Farmland Trees Research Articles

Tracking millions of farmland trees in India reveals a considerable decline of large trees

Tracking millions of farmland trees in India reveals a considerable decline of large trees

Severe decline in large farmland trees in India over the past decade

Agroforestry practices that include the integration of multifunctional trees within agricultural lands can generate multiple socioecological benefits, in addition to being a natural climate solution due to the associated carbon sequestration potential. Such agroforestry trees represent a vital part of India’s landscapes. However, despite their importance, a current lack of robust monitoring mechanisms has contributed to an insufficient grasp of their distribution in relation to management practices, as well as their vulnerability to climate change and diseases. Here we map 0.6 billion farmland trees, excluding block plantations, in India and track them over the past decade. We show that around 11 ± 2% of the large trees (about 96 m2 crown size) mapped in 2010/2011 had disappeared by 2018. Moreover, during the period 2018–2022, more than 5 million large farmland trees (about 67 m2 crown size) have vanished, due partly to altered cultivation practices, where trees within fields are perceived as detrimental to crop yields. These observations are particularly unsettling given the current emphasis on agroforestry as a pivotal natural climate solution, playing a crucial role in both climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, in addition to being important for supporting agricultural livelihoods and improving biodiversity.

Trees on smallholder farms and forest restoration are critical for Rwanda to achieve net zero emissions

Landscape restoration initiatives are mainly focusing on forest regeneration and agroforestry, especially in the Global South. However, due to a lack of monitoring tools, the carbon balance of restoration efforts remains poorly quantified. Here, we use satellite images from 2008 and 2019 to calculate carbon stocks for individual trees in Rwanda, a country which has been actively engaged in restoration activities over the past decade. We show that smallholder farmers on average planted about 3 trees per farm during 2008–2019, contributing about 50.4 million new trees at the national scale. The overall C sink of the new farmland trees was 0.13 Megagrams of Carbon per hectare per year, which is 6 times lower than gains observed from restoration of degraded forests (0.76 Megagrams of Carbon per hectare per year). If national greenhouse gas emissions remain at the level of 2019, agroforestry (~61% of national area coverage) and continued restoration of degraded natural forests (~0.5% of national area coverage) have the potential to offset about 80% of the national emissions before 2050. Our work monitors and quantifies progress and impact of landscape restoration projects and outlines a pathway to engage smallholder farmers with a limited number of on-farm trees into the expanding carbon market.

An operational framework to track individual farmland trees over time at national scales using PlanetScope

An operational framework to track individual farmland trees over time at national scales using PlanetScope

A Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Mapping Tree Species Using WorldView-2 Imagery in the Agroforestry Landscape of West Africa

Farmland trees are a vital part of the local economy as trees are used by farmers for fuelwood as well as food, fodder, medicines, fibre, and building materials. As a result, mapping tree species is important for ecological, socio-economic, and natural resource management. The study evaluates very high-resolution remotely sensed WorldView-2 (WV-2) imagery for tree species classification in the agroforestry landscape of the Kano Close-Settled Zone (KCSZ), Northern Nigeria. Individual tree crowns extracted by geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) were used to remotely identify nine dominant tree species (Faidherbia albida, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Azadirachta indica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Mangifera indica, Parkia biglobosa, Piliostigma reticulatum, Tamarindus indica, and Vitellaria paradoxa) at the object level. For every tree object in the reference datasets, eight original spectral bands of the WV-2 image, their spectral statistics (minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, etc.), spatial, textural, and color-space (hue, saturation), and different spectral vegetation indices (VI) were used as predictor variables for the classification of tree species. Nine different machine learning methods were used for object-level tree species classification. These were Extra Gradient Boost (XGB), Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB), Gradient Boosting (GB), K-nearest neighbours (KNN), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), Logistic Regression (LR), Multi-layered Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The two top-performing models in terms of highest accuracies for individual tree species classification were found to be SVM (overall accuracy = 82.1% and Cohen’s kappa = 0.79) and MLP (overall accuracy = 81.7% and Cohen’s kappa = 0.79) with the lowest numbers of misclassified trees compared to other machine learning methods.

Sub-continental-scale carbon stocks of individual trees in African drylands

The distribution of dryland trees and their density, cover, size, mass and carbon content are not well known at sub-continental to continental scales1–14. This information is important for ecological protection, carbon accounting, climate mitigation and restoration efforts of dryland ecosystems15–18. We assessed more than 9.9 billion trees derived from more than 300,000 satellite images, covering semi-arid sub-Saharan Africa north of the Equator. We attributed wood, foliage and root carbon to every tree in the 0–1,000 mm year−1 rainfall zone by coupling field data19, machine learning20–22, satellite data and high-performance computing. Average carbon stocks of individual trees ranged from 0.54 Mg C ha−1 and 63 kg C tree−1 in the arid zone to 3.7 Mg C ha−1 and 98 kg tree−1 in the sub-humid zone. Overall, we estimated the total carbon for our study area to be 0.84 (±19.8%) Pg C. Comparisons with 14 previous TRENDY numerical simulation studies23 for our area found that the density and carbon stocks of scattered trees have been underestimated by three models and overestimated by 11 models, respectively. This benchmarking can help understand the carbon cycle and address concerns about land degradation24–29. We make available a linked database of wood mass, foliage mass, root mass and carbon stock of each tree for scientists, policymakers, dryland-restoration practitioners and farmers, who can use it to estimate farmland tree carbon stocks from tablets or laptops.

Determinants and perceptions of farmers towards tree planting on farmland in northeastern Ethiopia

Studying the socio-economic factors affecting tree planting on farmland is crucial to plan and prepare strategies and actions for the dissemination of agroforestry technologies. This study has investigated the determinants and perceptions of farmers towards tree planting on farmland. Data were collected from 204 households that had farmland in Jama district, Northeastern Ethiopia. By using a household questionnaire, information on tree species grown and uses as well as socioeconomic characteristics were collected through interviews. Field observation was conducted to cross-check the tree species that grown in the farmers' land. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze and interpret the raw data. The results showed that a total of 15 tree species were recorded on the farmers' land in different niches. Sesbania sesban (74.36%), Acacia melanoxylon (56.41%), and Eucalyptus globulus (47.43%) were the most frequently grown tree species. While, Eragrostis tef and Triticum aestivum were the major crop species cultivated. However, the greater proportion (89.7%) of respondents did not have trees inside the farmland. The binary logistic regression model revealed that socio-economic variables such as age, wealth status, educational status, and problems of tree seedling survival rate had significant effect on farmland tree planting. Moreover, household energy sources, tree seedling access, and tree management problems had a significant effect on the perceptions of farmers towards planting trees on farmland (40.2% variance explained). The findings suggested that parkland agroforestry intervention with appropriate tree species is required to increase income and crop productivity.

Agrochemicals and Shade Complexity Affect Soil Quality in Coffee Home Gardens

Soil quality can directly influence the health, yield, and quality of a particular crop species, and agrochemicals are often used to boost soil micro- and macro-nutrients. The excessive application of agrochemicals, however, is often the cause of imbalances in acidity and nutrient concentration and can cause soil to deteriorate. The presence of multiple shade trees in farmland can positively influence soil quality. Here, we evaluate the effect of agrochemical use (i.e., organic, mixed, and intensive) and shade tree complexity (i.e., sun, low, and high) on soil quality (i.e., pH, macronutrients, and micronutrients) in 56 coffee home gardens in Indonesia. We found that Al, Fe, K, and Mn were significantly higher in farms that used agrochemicals, and pH was more acidic in fields with intensive use of agrochemicals. C:N ratio and Mn were higher in soils with high shade complexity than in sun-exposed soils. The use of agrochemicals, however, is not sustainable as it increases the Al concentration and decreases pH, both of which are associated with poor coffee growth and reduced soil quality. Shade tree removal and the use of invasive, non-native species, such as eucalyptus, can also negatively influence soil quality, and thus the maintenance of complex shade cover with native trees should be prioritised.

Agroforestry in Shade Coffee Plantations as an Emission Reduction Strategy for Tropical Regions: Public Acceptance and the Role of Tree Banking

Support for the adoption of climate change mitigation measures in low-income regions depends on how such activities contribute to generating household income and gaining confidence from the local community. The planning of mitigation measures or pro-environmental activities need to consider the cost of deployment, customization of activities according to local conditions, and socio-cultural background and perceptions of people. This paper analyses the incentive induced “agroforestry” or “planting trees in farmland” as part of the Carbon Neutral Programme supported by the Government of Kerala in Meenangadi Grama Panchayath, Wayanad district. An increase in tree cover is proposed as a strategy for increasing carbon sequestration. Planting more trees in farmland (except grain cultivated areas) along with crops, according to farmers, may reduce crop yield and discourage farmers’ participation. The Government of Kerala put forward the concept of a tree banking/tree incentive program to attract farmers to expand tree cover. A survey was conducted among 100 individuals from the Meenangadi Grama Panchayath to assess the perceptions and concerns of farmers about the proposed “Agroforestry”/Tree Banking program. The sample size was chosen from the population assuming a 9.98% error tolerance. Tree Banking Programme designed to encourage farmers to plant trees has gained public interest, and the study also documented the factors influencing the willingness of farmers for planting trees. The study revealed that the majority of the individuals (93% of the survey participants) residing in the region are interested in supporting the activities for climate change mitigation. Financial incentives announced under tree banking generated interest among farmers. 89% of the survey participants consider the incentive scheme to be an attractive option, as it can compensate for the short-term loss in crop productivity. However, farmers were very selective in choosing the tree species to be planted on their farms. Incentivization helps to make sure that a large proportion of the planted saplings will grow into mature trees. Overall, it can be concluded that afforestation in the form of agroforestry could be potentially attractive to the farmers and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality for tropical agricultural areas.

Restoration promotes recovery of woodland birds in agricultural environments: A comparison of ‘revegetation’ and ‘remnant’ landscapes

Abstract Ecological restoration in rural environments is a global challenge for the 21st century. Restoration measures—such as agri‐environment activities, woodlots, natural regeneration and conservation plantings—collectively alter landscape structure with the aim of restoring conservation values that are characteristic of natural ecosystems. We tested the landscape‐scale benefits of restoration for woodland birds, species of conservation concern in southern Australia, by assessing the richness and composition of avian communities in rural landscapes along a gradient in habitat restoration, benchmarked against landscapes with comparable extent of native vegetation. We selected 43 landscapes (each 8 km2) in Victoria, Australia, representing: (a) a trajectory of decline in the extent of remnant native wooded vegetation (‘remnant’ landscapes), (b) a trajectory of gain in planted vegetation (‘revegetation’ landscapes) and (c) a similar gradient comprising a mix of remnants and planted vegetation (‘mixed’ landscapes). In each landscape, repeat surveys of birds were undertaken at 12 sites, stratified in relation to land cover. Species richness of all terrestrial and woodland birds showed similar positive responses to total wooded cover in each landscape type, but woodland birds had reduced richness in ‘revegetation’ relative to ‘remnant’ and ‘mixed’ landscapes. Across all landscapes, key factors influencing richness were the extent of wooded cover and proportion comprised of plantings, scattered trees in farmland and mean annual rainfall. The composition of woodland bird assemblages differed between ‘remnant’ and ‘revegetation’ landscapes with predictable differences associated with foraging traits. Synthesis and applications. Restoration plantings stimulate recolonisation of otherwise‐depleted landscapes, effectively reversing a decline in woodland birds. Key insights include: (a) benchmarking ‘revegetation’ against ‘remnant’ landscapes provides a valuable means to quantify restoration outcomes at the landscape scale; (b) time‐lags in vegetation maturation contribute to a trajectory of recovery that differs from a trajectory of decline, in both richness and composition of the avifauna; (c) scattered trees have a critical role for avifaunal conservation in farm landscapes; (d) restoration plantings are most effective in ‘mixed’ landscapes, where complementary resources from remnant and planted vegetation are juxtaposed; and (e) restoration plantings on individual farms contribute to landscape‐scale biodiversity gains while also having socio‐ecological and production benefits.

ÖNERİLEN KONVOLÜSYON SİNİR AĞI YAKLAŞIMI KULLANARAK ELMA YAPRAĞI HASTALIKLARININ SINIFLANDIRILMASI

It is difficult to constantly control apple trees in farmland. In case of a disease on tree leaves, the risk of disease transmission to other leaves is high. It is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the plant by performing automatic detection of the disease in the early period. If the disease detection is delayed, the planned production cannot be realized. It is too late if diseases are detected by a farmer or agronomist. In addition, as the agricultural lands grow, the number of experts needed increases accordingly. For these reasons, leaf images of apple trees are grouped into 4 different classes: apple peel, leaf rust, healthy apple and multiple disease states. In the proposed method, noise removal in the images, detection of the relevant area and histogram equalization on the YUV color space are performed. Due to the unbalanced class distribution in the data set used, data augmentation was applied for the minority classes with the SMOTE method. Afterwards, features are extracted using pre-trained network models DenseNet121, DenseNet201, InceptionResNetV2, InceptionV3, ResNet50V2. Extracted features were classified with a CNN-based method developed with an accuracy of 99%.

Water Availability Controls the Biomass Increment of Melia dubia in South India

Farmland tree cultivation is considered an important option for enhancing wood production. In South India, the native leaf-deciduous tree species Melia dubia is popular for short-rotation plantations. Across a rainfall gradient from 420 to 2170 mm year–1, we studied 186 farmland woodlots between one and nine years in age. The objectives were to identify the main factors controlling aboveground biomass (AGB) and growth rates. A power-law growth model predicts an average stand-level AGB of 93.8 Mg ha–1 for nine-year-old woodlots. The resulting average annual AGB increment over the length of the rotation cycle is 10.4 Mg ha–1 year–1, which falls within the range reported for other tropical tree plantations. When expressing the parameters of the growth model as functions of management, climate and soil variables, it explains 65% of the variance in AGB. The results indicate that water availability is the main driver of the growth of M. dubia. Compared to the effects of water availability, the effects of soil nutrients are 26% to 60% smaller. We conclude that because of its high biomass accumulation rates in farm forestry, M. dubia is a promising candidate for short-rotation plantations in South India and beyond.

Protecting habitats in low-intensity tropical farmland using carbon-based payments for ecosystem services

Tropical land-use change for agricultural expansion is the primary driver of global biodiversity decline. Efforts to stem this decline often focus on protecting pristine habitats or returning farmland to forest, yet such approaches fail to protect vulnerable taxa reliant on habitats within low-intensity farmland. We assess the economic viability of carbon-based payments for ecosystem services (PES) to protect farmland trees and fallowing in Ghana, which provide vital wintering sites for imperiled Afro-palearctic migrant birds and enhance landscape-level carbon storage. We estimate the carbon breakeven prices (BEPs) associated with alternative agricultural management scenarios that protect existing farmland trees. BEPs associated with tree protection on existing farmland were very low, ranging from US$2.49 to US$6.45 t−1 CO2. Extending and reintroducing fallow periods also carried competitive BEPs, US$4.67—US$15.45 t−1 CO2, when combined with the protection of 50 trees per hectare. Accounting for leakage and economic uncertainty increased BEPs considerably, but scenarios protecting farmland trees and extending fallow periods remained below EU Emissions Trading Scheme prices. Protecting low-intensity farmland habitats and associated biodiversity is cost-effective under carbon-based PES. Implementation should be combined with efforts to close yield gaps, providing greater local food security and resilience.

Land-Use Impact on Stand Structure and Fruit Yield of Tamarindus indica L. in the Drylands of Southeastern Ethiopia.

In this study, we evaluated stand status, dendrometric variables, and fruit production of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) trees growing in bushland and farmland-use types in dryland areas of Ethiopia. The vegetation survey was conducted using the point-centered quarter method. The fruit yield of 54 trees was also evaluated. Tree density and fruit production in ha were estimated. There was a significant difference in Tamarind tree density between the two land-use types (p = 0.01). The mean fruit yield of farmland trees was significantly higher than that of bushland trees. However, Tamarind has unsustainable structure on farmlands. Differences in the dendrometric characteristics of trees were also observed between the two land-use types. Predictive models were selected for Tamarind fruit yield estimations in both land-use types. Although the majority of farmland trees produced <5000 fruit year−1, the selection of Tamarind germplasm in its natural ranges could improve production. Thus, the development of management plans to establish stands that have a more balanced diameter structure and thereby ensure continuity of the population and fruit yields is required in this area, particularly in the farmlands. This baseline information could assist elsewhere in areas that are facing similar challenges for the species due to land-use change.

EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACT OF SOME MULTIPURPOSE TREES AND ITS CONCENTRATIONS ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF MAIZE

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; There is a need to understand multipurpose trees promotory or inhibitory allelopathic effects prior to selection of any crop to be cultivated in their vicinity. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; Present study was carried out during 2019 on Arba Minch University Research Farm with the specific objectives of to investigate the effect of leaf extract of some multipurpose trees and its concentrations on growth and production of Maize. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; Leaf extracts of 3 species namely &lt;em&gt;Moringa stenopetala, Croton macrostachyus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Terminalia brownii&lt;/em&gt; were tested at 5 concentration levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). The experiment was laid out with Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The leaf extract was applied at biweekly interval right from its emergence. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;The growth components which were significantly affected by the application of leaf extracts include leaf length, leaf area, stem thickness and days to tasseling of maize while effect of leaf extract on plant height, number of leaves plants&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, days to silking and days to maturity was found non significant. On the other hand with the exception of number of cobs plant&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; all yield and yield components, like number of grains row&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, number of grains column&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, number of grains cobs&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, 1000-seed weight of cob, length of cob, diameter of cob, fresh and dry yield of maize were significantly varied with leaf extracts of the selected MPTs and their concentration levels. The application of leaf extract resulted in increase in yield from 6.95 T ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; (control) to 8.95 T ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, 7.58 T ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; and 7.40 T ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for &lt;em&gt;Croton macrostachyus&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Moringa stenopetala&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Terminalia brownii&lt;/em&gt; respectively. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;The results of the present study contribute in knowing the positive or negative effect of leaf extract of three MPTs on Maize production.&lt;strong&gt; Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;It can be concluded that introduction of these multipurpose trees in farmland under agroforestry system is safe and without any inhibitory allelopathy. Thus leaf extract application of these species are recommended for further improvement of maize yield. &lt;/p&gt;

Building Agroforestry Policy Bottom-Up: Knowledge of Czech Farmers on Trees in Farmland

Czech agriculture is dealing with the consequences of climate change. Agroforestry cultures are being discursively reintroduced for better adaptability and resilience, with the first practical explorations seen in the field. Scholars have been working with farmers and regional stakeholders to establish a baseline for making agroforestry policy viable and sustainable. In a research effort that lasted three years, a large group of Czech farmers was interviewed via questionnaire surveys, standardized focus groups and in-depth personal interviews regarding their knowledge of agroforestry systems, their willingness to participate in these systems, and their concerns and expectations therewith. The information obtained helped the researchers gain better understanding of issues related to implementation of these systems. It was found that although trees are present on Czech farms and farmers appreciate their aesthetic and ecological landscape functions, knowledge about possible local synergies with crops and animals is lacking. This local knowledge gap, together with lack of market opportunities for the output of agroforestry systems and undeveloped administrative processes, have been identified as the greatest obstacles to the establishment of agroforestry systems. The researchers argue that the discovered cognitive and technological “lock-in” of the farmers may represent a risk to climate change adaptability and resilience. For the development of complex and localised land use (e.g., agroforestry) in such a context, the researchers suggest participative on-farm research, which would broaden the local knowledge base related to ecology and entrepreneurship.

The loss of farmland trees and shrubs in western Poland in the 21st century assessed with the use of Google Maps

With the loss of natural and semi-natural habitats, the diversity and the amount of ecosystem services that can be provided in the agricultural landscape are diminishing, and self-regulatory abilities decrease. The aim of the research (72 sample plots – 1 x 1 km squares, mean time span equal to 8 years) was to recognise the changes in the number and length of woody (tree or shrub) linear landscape elements, and the number of solitary trees in the Wielkopolska region to verify how rapid development of agriculture in Poland in the 21st century affects the landscape structure. The analyses show a decline by 9.3% (from 2.17 to 1.97 km/km2) in length of woody linear elements, 7.4% (from 16.5 to 15.0 per km2) in number of woody linear elements, and 14.6% (from 28.8 to 24.4 per km2) in solitary trees. The loss was significantly faster in the period (2017-2018) of liberalisation of the regulations on tree and shrub removal, mainly due to a high rate of removal in plots located in an urbanized landscape. The decrease in length of woody linear elements occurred in all the categories of their location distinguished in the study (by 9-41% in a category). The highest loss occurred in the woody linear elements located along melioration ditches and water courses, along roads, and in the outskirt of towns. These changes are similar to those occurring in the 20th century in western Europe. The decrease in the number of woody linear landscape elements and solitary trees can be considered an indicator of the unsustainable agriculture management.

Comparison of carbon stock potential of farmland trees in the midlands of Hawzen, Northern Ethiopia

In addition to the provisioning and supporting ecosystem services, trees on agricultural landscape provide regulating services. Storing carbon in different carbon pools is one of the regulating ser...

Impact of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Parkland&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Trees (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Faidherbia albida&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Delile and Cordia Africana &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lam&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Yield in Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of Parkland trees in farmland on selected soil physicochemical properties and sorghum grain yields in Fedis District, Oromia, Ethiopia. For the experiment of soil physicochemical properties, three factors: distance from tree trunk with three levels (at 2.5m of crown, edge of crown radius and open field), soil depth with two levels (0-20cm and 20–40cm depth) and tree species with two levels with factorial arrangement in RCBD replicated six times were employed. For sorghum grain yield only two factors; distance from tree trunk with three levels (at at 2.5m of crown, edge of crown radius and open field) and tree species (F. albida and C. africana) with two levels in RCBD replicated six times were used. The result revealed soil texture was not influenced significantly (P>0.05) by tree species. Soil bulk density was significantly (p 0.05) influenced by both tree species. The grain yield of sorghum (sorghum bicolor) were significantly (P<0.05) higher under canopy of both trees species as compared to the open field. In general, the nutrients contents increased by 84.3% and 71.5% for OC, 84.2% and 70.8% for OM, 66% and 59% for SOC Stocks, 82% and 84% for TN, 96% and 79% for AP, 15.6% and 34.2% for CEC, 30% and 10% for EC, 82% and 27.2% for Na, 41% and 30.4% for K, 33.8% and 28.2% for Ca and 58% and 87% for Mg and 13.22% and 13.15% for MC and by 43% and 41% for Sorghum yield were detected under the canopies of F. albida and C. africana tree species respectively. It can be concluded that these tree species have the potential to improve soil fertility and moisture beneath its canopy. Thus, retaining these tree species and in particular F. albida on crop field in the study area is of paramount importance for soil fertility enhancement so as to improve food security of small farming households.

Sex ratio of dioecious Allanblackia stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. in Tanzanian Usambara forests and farmlands

Dioecious Allanblackia stuhlmannii, in East Usambara Mountains becomes a farmland tree when farmers leave the species after clearing the forests. This study examined the process of continuous thinning on sex ratio. Density in natural forest was estimated to be 34–74 mature trees per hectare with an average male:female ratio among reproducing trees observed to be 1:0.59. Density in farmland was 0.5–20 trees per hectare with male:female ratio ranging from 1:0.48 on recent farmland to 1:2 on old farmland. Our results suggest that the reduction of Allanblackia trees in new clearings was not sex biased; however, subsequent cutting targeted mainly males leaving farmland to be populated predominantly with females. Initial sex segregation of A. stuhlmannii is not known, but a 10-year old gene bank of related Allanblackia parviflora in Ghana suggests an even segregation. Allanblackia is gender stable albeit there are few observations of plants changing from male to female during the first year’s flowering and occasional fruit production in males. Average diameter at breast height for first flowering of 44 males was 13.3 cm and that of 17 females 16.3 cm. Decline in Allanblackia trees in farmland from 2011 to 2016 was estimated at about 13% (range from 0 to 23% in monitoring plots) and most of these were male trees.