Regeneration and utilization of Faidherbia albida and Acacia erioloba along ephemeral rivers of Namibia (Volume 42) (English shop)

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Petra Moser’s dissertation examines the regeneration and utilization of Faidherbia albida and Acacia erioloba along the ephemeral Kuiseb, Omaruru, and Ugab rivers in Namibia. The research investigates how livestock grazing, flooding, soil characteristics, and seed dispersal influence germination, seedling development, and tree establishment. Experimental results demonstrate that seed ingestion by goats and oryx can improve germination, while a burial depth of five centimeters provides particularly favorable conditions for seedling emergence. High livestock densities significantly reduce juvenile tree growth and survival, whereas areas with lower grazing pressure support healthier regeneration. Flooding represents another major constraint, causing substantial seedling mortality within active river channels, while elevated floodplains offer more suitable establishment sites. The study also evaluates the economic importance of both tree species as essential fodder resources for livestock and sources of income for communal farmers. Overall, the findings highlight how increasing land-use intensity threatens natural tree regeneration and emphasize the importance of sustainable resource management for maintaining dryland ecosystems and rural livelihoods.