Indigenous Trees and Shrubs in Silvopastoral Systems of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon

In the dry savannas characterized by seasonal fluctuations in pasture ecological resources and extensive grazing systems involving transhumance, trees and shrubs are essential perennial components of rangelands. This tree and shrub germplasm helps in alleviating dry season forage shortages. Unfortunately, it is being eroded for multipurpose uses and also data on these resources are haphazardly documented for the afro-alpine areas. The study uses a combination of primary and secondary data sources to describe the significance of afro-alpine ecological niches for silvopastoral development, the current range condition and its potential in trees and shrubs as browse plants that can alleviate dry season forage shortages. Three pasture ecological zones based on altitude are identified. Zone 1, 2, and 3; possess 17, 25 and 6 browse plants respectively. These form large plant communities in the transition zones (zone 2). The study identifies the scope for their integration in crop- livestock production systems and finally, recommends that further research should focus on the analysis of the nutritive quality of the plants, the frequency of occurrence in each habitat and their methods of propagation. These could be sufficiently rich in their crude protein content so as to maintain animals during the drought season.