Division of Cameroon. Floristic inventories were conducted in 24 plots (50 m × 50 m), equally distributed between habitat types, while regeneration was assessed in 120 subplots (10 × 10 m) from June and September 2025. A total of 1740 woody individuals belonging to 59 species, 42 genera, and 23 families were recorded in the reforested sites, compared with 1524 woody individuals representing 77 species, 54 genera, and 26 families in natural sites. Species diversity was lower in reforested sites (Shannon index = 3.12) than in natural sites (3.50), indicating reduced floristic heterogeneity. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile and Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev showed the highest importance value index in reforested and natural sites, respectively. The vegetation structures in both habitats exhibited an inverted J-shaped distribution, reflecting active regeneration but low recruitment of large trees. Regeneration rates by seedlings were 37.52% and 34.74%, while stump sprouting reached 81.54% and 90.25% in reforested and natural sites, respectively. Systematic cutting represented the main anthropogenic disturbance. Although reforestation initiatives contribute to vegetation recovery, their long-term effectiveness remains constrained by persistent human pressures. Strengthening community participation, protecting regeneration zones, promoting native drought-resistant species, and implementing regular ecological monitoring are essential to ensure sustainable restoration outcomes.
Dryland agroecosystems of northern Ethiopia are increasingly affected by land degradation, agricultural expansion, and grazing pressure. Balanites aegyptiaca is a drought-tolerant, multipurpose tree that provides important ecological and socioeconomic services. However, quantitative evidence on its population structure and regeneration dynamics in Western Tigray farmlands remains limited. This study aimed to assess the population structure and regeneration status of B. aegyptiaca and to identify the major drivers influencing its recruitment in the farmlands of Kafta-Humera District, Western Tigray. A mixed-method approach combining ecological inventory and socioeconomic surveys was applied in Rawiyan, Maykadra, and Baeker kebeles of Kafta-Humera District. Ninety 50 × 50 m plots were systematically established along transects. Diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown diameter, and regeneration stages were recorded. Population structure was analyzed using DBH class distribution, and regeneration was evaluated using density estimates and seedling: sapling: tree ratios. Additionally, 120 household surveys and 15 key informant interviews were conducted. Mature tree density was 68 stems ha−1, confirming the species remains a prominent component of the farmland landscape. Seedling and sapling densities were 28.7 and 46 ha−1, respectively. The seedling-to-tree (0.42:1) and sapling-to-tree (0.68:1) ratios indicate constrained recruitment. The DBH distribution exhibited a reverse-J pattern, suggesting partial structural stability, but a bottleneck between saplings and small trees indicates limited transition to higher size classes. Free grazing, agricultural disturbance, and fuelwood extraction were identified as major constraints. Although the current structure reflects past regeneration success, continued land-use pressure may limit long-term sustainability. Strengthening-assisted natural regeneration and controlled grazing are recommended.
While agroforestry is embedded in the socioecological fabric of many societies in sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have uncovered the interest and outcome dimensions of actor engagement in this initiative. This paper examines how diverse actors’ interests shape agroforestry practices and outcomes in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Employing a convergent mixed-methods approach combining household surveys (n = 103), key informant interviews (n = 7), expert interviews (n = 6), and focus group discussions (n = 6), the study applied the actor-oriented approach to typify state and nonstate actors, their interests, and resulting socioecological and economic outcomes. Qualitative data obtained were transcribed, translated, and analyzed through narrative and thematic approaches. Results indicate that actors, ranging from government agencies (MINADER, MINFOF, and MINEPIA) to local farmers, traditional rulers, and cooperatives, engage in agroforestry with distinct and often conflicting motivations. Farmers are primarily motivated by income diversification and food security (68%), while state actors emphasize ecological restoration and land management. These divergent interests contribute to governance fragmentation and inconsistent agroforestry practices. Ecologically, 36.9% of respondents reported increased biodiversity; however, widespread eucalyptus cultivation negatively affected soil and water resources. Economically, agroforestry supports livelihood diversification, though only 5% of farmers reported improved market access. Socially, agroforestry enhances community cohesion but also generates land-use conflicts. The study demonstrates that misaligned actor interests and weak institutional coordination limit the full potential of agroforestry. It concludes that strengthening participatory governance, improving market linkages, and aligning ecological and economic incentives are critical for enhancing agroforestry outcomes. These findings provide important insights for designing integrated and actor-responsive agroforestry policies in Cameroon and similar sub-Saharan African contexts.
Quantifying woody species diversity is essential for managing anthropogenically modified landscapes in the Ethiopian highlands. This study evaluated the floristic composition and structural diversity of woody plant species at Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia. Vegetation data were collected from 16 quadrats (1600 m2) across two distinct managed zones: the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Site A) and the Haramaya University Model School (Site B). A total of 569 individuals representing 29 unique woody species were identified. Site B recorded a higher Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H′ = 2.78) and an Evenness Index (J′ = 0.928). In contrast, Site A exhibited lower diversity (H′ = 2.31) and an Evenness Index (J′ = 0.815) and a significantly higher Simpson’s Dominance Index (D = 0.1465), which was double that of Site B (D = 0.0752). An independent sample t-test performed on per-plot diversity values confirmed that the higher structural diversity in Site B was statistically significant (t(14) = 2.45, p=0.028). Celtis africana emerged as a major structural driver across both sites, reaching a relative density of 29.7% and a modified two-component Importance Value Index (IVI) of 35.80% in Site A. A Jaccard Similarity Index of 27.59% indicated high beta-diversity between the study sites, heavily influenced by the uneven introduction of exotic species. Notably, Lantana camara (IVI = 33.7%) and Jacaranda mimosifolia (IVI = 19.5%) have established substantial ecological presence, while indigenous target timber species such as Podocarpus falcatus (5.5%) and Juniperus procera (12%) exhibited lower IVIs. These findings indicate that the campus is transitioning toward a “novel ecosystem” structure. Strategic management, including the targeted suppression of invasive species and enrichment planting of native hardwoods such as Hagenia abyssinica, is recommended to maintain the historical Afromontane character of the landscape.
Trees outside forests (TOFs) represent an important natural and anthropogenic resource that contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the protection of forest genetic resources (FGRs). Despite their ecological and socioeconomic importance, TOFs are increasingly declining due to land-use changes, urbanization, industrial expansion, and climate change. This study aims to (i) synthesize the global evolution and current status of TOFs, (ii) critically review existing approaches for their mapping and assessment, and (iii) propose a robust framework to improve their monitoring and integration into forest management systems. A comprehensive review of literature and National Forest Inventory practices was conducted to evaluate methodologies used for TOF assessment across multiple spatial scales, ranging from national to farm level. The study examines conventional and advanced geospatial techniques, including remote sensing, high-resolution satellite imagery, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), highlighting their applications, strengths, and limitations. Particular attention is given to spatial mapping resolutions (1:10,000–1:50,000) and the integration of species, structural, and functional attributes into TOF assessment frameworks. The findings reveal that, despite technological advancements, no universally reliable and standardized method exists for accurately mapping TOFs, primarily due to their dispersed nature and variability across landscapes. To address these challenges, this study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates multitemporal datasets from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 with a convolutional neural network (CNN)–based analysis to improve the detection, characterization, and spatial assessment of TOFs. The proposed framework offers a scalable and cost-effective approach for enhancing mapping accuracy and consistency, with significant implications for National Forest Monitoring Systems, carbon stock estimation, and policy formulation. By strengthening the inclusion of TOFs in forest inventories, this work supports sustainable resource management, improved ecosystem services, and informed decision-making for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
This study explores household participation in the collection of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) in Kalu district, Northeast Ethiopia, highlighting their critical role in local livelihoods and sustainable forest management. The primary issue is the over-reliance on and unsustainable harvesting of NTFPs by households, driven by socioeconomic needs and environmental pressures, which risks biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation in Kalu district. To address this, an assessment was conducted to understand household participation and identify the socioeconomic and environmental determinants influencing the collection of NTFPs in Kalu district, Ethiopia. Three kebeles, Ancharo, Keteteya, and Gedero, were purposively selected based on NTFP availability, household dependence, and accessibility. A total of 149 households were randomly sampled proportionally across these kebeles. Data were gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and structured household surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings revealed six primary NTFP categories used by households: energy resources, medicinal plants, household utensils, wild edible plants, wild spices, and fodders. Household participation was significantly and positively affected by gender and household size, while distance from forests and markets negatively influenced NTFP collection practices. The research provides insights for sustainable management, policy formulation, and community-based conservation efforts to balance ecological preservation with socioeconomic development.
This study provides a comprehensive ecological assessment of the floristic diversity, structural dynamics, and environmental interactions in the Meketeketa Afromontane forest. Systematic sampling was conducted using 74 main plots (20 × 20 m), each containing five 2 × 2 m subplots for seedlings and saplings, 1 × 1 m subplots for herbs, and composite soil samples for physicochemical analysis. In each plot, DBH, height, terrain, and disturbance were recorded, and cover was estimated using a modified Braun-Blanquet scale; vegetation–environmental data were analyzed using clustering and ordination. A total of 74 plant species from 67 genera and 43 families were recorded, with Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae as the dominant families. Shrubs (37.84%) were the most abundant life form, followed by herbs (35.14%), trees (14.86%), and climbers (12.16%). Four distinct plant communities were identified, with overall diversity (H′ = 3.81) and evenness (J = 0.88). The forest showed a multilayered canopy with a density of 667.57 individuals ha−1 and a basal area of 31.15 m2 ha−1, exhibiting good natural regeneration potential, characterized by an inverted J-shaped frequency and DBH class distribution, with most species (52.08%) in the 1.1–5 IVI class. Altitude and soil properties (sand content, pH, and electrical conductivity) were the main drivers of species distribution and community structure, whereas disturbances (cutting and grazing) had secondary effects; conservation priority should focus on species with population structures (J-, U-, and irregular-shaped), low IVI, and poor regeneration across species, community, and ecosystem levels.
Widdringtonia whytei (Mulanje cedar), Malawi’s critically endangered national tree, has declined > 80% since the 1950s from overharvesting, fires and regeneration failure. Previous reforestation initiatives have yielded inconsistent establishment success, attributable to inadequate genotype × environment matching and insufficient edaphic characterization, necessitating empirical research to inform restoration under intensifying climate pressures. This study evaluated 4-year field performance including survival, root collar diameter (RCD) and height of three provenances (Zomba, Chikangawa and Tanzania) established across five operational high-altitude sites in Malawi (Thuchira, Zomba Plateau, Dedza Mountain, Luwawa and Chikangawa). Trials followed randomized complete block designs using a randomized complete block design with five blocks per site and 7 × 7 tree plots assessed on a 5 × 5 core. Site conditions dominated early trait variation at 4 years. Survival from Chikangawa provenance ranged from 21% (Dedza) to 54% (Chikangawa, Luwawa, Zomba, Thuchira); RCD from 1.6 cm (Thuchira) to 6.9 cm (Luwawa); and height from 1.2 m (Thuchira) to 3.1 m (Zomba). Zomba provenance excelled (66% survival overall; 89% at Luwawa; RCD 4.9 cm mean), Tanzania led height at productive sites, and Chikangawa underperformed consistently. Productive sites (> 50% survival) featured sandy loams, p>10 mg kg−1, CEC > 150 cmol_c kg−1, and pH 4.2–4.9; failures showed P-deficient sands (2.7–3.3 mg kg−1). Phosphorus and CEC strongly predicted growth; Zomba on P-replete loams achieved > 65% survival. These findings demonstrate that early performance of Mulanje cedar is jointly governed by genetic origin and edaphic conditions, highlight Zomba provenance as a promising genetic resource for restoration and underline the need to integrate soil pH, phosphorus status and texture into provenance choice and site preparation to improve reforestation success. Integrating soil diagnostics will boost reforestation success, secure W. whytei recovery and guide endangered conifer conservation globally.
