Abundance, structure and uses of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) populations in Omusati Region, Namibia

The baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) tree has multiple uses and is highly valued in Southern Africa, particularly in the rural communities where people depend on this resource for their livelihoods. However, few studies have been conducted on the usefulness of this high value plant species in Namibia. The aim of this study was to document the biology and local uses of baobab populations in Outapi and Onesi sites in Omusati Region, Namibia. A comparison of densities, distribution patterns, structure, phenology, stem conditions and uses of baobabs between the two sites was done. Road transects were used to identify focal trees which in turn were used to determine the placement of circular plots. In each plot, diameter at breast height (dbh) of adult and sub-adult trees, height of adults, sub-adults and saplings and their stem conditions, number of fruits on each fruiting baobab tree, occurrence data and the land-use types where baobabs occurred were recorded. The results revealed significant differences in the dbh-size and height classes between the two study sites. The bell-shaped distribution curve in dbh size-classes in the two sites suggests poor recruitment. The results revealed that Onesi villagers made more use of the baobab tree than Outapi urban residents. Some of the common uses of baobabs in both study sites included the use of baobab fruit for human consumption and the use of the baobab bark and leaves as livestock fodder. Additionally, the people of Outapi and Onesi use the baobab fruit and bark to treat certain ailments such as cold, flu and diarrhea.