Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of <i>Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica</i> in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia

Teshome Tamirat; Semegnew Tadesse; Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole; Aberu Tena; Assefa Seyoum

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia

Teshome Tamirat

, Semegnew Tadesse^*, Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole, Aberu Tena, Assefa Seyoum

Published in International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (Volume 9, Issue 2)

Received: 17 January 2025 Accepted: 2 July 2025 Published: 11 August 2025

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Abstract

Conservation and sustainable management practices are crucial for preservation of most threatened species of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica for enhancing the socio-economic benefit in Ethiopia. This study employs quantitative methods to assess the population dynamics and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa Nilotica (VPN) across three sites in the Gambella Regional State: Terkudi in Abobo district, Elia in Itang district, and Ateti in Gog district. Primary data were collected through transect walk and secondary data were gathered from existing documents. A forest inventory was conducted by establishing nine transect lines, with five sample quadrats per line, leading to an effective sampling area of 4.5 hectares. The results indicate a total tree population of 463, with the highest density in Ateti site (185 trees) and the lowest in Elia (131 trees). Sapling counts further favor Ateti, which recorded 76 saplings compared to Elia's 46. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 14.7cm, with Terkudi showing the largest mean DBH (15.10cm) and Elia the smallest (14.37cm). The average tree height across sites was 10.84 meters, reflecting generally healthy growth conditions, albeit impacted by anthropogenic activities. The findings of this study underscore the significant influence of environmental factors, specifically altitude and slope on height of the population dynamics of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica in the Gambella Region. The strong positive correlation coefficients across the three sites indicate that increased altitude is associated with heightened plant growth and the statistically significant P-values further validate these relationships. The study highlights the need for improved management strategies, including artificial plantations and agroforestry systems, to enhance food security and economic gains. The findings underscore the significant regeneration potential of VPN in Gog Woreda, while emphasizing the threats posed by agricultural expansion and human settlement. Effective management and community-based initiatives are essential for protecting and enhancing the ecological and economic value of VPN in the region.

Published in	International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
Page(s)	78-89
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Conservation, Sustainable-management, Population, Dynamics and Regeneration

References

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[2]	Affi Jean Paul Attikora (2024). Genetic diversity and population structure of superior shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) using SNP markers for the establishment of a core collection in Côte d’Ivoire BMC Plant Biology.
[3]	Aleza, K., Wala, K., Bayala, J., Villamor, G. B., Dourma, M., Atakpama, W., Akpagana, K (2015). Population structure and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa (C. F. Gaertner) under different land management regimes in Atacora Department, Benin. Agroforestry Systems, 89(3), 511-523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-015-9787-9
[4]	Bayala, J., Balesdent, J., Marol, C., Zapata, F., Teklehaimanot, Z., Ouedraogo, S. J (2006). Relative contribution of trees and crops to soil carbon content in a parkland system in Burkina Faso using variations in natural 13C abundance. Nutrient Cycling Agroecosyst, 76: 193-201.
[5]	Demel Teketay, Deribe Gurmu and Tesfaye Bekele. (2003). Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica, a multipurpose industrial oilseed tree: Botany, Distribution, Ecology and Uses.
[6]	Deribe Gurmu. (2009). Phytogeography, Genetic Variation and Mating System of Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A. N. Henry in Ethiopia. PhD Thesis Research Proposal submitted to EARO, Addis Abeba and University of Putra, Kula Lumpur, Malasyia.
[7]	Elias, M., & Carney, J. (2007). African shea butter: A feminized subsidy from nature. Africa, 77(01), 37-62.
[8]	EMA. (2003). Ethiopian Mapping Agency (EMA) is an Ethiopian government agency, a department within the Ministry of Finance and Cooperation.
[9]	FDRE. (2007) Forest Development, Conservation and Utilization: Negarit Gazeta Proclamation No 542/2007, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
[10]	Gwali, S., Nakabonge, G., Okullo, J. B. L., Eilu, G., Nyeko, P., Vuzi, P. (2012). Morphological variation among shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa Subsp. nilotica)„Ethnovarieties‟ in Uganda. Genetic resources and crop evolution, 59(8), 1883-1898.
[11]	Holtzman, J (2004). The Shea butter value chain: Study synthesis and Recommendation for WATH. WATH Technical report No. 1, Dakar WATH.
[12]	Iddrisu, A., Elegba, W., Klu, G. Y. P., Danso, K. L (2018). Observations on seed embryo and germination, seedling morphology and development of Vitellaria paradoxa (C. F. Gaertn.). Forests, Trees and Livelihoods.
[13]	Issaka, A (2013). Morphological and genetic diversity in Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea Tree) across the savannah regions of Ghana. MSc. Thesis, George-August University of Goettingen, Goettingen.
[14]	Konate, L. (2012). Creating Competitive Market Models Burinka Faso: The Case of NUNUNA Women’s Shea Butter Federation (pp. 1-4).
[15]	Lemenih, M., & Woldermariam, T. (2010). Review of Forest, Woodland and Bushland Resources in Ethiopia Up to 2008. Ethiopian Environmental Review, No. 1 (Forum for Environmental, Addis Ababa), 131-173.
[16]	Reynolds, N. (2010). Investing in Shea in West Africa--A U.S. Investor’s Perspective (pp. 1-24).
[17]	Teklehaimanot, Z. (2004). Exploiting the potential of indigenous agroforestry trees: Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa in sub-Saharan Africa. Agroforestry Systems, 61-62(1-3), 207-220.
[18]	Tesfaye Awas, Tamrat Bekele and Sebsebe Demissew. (2001). An ecological study of the vegetation of Gambella Region, southwestern Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science 24: 213-228.
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Tamirat, T., Tadesse, S., Gole, T. W. M., Tena, A., Seyoum, A. (2025). Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 9(2), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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ACS Style

Tamirat, T.; Tadesse, S.; Gole, T. W. M.; Tena, A.; Seyoum, A. Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. Int. J. Atmos. Oceanic Sci. 2025, 9(2), 78-89. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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AMA Style

Tamirat T, Tadesse S, Gole TWM, Tena A, Seyoum A. Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. Int J Atmos Oceanic Sci. 2025;9(2):78-89. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11,
  author = {Teshome Tamirat and Semegnew Tadesse and Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole and Aberu Tena and Assefa Seyoum},
  title = {Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {78-89},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  abstract = {Conservation and sustainable management practices are crucial for preservation of most threatened species of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica for enhancing the socio-economic benefit in Ethiopia. This study employs quantitative methods to assess the population dynamics and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa Nilotica (VPN) across three sites in the Gambella Regional State: Terkudi in Abobo district, Elia in Itang district, and Ateti in Gog district. Primary data were collected through transect walk and secondary data were gathered from existing documents. A forest inventory was conducted by establishing nine transect lines, with five sample quadrats per line, leading to an effective sampling area of 4.5 hectares. The results indicate a total tree population of 463, with the highest density in Ateti site (185 trees) and the lowest in Elia (131 trees). Sapling counts further favor Ateti, which recorded 76 saplings compared to Elia's 46. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 14.7cm, with Terkudi showing the largest mean DBH (15.10cm) and Elia the smallest (14.37cm). The average tree height across sites was 10.84 meters, reflecting generally healthy growth conditions, albeit impacted by anthropogenic activities. The findings of this study underscore the significant influence of environmental factors, specifically altitude and slope on height of the population dynamics of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica in the Gambella Region. The strong positive correlation coefficients across the three sites indicate that increased altitude is associated with heightened plant growth and the statistically significant P-values further validate these relationships. The study highlights the need for improved management strategies, including artificial plantations and agroforestry systems, to enhance food security and economic gains. The findings underscore the significant regeneration potential of VPN in Gog Woreda, while emphasizing the threats posed by agricultural expansion and human settlement. Effective management and community-based initiatives are essential for protecting and enhancing the ecological and economic value of VPN in the region.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia

AU  - Teshome Tamirat
AU  - Semegnew Tadesse
AU  - Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole
AU  - Aberu Tena
AU  - Assefa Seyoum
Y1  - 2025/08/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
T2  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
SP  - 78
EP  - 89
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1150
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
AB  - Conservation and sustainable management practices are crucial for preservation of most threatened species of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica for enhancing the socio-economic benefit in Ethiopia. This study employs quantitative methods to assess the population dynamics and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa Nilotica (VPN) across three sites in the Gambella Regional State: Terkudi in Abobo district, Elia in Itang district, and Ateti in Gog district. Primary data were collected through transect walk and secondary data were gathered from existing documents. A forest inventory was conducted by establishing nine transect lines, with five sample quadrats per line, leading to an effective sampling area of 4.5 hectares. The results indicate a total tree population of 463, with the highest density in Ateti site (185 trees) and the lowest in Elia (131 trees). Sapling counts further favor Ateti, which recorded 76 saplings compared to Elia's 46. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 14.7cm, with Terkudi showing the largest mean DBH (15.10cm) and Elia the smallest (14.37cm). The average tree height across sites was 10.84 meters, reflecting generally healthy growth conditions, albeit impacted by anthropogenic activities. The findings of this study underscore the significant influence of environmental factors, specifically altitude and slope on height of the population dynamics of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica in the Gambella Region. The strong positive correlation coefficients across the three sites indicate that increased altitude is associated with heightened plant growth and the statistically significant P-values further validate these relationships. The study highlights the need for improved management strategies, including artificial plantations and agroforestry systems, to enhance food security and economic gains. The findings underscore the significant regeneration potential of VPN in Gog Woreda, while emphasizing the threats posed by agricultural expansion and human settlement. Effective management and community-based initiatives are essential for protecting and enhancing the ecological and economic value of VPN in the region.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Teshome Tamirat

Bamboo Development and Technology Department, Ethiopian Forestry Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1206-7007
Semegnew Tadesse

Project Management Division, Tree Aid Project, Gambella, Ethiopia

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Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole

Project Coordination Unit, Ethiopia Coffee Forest Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Aberu Tena

Green Legacy and Artificial Plantation Division, Ethiopian Forestry Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Assefa Seyoum

School of Developemnt Study, Addis ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Tamirat, T., Tadesse, S., Gole, T. W. M., Tena, A., Seyoum, A. (2025). Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 9(2), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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ACS Style

Tamirat, T.; Tadesse, S.; Gole, T. W. M.; Tena, A.; Seyoum, A. Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. Int. J. Atmos. Oceanic Sci. 2025, 9(2), 78-89. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

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AMA Style

Tamirat T, Tadesse S, Gole TWM, Tena A, Seyoum A. Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia. Int J Atmos Oceanic Sci. 2025;9(2):78-89. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11,
  author = {Teshome Tamirat and Semegnew Tadesse and Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole and Aberu Tena and Assefa Seyoum},
  title = {Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {78-89},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaos.20250902.11},
  abstract = {Conservation and sustainable management practices are crucial for preservation of most threatened species of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica for enhancing the socio-economic benefit in Ethiopia. This study employs quantitative methods to assess the population dynamics and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa Nilotica (VPN) across three sites in the Gambella Regional State: Terkudi in Abobo district, Elia in Itang district, and Ateti in Gog district. Primary data were collected through transect walk and secondary data were gathered from existing documents. A forest inventory was conducted by establishing nine transect lines, with five sample quadrats per line, leading to an effective sampling area of 4.5 hectares. The results indicate a total tree population of 463, with the highest density in Ateti site (185 trees) and the lowest in Elia (131 trees). Sapling counts further favor Ateti, which recorded 76 saplings compared to Elia's 46. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 14.7cm, with Terkudi showing the largest mean DBH (15.10cm) and Elia the smallest (14.37cm). The average tree height across sites was 10.84 meters, reflecting generally healthy growth conditions, albeit impacted by anthropogenic activities. The findings of this study underscore the significant influence of environmental factors, specifically altitude and slope on height of the population dynamics of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica in the Gambella Region. The strong positive correlation coefficients across the three sites indicate that increased altitude is associated with heightened plant growth and the statistically significant P-values further validate these relationships. The study highlights the need for improved management strategies, including artificial plantations and agroforestry systems, to enhance food security and economic gains. The findings underscore the significant regeneration potential of VPN in Gog Woreda, while emphasizing the threats posed by agricultural expansion and human settlement. Effective management and community-based initiatives are essential for protecting and enhancing the ecological and economic value of VPN in the region.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Population Dynamics and Ecological Patterns of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica in the Gambella Region: Implications for Sustainable Management in South Western Ethiopia

AU  - Teshome Tamirat
AU  - Semegnew Tadesse
AU  - Tadesse Wolde Mariam Gole
AU  - Aberu Tena
AU  - Assefa Seyoum
Y1  - 2025/08/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
T2  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
SP  - 78
EP  - 89
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1150
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20250902.11
AB  - Conservation and sustainable management practices are crucial for preservation of most threatened species of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica Nilotica for enhancing the socio-economic benefit in Ethiopia. This study employs quantitative methods to assess the population dynamics and regeneration status of Vitellaria paradoxa Nilotica (VPN) across three sites in the Gambella Regional State: Terkudi in Abobo district, Elia in Itang district, and Ateti in Gog district. Primary data were collected through transect walk and secondary data were gathered from existing documents. A forest inventory was conducted by establishing nine transect lines, with five sample quadrats per line, leading to an effective sampling area of 4.5 hectares. The results indicate a total tree population of 463, with the highest density in Ateti site (185 trees) and the lowest in Elia (131 trees). Sapling counts further favor Ateti, which recorded 76 saplings compared to Elia's 46. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 14.7cm, with Terkudi showing the largest mean DBH (15.10cm) and Elia the smallest (14.37cm). The average tree height across sites was 10.84 meters, reflecting generally healthy growth conditions, albeit impacted by anthropogenic activities. The findings of this study underscore the significant influence of environmental factors, specifically altitude and slope on height of the population dynamics of Vitalaria paradoxa Nilotica in the Gambella Region. The strong positive correlation coefficients across the three sites indicate that increased altitude is associated with heightened plant growth and the statistically significant P-values further validate these relationships. The study highlights the need for improved management strategies, including artificial plantations and agroforestry systems, to enhance food security and economic gains. The findings underscore the significant regeneration potential of VPN in Gog Woreda, while emphasizing the threats posed by agricultural expansion and human settlement. Effective management and community-based initiatives are essential for protecting and enhancing the ecological and economic value of VPN in the region.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download