Survey of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) Population Density and Regeneration in Agricultural Landscapes of Niger State

The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is a multi-purpose parkland species of exceptional economic and nutritional importance across the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria, yet concerns have been raised about the age structure of shea populations in agricultural landscapes, with some areas reportedly showing regeneration deficits that threaten long-term population viability. This study surveys the density, size class distribution, regeneration status, and farmer management practices related to shea trees in agricultural landscapes of three Local Government Areas in Niger State. Belt transects covering a total of 240 hectares across twelve communities documented all shea trees and seedlings by size class. Soil conditions and shading intensity were measured at seedling presence and absence points to identify regeneration microsite requirements. Household interviews with 140 farmers explored management practices, ownership perceptions, and attitudes toward shea regeneration. Mean shea density across the study area was 13.7 trees per hectare, comparable to regional benchmarks, but the size class distribution showed a markedly truncated profile with very few individuals in the 10-30 centimetre diameter class, indicating a recruitment bottleneck. Seedling density was adequate in number but highly clumped near parent trees, with high mortality within five years attributed to weeding removal. Farmers demonstrated high awareness of shea's economic value but routinely removed seedlings from cultivated plots to reduce shading, reflecting a trade-off between crop yield and long-term shea retention. The study recommends a targeted farmer sensitisation campaign on shea seedling retention and establishment of demonstration plots with shade-tolerant crop varieties. Keywords: Vitellaria paradoxa, shea tree, regeneration, parkland agroforestry, Niger State