African Botany and Ecology Studies
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Peer reviewed
Abstract
Abstract
In recent years, organic certification of non-timber forest products, such as shea nuts, has emerged as a market-based mechanism for promoting sustainable harvesting and biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to: (i) compare tree (adult and seedling) species richness, density, and diversity between certified and non-certified Vitellaria paradoxa stands, (ii) assess differences in the demographic and structural attributes of Vitellaria paradoxa populations between certification regimes, and (iii) evaluate population structure across certification regimes. A total of 31 sample plots were established using a stratified sampling design based on certification regimes. Species diversity was assessed using Hill numbers, and ANOVA was applied to test differences between certified and non-certified forest blocks. In total, 85 woody species were recorded in Vitellaria paradoxa stands, with higher species richness in certified forest blocks (61 species) than in non-certified blocks (54 species). Species richness and diversity differed significantly among certification regimes (p < 0.001) for the juvenile stratum. Dendrometric characteristics of Vitellaria paradoxa revealed higher population density in certified forest blocks (85.71 ± 74.70 individuals/ha) compared to non-certified forest blocks (16.66 ± 10.32 individuals/ha). Diameter class distributions indicated an unstable population structure in both regimes for the adult stratum. However, the inverted J-shaped height class distribution observed in certified forest blocks suggests good regeneration potential. These findings suggest that forest certification may be a good policy option to conserve biodiversity. This study also serves as a baseline to ensure the long-term conservation of Vitellaria paradoxa populations in West Africa.
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@article{Zoungrana2026Organic,
title = {Organic certification is associated with the biodiversity and structural dynamics of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. Stands in West African savanna ecosystems},
author = {Hervé Zoungrana and Satassa Hien and Lassina Traoré and Essébé Ouarmé and Jonas Koala and Hugues Roméo Bazié},
journal = {Environmental Challenges},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1016/j.envc.2026.101585},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2026.101585}
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