Exploring the Silviculture and Silvics of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) in Northern Nigeria: Opportunities for Economic, Social and Environmental Development

Abstract

One of the most prevalent yet underappreciated wild plant species in the dry regions of Nigeria and all of Africa is the desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca). Its many uses, such as a source of food, fuel, wood, oils, household items, animal feed, and numerous pharmacological applications, are extremely obvious. Several Balanites preparations have been shown to have antifeedant, larvicidal, antidiabetic, molluscicide, anthelminthic, and contraceptive effects. This review paper emphasized the need of investigating the potentials of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree as an economic tree under sound management practices in northern Nigeria’s drier regions. Also, an attempt was made to investigate the silviculture and silvics chosen for the species as done in several sections of the species’ geographical range. Balanites was discovered to be one of the species chosen for the restoration of the Sahelian environment as part of the Pan-African reforestation project, the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel initiative (GGW). Local and empirical knowledge of the species should form the foundation for future study in the characterization of suitable agro-forestry systems, genetic enhancement of the species, and Invitro cultivation of the vegetative part to increase seed and seedling output.