Understanding farmers’ perceptions and the effects of shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa) tree distribution in agroforestry parklands of Upper West Region, Ghana

摘要: Agroforestry parklands, characterized by scattered trees growing within cultivated crop fields, are the most widespread agricultural system in semi-arid West Africa. offer many ecological and socioeconomic benefits, such as added income, food, medicine. They currently under threat this region due to recent changes land use practices. For example, a reduction traditional fallow rotation periods has led decreased regeneration of common agroforestry tree, shea (Vitellaria paradoxa), which been an important economic resource for women. The aims study were determine beneficial spatial distributions maintain high yields staple crops better understand male female farmer perceptions maintenance. We compared maize (Zea mays) vegetative growth, grain yield, soil moisture, light availability associated with individual clumps on five farms Ghanaian parklands. also interviewed local farmers their management perspectives. Maize growth increased availability, but was not limited moisture. Conversely contrary perceptions, yield influenced increasing Also beliefs farmers, greater trees. therefore recommend maintenance clumped shea, they provide microclimates crops, could assist improving productivity products that considered domain women farmers.