Planted forests |
Description of plantation resources
Introduction
A rapid decrease in the area of forest cover due to a rapidly increasing population and consequent demand for forest products led to the establishment of plantations (Akakpo, 2000).
Development of forest plantations
The first plantation was established in 1910 with introduced Tectona grandis. The species proved well adapted to the country and plantations were rapidly expanded through the country to produce industrial material.
Records of plantation establishment have been kept since 1950. During the colonial period, plantation activities were carried out on a large scale. More than 200 species were tested but most of them proved to be unsuitable. In 1995, the established plantation area reached 34 724 ha (Akakupo, 2000 and MEPF, 1998).
Species composition
Eucalyptus spp. and Tectona grandis are the predominant species and account for approximately 44 percent and 30 percent of the area, respectively. Eucalyptus spp. are used for non-industrial purposes. Tectona grandis is used to produce timber. Other species are mainly fast-growing and broadleaved species such as Acacia auriculiformis, Casuarina equisetifolia and Terminalia superba. They are mainly used for non-industrial purposes (Akakpo, 2000).
Trend
No information available.
Issues
Data on plantations have been accurately managed, except for private plantations where the area lost due to failure or damage by fires is not reflected. Many of the plantations are less productive and the wood is of and lower density than expected for their age (Akakupo, 2000).
References
FAO. 2000. Ressources forestières naturelles et plantations. CE-FAO-Programme partenariat (1998-2000) Projet GCP/INT/679/EC. By Akakpo, K.M. Rome.
MEPF. 1998. Rapport national. In The 12th session of African Forestry and Wildlife Commission. Ministère de l´environnement et de la Production Forestière. Dakar,Sénégal,, 13-17 April, 1998. Dakar. Ministère de l´Environnement et de la Production Forestière.