Abstract:
Agricultural production in northern Benin is characterized by smallholder traditional agroforestry
systems, with on-farm remnant tree species. Among its numerous advantages, agroforestry is known
for its valuable contribution to biodiversity conservation. This study quantifies the importance of
Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn agroforests in terms of woody species conservation in Atacora district in
Benin. Forest inventories were performed within 50×50 m plots constructed on a net grid map of
Atacora district. Diversity indices were computed for both adult and juvenile species in two land
management regimes: fields and fallows. Overall 41 woody species were recorded; 28 in fields and 36 in
fallows. Taking into account matured and juvenile individuals, the diversity of woody species increased:
86 species in total; 69 species in fields and 78 in fallows. The biodiversity of V. paradoxa’s agroforestry
parklands increases from fields to fallows, and decreases from bulk species (considering mature and
juvenile species) to adult ones. Leguminosae and Combretaceae were the most abundant families
registered. From the Cover Value Index, V. paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Lannea microcarpa, Lannea
acida and Diospiros mespiliformis were the most abundant species. Support for maintaining this kind of
agricultural system is needed, as this exemplifies the synergy for providing, provisioning and
supporting services and biodiversity conservation.
