Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Land in Southwest Niger: The Case of the Commune of Gothèye

In south-west Niger, ecosystems are losing several hectares of their surface area every year due to internally displaced persons and refugees. The commune of Gothèye is not immune to this situation. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of displaced persons and refugees on socio-spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystems using Landsat images. To achieve this, Landsat TM, Landsat ETM+ and OLI 8 satellite images from September and March were used (2010 to 2024). Operations on Envi 5.3, field validation output and finally mapping on ArcGIS were the steps involved. Discrimination is significant, with kappa coefficients of 0.97, 0.96, 0.86 and 0.85. The results obtained indicate a degradation of natural ecosystems, reflected in a change in landscape structure, with a marked reduction in the quantity and quality of ecosystem goods. Analysis of the evolution of land use showed that 31% of the land remained in its initial state (unchanged), 69% underwent modifications, and 11% was converted to cropland. Over these fourteen years, the study area has undergone changes in land use patterns, which have resulted in a modification of landscape structure, with a marked decline in the quantity and quality of ecosystem services.

Trends of Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Savannah Ecological of the Protected Area Reserve Partielle de Dosso, Niger

Information on the dynamics of savannah is important to a country's plan to overcome the problems of uncontrolled development and environmental hazards. Taking the reserve partielle de Dosso, Niger as the case study area, this paper analyzed the long-term land use land cover change from 2002 to 2022. Satellite images were processed by using Google Earth Engine (GEE). Therefore, four major land cover classes were identified based on spectral characteristics of Land sat, namely, built-up, vegetation, cropland, bare land and water. The result revealed that barren and built-up areas increased at the expense of vegetation and water. From the four major land use land cover the large area is covered by vegetation which comprises about 192963.5 hectares followed by cropland and water consisting of 32506.43 and 1596.4 hectares respectively. The built-up area gained substantial area (most) during the study period. The reduction in some of the land cover/uses underlines the dangerous trend of the pressure poised by population growth and the changing functionality. Land cover change is influenced by a variety of societal factors operating on several spatial and temporal levels. The area estimates and spatial distributions of the LULC classes produced from the current study will assist local authorities, managers, and other stakeholders in decision-making and planning regarding forest land cover and uses.

The Essential Oil of Ocimum americanum from Senegal and Gambia as a Source of Methyleugenol for the Control of Bactrocera dorsalis, Fruit Fly

The fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important pests in all mango-producing areas, particularly in West Africa. In Senegal, O. americanum leaves have been used for several years to control this fly. However, to our knowledge, no chemical studies have been carried out. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of O. americanum leaves collected in Senegal and Gambia. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of these leaves is analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Yields of essential oils from O. americanum leaves are 3.84% and 2.13%, respectively. Analysis of these essential oils by GC/FID and GC/MS allowed the identification of 23 compounds representing almost 100% of the total compositions. These essential oils are mainly dominated by methyleugenol (72.0% and 75.8%, respectively). Other components in significant percent are trans-β-caryophyllene (13.9% and 13.0%, respectively), germacrene D (4.1% and 3.7%, respectively), β-elemene (3.3% and 0.9%, respectively). Due to the high methyleugenol content, this study explains the attractive potential of O. americanum towards B. dorsalis. In perspective, we plan to evaluate the attractive effect of the essential oil and leaf powder of O. americanum against B. dorsalis, a real pest of mango orchards in Senegal.

Can Stand Density and Stem Stratification Be Indicators of Aboveground Biomass in Woody Plant Recruitment in Savannah

Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured to evaluate the stand density and size variability of woody species related to aboveground biomass in a Sudanian savannah. Total height, stem diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were measured in 30 plots of 50 m × 20 m laid in respect to vegetation type as bowal, shrubland and woodland. Species diversity, stem density, height and basal area were calculated and compared across sites and variation in stem dbh classes evaluated. Total aboveground biomass was estimated and thereafter linear relationships were established between stand density and aboveground biomass, and basal area. Results revealed three different sites with an overall 58 species identified through vegetation type including liana species (4 stems in bowal) with 18 genera and 42 families. Fabaceae Combretaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rubiaceae were dominant families. Small sized trees represented 72% of total stem density considered in structure with significant higher basal area, while large sized trees as 28% were scarcely distributed. More than 70% variation in biomass was due to stem density and basal area with a dominance of small trees. In conclusion increase size in tree community indicated increase in accumulated aboveground biomass as positive regeneration features. But, change in vegetation structure strongly influence negatively species ability to grow from lower to upper size class and later on, disrupt ecosystem functioning. Plant stem density and stratification could be considered as indicators of aboveground biomass fluctuating in regeneration monitoring.

Contribution of Promiscuous Soybean （Glycine max L.） to Upland Rice-based Cropping Systems in West Africa

A two-year on-farm study was carried out at Eglime in the moist savanna （MS） and Ouake in the dry savanna （DS） of Benin to evaluate the contribution of inoculation of dual-purpose soybean varieties to grain yield of upland NERICA rice fertilized with low N level. In 2005, four dual-purpose, promiscuous soybean varieties （cv. TGx1440-IE; TG×1448-2E; TG×1019-2EB; and TG×1844-18E）, and a popular improved variety （cv. Jupiter） were sown in 12 farmer fields with and without Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation. There was also land which was left fallow that acted as the control. In 2006, upland interspecific rice （NERICA 1） was sown in all the plots and supplied with 15 kg N haL. Dry matter yield, N accumulation, and net N-balance were significantly enhanced by over 40% with inoculation of cv. TG× 1844-18E than non-inoculation in the DS in comparison to other cultivars. There were no significant effects of inoculation of previous soybean cultivars on soybean grain yield and on the succeeding NERICA rice yield. Averaged over inoculation, previous cv. TG× 1019-2EB plots supplied with only 15 kg N hal gave the highest grain yield, more than twice the yield of control plots in the DS, possibly because of significant production of higher tillers, panicles and harvest index than the other cultivars; and it could be recommended for upland rice-based system for NERICA production.

Community Perception of Biodiversity Conservation Within Protected Areas:Case of Pendjari National Park,Benin

Commitment of local communities to protected areas is essential for conserving biodiversity.In Benin,various conservation models have been implemented for National Park management.This study,carried out around the Pendjari National Park (PNP),analyzed local people’s views on ongoing participatory management activities and assessed their perceptions towards biodiversity conservation within the park.We interviewed 164 residents living in

Tree-ring:a suitable implement for spatial and temporal fire distribution analysis in savanna woodland and dry forest

Based on 120 stem discs collected during3 months of fieldwork along a 12 km route,the history of fires in the Wari Maro Forest（09 1000 N–02 1000E） over the past century in savanna woodland and dry forest was reconstituted.Three major ecological areas are characterized：one highly burnt zone located between two relative less burnt areas.By analyzing tree rings,246 fire scars were identified.The scars were caused by 51 fire years,occurring at a mean interval of 2.23 years.From 1890 to1965,only 6 years with fires were recorded from sampled trees.Since 1966,no year has passed without fire.The fire frequency point scale reached 14 years.This was the case of Burkea africana,which has been identified as a species tolerant to fire and could be planted to create a natural firewall.In contrast,Anogeissus leiocarpa is highly sensitive to fire,and in a dry forest ecosystem that burns seasonally,it requires a special conservation plan.Two new concepts are described：the rebarking of trees after fire and Mean Kilometer Fire Interval.The first concept was tested with Daniellia oliveri（Rolfe） Hutch ＆ Dalz trees,and the second concept was used to evaluate spatial fire distribution.We demonstrate that savanna woodland and dry forest were subject to a degradation process caused by destructive fires related to vegetation cover clearance and illegal logging.

Effect of Climatic Factors on the Radial Growth of Teak （Tectona grandis L.F.） in Parakou and Tchaourou Districts in Northern Benin

Climatic factor＇s effect was studied on the radial growth of teak （Tectona grandis L.F.） by using the stem analysis of 36 trees distributed in 6 plantations in Parakou and Tchaourou districts in northern Benin. The results showed that the plantations of Parakou were in general more productive than those of Tchaourou. The annual average growth was estimated in the first five years at 0.86 cm/year for Parakou and 0.76 cm/year at Tchaourou. The analysis of the radial growth showed that a significant percentage of the variance was allotted to the growth model. It follows that a big part of the ring width was predetermined before the intervention of the other factors, in particular the climatic conditions. The percentage of the variance related to the climatic conditions was thus more reduced for the plantations of Tchaourou than those of Parakou. The radial growth was influenced by the conditions of humidity （evapotranspiration, humidity and rain） of February to May on the one hand and those from August to October on the other hand.

Advances in Probing Wood-Coating Interface by Microscopy: A Review

Surface coatings provide protection to wood products against weathering and other deteriorating factors, such as moisture uptake and microbial invasion. The effectiveness of coatings depends on many factors, including how well the applied coatings adhere to the wood surface. Coating adhesion to wood involves both chemical and physical interactions between the coating and wood tissues in contact, and the particular focus of this mini-review will be on the advances being made in understanding the physical aspects of the interaction by probing wood-coating interface using novel and high resolution imaging techniques, including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), SEM-backscattered electron imaging and correlative microscopy employing light, confocal and scanning electron microscopy.

Morphological Variability of <i>Prosopis africana</i>(Guill., Perrott. Et Rich.) Taub in Benin, West Africa

The morphological variability of Prosopis africana in its natural range (which includes three climate zones: Guinean zone, Sudano-Guinean zone and Sudanese zone) of Benin was studied on the basis of forest inventory carried out in three different vegetation types (savannah, fallow and field). The data recorded in 139 plots of 1000 m2 each related to the diameter at breast height (1.3 m over the ground level), the bole height, the height to the first branch, crown height, the crown diameter, number of branches on each individual tree. In these plots, 143 sheets were used to determine the length of leaf, the pinna length, leaflets’ length, numbers of pinna, the number of leaflets, and the stalk diameter. In addition, 735 cloves were measured to determine the fruit pods’ diameter, pod length, the total fruit weight and number of seeds per fruit, the seed length, the weight of a seed, and pulp weight. Analysis of variance components shows that the variability of Prosopis is generally greater among individuals than within vegetation types and climatic zones. Discriminant analysis showed that of the 19 morphometric characters seven (7) in the vegetation types and twelve (12) in climate zones revealed a statistically significant discriminating pattern r (prob. P. africana trees measured, 10 morphogroups were depicted on the basis of 19 morphometric characteristics (R2 = 52.6%).

Water Quality in and around Lake Edward Basin of the Greater Virunga Landscape, D. R. Congo Side

A systematic study has been carried out to assess the water quality in and around Lake Edward basin in D.R. Congo Side. Fifty four water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, including: temperature, discharge, pH, electrical conductivity, transparency, dissolved oxygen, COD, BOD, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, alkalinity, total hardness, turbidity, calcium hardness, calcium, magnesium hardness, magnesium, total nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, chloride, sulphate and total suspended solids. For bacteriological parameters: fecal bacteria, enterococcus bacteria, vibrio and salmonella shigella bacteria were considered. For macroinvertebrates assemblages all taxa using standards methods for each parameter. A comparison of data from dry (June to August) and wet (September to May) season was done in and around Lake Eduard watershed. The analytical data of various physicochemical parameters indicates that water characteristics in the watershed were in the limit of WHO standards for drinking water and aquatic life. Bacteriological water quality of some ecosystems in the watershed revealed the infestation of water with bacteria which make the water unusable for drinking by the surrounding population near and within Lake Eduard watershed. Longtime period sampling in the watershed is needed to understand the variation and composition of water quality and aquatic macroinvertebrate environment of the watershed.

Occurrence and Distribution of <i>Banana bunchy top virus</i>Related Agro-Ecosystem in South Western, Democratic Republic of Congo

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is one of the most severe and widespread virus limiting production and distribution of planting material of banana (Musa spp.) crops in the world. In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), these crops play a major role in daily life of almost 70% of citizen. Many factors influence banana production negatively such as Banana bunchy top disease. Epidemiological survey was conducted in experimental stations and farmers’ fields for two consecutive seasons covering 72 sites in five provinces of south western of RDC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of the Banana bunchy top virus in five provinces of South Western of DRC, with emphasis on the agro-ecological factors. A total of 174 Musa spp. leaves samples were collected and analyzed by PCR. The results revealed the presence of BBTV in all provinces investigated. The frequency of BBTV was 6.3% in Bandundu, 12.1% in Kasa?Oriental, 17.8% Bas Congo, 1.1% in Katanga and 7.5% Kinshasa Urban and Peri-urban. Results also revealed that BBTV occurred in experimental station and farmers’ fields, both having all cooking and dessert bananas. The high prevalence of BBTV seemed to be linked to multiple introductions of planting materials in the Bas Congo province during 1990 and 2002. However, the province of Katanga had not experienced the introduction of planting material. This factor would explain the lowest prevalence of Banana bunchy top virus in this province. The results indicated that there was a real need to facilitate access to genetically improved and healthy certified planting material in these provinces.

Fruit Juice Production in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou Municipalities (Benin): Socio-Professional Profile of Actors and Adoption Level of Hygienic Practices of Enterprises

Fruit juice production sector is developing in Benin’s major cities and appears to have both organisational and technical shortcomings. This study aimed to 1) establish the socio-professional profile of actors in the fruit juice production sector in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou municipalities and 2) evaluate the adoption level of hygienic practices of enterprises. The methodological approach adopted in this study combined a semi-structured survey with direct observations in fifty enterprises. The statistical analysis was carried out using the R.4.0.0 software. The study revealed that fruit juice enterprises in both municipalities are mainly artisanal (90%) and located in residential areas (94%). They are therefore exposed to contamination risks from domestic and road activities. More than half of these enterprises were created less than five years ago. Three administrative types of enterprises were noted: non-structured (32%), semi-structured (34%) and structured (34%). Almost half of the enterprises belong to at least one professional association. Only a few enterprises have marketing authorization. Women predominate in the positions of director and production assistant. The majority of production managers are men. Most directors and production managers have a university education, but not necessarily in the field of food sciences. The adoption level of hygienic practices is significantly influenced by the level of enterprises structuration and size. The level of hygiene in these enterprises is also very weakly influenced by the female gender. Structured and semi-industrial enterprises have a higher adoption level of hygienic practices. Those with acceptable or good hygiene level enterprises contain slightly more women.

The Use of Clay as a Methane Emission Mitigating Feed Additive in DjallonkéRams

Four groups each composed of six rams with 15 kg average body weight were submitted to one of the following diet: Panicum maximum C1 (PM), Panicum maximum C1 plus concentrate (PM_Co), Panicum m. C1 plus clay (PM_Ar ) and Panicum maximum C1 plus concentrate plus clay (PM_Co_Ar). The concentrate is composed of 90% weat bran, 9.25% cottonseed cake, 0.5% premix and 0.25 cooking salt. The clay used was a mixture of 59% smectite, 14% kaolinite and 27% quartz. The significance of treatments on variation in physico-chemical characteristics (ruminal pH and concentration of ammonia nitrogen), as well as in the rumen fermentation profile i.e. Volatile Fatty Acid concentration and in the enteric methane (CH4) production, depending on the rumen fluid collection time (at 9 o’clock and 13 o’clock), were studied using AOV. The highest ruminal pH was recorded in animals fed the mixture of Panicum plus clay, which is 7.02 ± 0.12 against 6.96 ± 0.12, 6.8 ± 0.06 and 6.69 ± 0.15, respectively in animals fed with PM, PM_Co and PM_Co_Ar. Incorporation of clay in the mixture of Panicum C1 plus concentrate had a stabilizing effect on ruminal pH. A significant decrease in the concentration of ruminal N-NH3 was recorded with PM_Ar (56.6 ± 15.2 g/ml), compared to PM (89.0 ± 18.9 g/ml). However, the ruminal N-NH3 concentration of animals fed the PM_Co diet (71.0 ± 15.1g /ml) increased in comparison to that of the PM_Co_Ar diet fed animals. Compared to the enteric methane concentration of the PM ration fed animals, the decrease of CH4 concentration was 2% - 5%, 7% - 11% and 19% - 23% respectively in the PM_Ar, the PM_Co and the PM_Co_Ar diets fed rams. These results suggest that the methane reducing effect of clay might be emphasized by the concentrate supplementation of the diet.

Spatio-Temporal Variation of Atmospheric Nutrient Deposition in Different Land Uses/Covers around Lake Kivu

Atmospheric deposition of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus has the capacity to significantly affect the productivity and biogeochemistry of aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of land use/cover types on the atmospheric deposition of nutrients around Lake Kivu. Dry and wet atmospheric deposition samples were collected from four different land use/cover types (forest, wetland, agricultural and urbanized area) at four stations (Goma, Lwiro, Bukavu and Iko) around the Lake Kivu basin. The highest annual loading of dry total phosphorus (TP) was recorded at a station located in an urban area at Goma (4.4 ± 3.9 μmol/m2/yr) and the highest dry deposition of total nitrogen (TN) was recorded at Iko (84.5 ± 41.2 μmol/m2/yr). High wet TP and TN were at Bukavu (0.7 ± 1.1 μmol/m2/yr) and Iko (21.7 ± 34.7 μmol/m2/yr) respectively. High dry TP loads were recorded in the forest area of Goma and the highest dry TN at Lwiro. High wet TP loads were record in agriculture at Goma and high values of wet TN in agriculture at Iko. Phosphorus and nitrogen deposition rates around Lake Kivu were similar to those reported for other African lakes. The highest rate of TP was recorded mainly in the forest area for dry deposition while high TN was recorded in all types of land use/cover in the basin. This study found out that forest traps high concentration of nutrient than other land uses/covers.

Hydrological Systems in the Greater Virunga Landscape: Water Quality around Mikeno Sector

Monitoring of environmental parameters is one of the highest priorities in the evaluation of environmental status of water resources and in environmental protection policy. The main objectives are to understand and evaluate the water quantity and quality in order to provide water of appropriate quality to various water users. The water quantity was assessed by the measurement of runoff or discharge at specific river cross sections using floating method for surface water and bucket and stopwatch method for springs and boreholes. The quality of river water and spring was identified in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The analyzed data were compared with standard values recommended by WHO. Macroinvertebrates were collected in the rivers using a plankton nets and 10 minutes of sampling. Identification was made at the laboratory of Malacology. Results revealed that the quality of water obtained from sampling points is generally good to use for different domestic purposes except the Idanta River and Rwembwe borehole, which need an appropriate treatment before use. All sampling points are located far from houses and latrines, which can contribute to fecal contamination. On the different sampling points, bathing and washing clothes were observed and could constitute the source of pollution of drinking water. In Idanta and Kamira Rivers animals used water for drinking while also people use this water for domestic and drinking. In the two sampling points high values of Escherichia coli were found. No pollutant-taxa tolerant were found in the two monitored rivers for macroinvertebrates. Since water quality and quantity remain a major challenge in rural areas, the government should provide safe water to the population around Mikeno sector after treatment using suitable techniques.

Major Ions in Atmospheric Deposition in Lake Kivu Basin

This study investigated the major ion composition and sources in wet and dry deposition samples collected over 15 months (December 2017 to February 2019) at four stations representing four different land use/cover types on the western side of Lake Kivu basin in D.R. Congo. The samples were collected every 13 days for dry deposition and two to three times per month for wet deposition. Samples were analyzed for major ionic components (Cl-, NO-3, SO2-4, Na+, K+, NH+4, Ca2+, CO2-3, HCO-3 and Mg2+). Electrical conductivity and pH were analyzed immediately in the field while major ion measurements were in the laboratory. Results showed the pH of both the dry and the wet depositions were higher than what would have been expected based on equilibration with atmospheric CO2 (pH > 5.6) at all four sites, with conductivity less than 50 μS/cm. The neutralization process in dry and wet atmospheric deposition is due to Ca2+, NH+4, HCO-3 and CO2-3. The anion: cation ratio in dry deposition was close to 1 for Iko and Bukavu, and it was greater than 1.0 (1.1 - 1.2) for Lwiro and Goma in wet deposition. The dominant anions in wet deposition were SO2-4 and NO-3, found around the rural area near cement factory and the urban area near active volcanoes, respectively. The most abundant cation was Na+ followed by K+. The enrichment factors and correlation analysis suggest that the main sources of Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+ were disintegration of soil processes, aeolian suspension of soil and volcanic ash, biomass burning and the cement/lime factory around the Lake Kivu basin.

Survey of Cereal Consumption Habits in the Community of Djougou, Benin

The cereal group occupies a prominent place in the dietary habits of people in northern Benin and there is little recent information on cereal consumption. This study aims to assess the consumption, acquisition and supply of cereals to households in the community of Djougou. A semi-directive survey with KoBoCollect was conducted among 369 households to collect individual cereal food consumption data. The survey data processed by statistical tools showed that the most consumed cereals are maize (95%, p = 0.887), millet (58%, p = 0.755), rice (55%, p = 0.753), sorghum (15%, p = 0.635), wheat (5%, p = 0.920) and fonio barely 5%. The most common mode of acquisition in Djougou is purchase (50%, p = 0.947) but donation is also observed (25%, p = 0.988) as well as production observed in 20.6% of households. Purchases are made from retailers in local markets (45%, p = 0.920) but also in streets and alleys (30%, p = 0.765). The most widely used preservation technique is drying at room temperature (70%, p = 0.995). Households most often dry in the areas provided in the field (50%, p = 0.783) and at home (40%, p = 0.643). The preferred storage location is the kitchen (60%, p = 0.790). The bedroom (20%, 0.669) and the store (15%, 0.522) are the alternative places for storing cereals. In addition, the supply costs of cereals increased between 2020 and 2021. This vertiginous rise in prices is due, among other things, to the covid19 pandemic. The various data generated not only make it possible to have fresh data but also to invest them in the assessment of health risks for the achievement of a high level of protection of the health and life of consumers.

Physical and Technological Parameters of Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) Grown in the Southern Parts of Benin and the Influence of Chemical Composition

Objective: The study aims to investigate some physical and technological parameters of varieties of maize collected from the most representative areas of maize production in the southern part of Benin, and mainly used by the populations of those areas. Method: The chemical composition, physical and technological characteristics of the grains were determined using standard methods. Results: The results showed that the weight of 1000 grains ranges from 158.01 to 305.12 g, the length from 0.79 to 1.81 cm, the average width from 0.74 to 1.51 cm, thickness from 0.36 to 0.85 cm and density from 1.07 to 1.25. Regarding the technological parameters, the hardness of the grains before and after cooking was between 16.78 and 47.20 kgf, and 0.23 and 0.71 kgf respectively, while the cooking time varies from 71.00 and 158.33 mn. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.405;p < 0.026) between the hardness after cooking and the weight of 1000 grains, between the hardness after cooking and grain width (r = 0.460;p < 0.011). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.527, p < 0.003) was also observed between the hardness after cooking and the grain length, between the hardness after cooking and the thickness of grain (r = 0.476, p < 0.008), and between the grain density and the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.481, p < 0.007). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.923, p < 0.000) was also observed between maize grain length and width, and between grain length and grain thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000) and between the width and thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000). On the other hand, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.394, p < 0.031) was found between the hardness before cooking and the thickness and between the hardness before cooking and sphericity index (r = -0465*, p Conclusion: Through its chemical and technological characteristics the maize constitutes an important raw material for many culinary recipes in West African region.

Abundance and Diversity of Woody Undergrowth Reservoir as Indicator of Suitable Vegetation Patch for Natural Regeneration

The diversity, abundance and height structure of naturally regenerated woody species were analyzed and compared for undergrowth reservoir associated with vegetation patches as bowal, shrubland and woodland for understanding the effect of vegetation conditions on spatial distribution of woody plants in Sudanian ecosystem. All undergrowth individuals (height < 1.5 m) were recorded by species and the total height and collar diameter were measured in 50 subplots of 5 m × 5 m (or 25 m2) laid out in each vegetation patch during rainy season. In total 52 undergrowth species and 2224 stems arranged in 38 genera and 21 families out of which 25, 36 and 38 species were found in bowal, shrubland and woodland respectively and 15 shared species. Combretaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae families were the most abundant and species density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in shrubland and woodland than bowal, and increase diversity in only shrubland (P = 0.002) comparing with bowal. Undergrowth was abundantly concentrated in small height class as canopy benefit and indicate a specific-site distribution. Results also showed that bowal had a particular vegetation which vary in function of tree community characters in place (P < 0.05) while woodland and shrubland are similar vegetation patches. As conclusion, the study vegetation patches form suitable regeneration niches for the undergrowth reservoir of limited number of species which in return can be predictor of species richness and abundance and thus the structure of tree community. Woody undergrowth community could be considered in biodiversity management and degraded land restoration. Supplementary works could be undertaken to understand the characteristics of seed bank for bowal, shrubland and woodland regarding the undergrowth and tree communities.