Tata Precillia Ijang 231from this Sahelian region is of particular concern (Awah 1995). Although many
species are gathered as fuelwood, we chose to highlight the case of Acacia
seyal (Mimosaceae) because of its high regeneration capacity, the abundant
availability of data, its abundance in the study area and its high quality as
fuelwood. Acacia seyal grows abundantly in almost every part of the Maroua
area of Cameroon and occurred at levels of at least 20 trees/km^2 in our study
area. Regeneration is rapid and seeds germinate and grow to maturity with
little or no assistance unless disturbed by browsing cattle or bush fires. In
addition to its value as a source of fuelwood, Acacia sayel may be used for
timber, animal fodder, arabic gum, food, medicine, and amenity and soil
improvement (Agroforestry Project 1995; CEDC 1997).(Acacia seyal)Acacia seyal has different common names depending on the language, e.g.,
mimosa epineux in French, sade in Bambara, saykire in Djerma, ulbe in
Foulfoulde, erehi in Haussa, boulbi in Peulh and fonah in Wolof (Von Maydell
1990). Its growth requires an annual rainfall of 250 mm to 1,000 mm on sandy,
loamy or clayey soils and permits periodic inundation and desiccation. Growing
at a rate of more than 1 m annually, full growth is attained after about 10
years (Von Maydell 1990; Roussel 1995). At maturity the tree is about 17 m tall
with a diameter of about 60 cm and an umbrella- shaped crown. The bole bark
is green in younger trees, turning a dark gray in older trees, with paired
thorns about 7 cm in length. It has a yellowish, gummy sap. The dark green
leaves are complex, with 4 to 12 pairs of pinnae and 10 to 22 pairs of leaflets.
Rachis are up to 8 cm long and flowers are bright yellow. Its seed pods are
slightly curved, indehiscent, light brown at maturation, 10 cm to 15 cm long
and 1 cm wide, containing 6 to 10 seeds each (ABF 1989; Von Maydell 1990;
CEDC 1997; National Forestry Development Agency 1997).13fuelwood.p65 231 22/12/2004, 11:05