How Do Land Use and Tree Size Influence Fruit Yield of Sclerocarya birrea in Burkina Faso?

Fruits are among the most valuable non-timber forest products, supporting rural incomes and livelihoods. However, fruit production in savanna ecosystems is strongly influenced by land-use practices and harvesting management. This study assessed the fruit yield of Sclerocarya birrea across land-use types and tree diameter classes to develop predictive equations. Data were collected from three contrasting land uses, with trees sampled across diameter classes. Fruit biomass was estimated nondestructively by daily collection of ripe fallen fruits. A total of 105 trees were monitored: 45 in farmlands, 30 in fallows, and 30 in forests. Results showed that both land use and tree diameter significantly influenced fruit production (p < .001). Average yield was highest in farmlands (36.81 ± 16.65 kg/tree), followed by fallows (25.96 ± 13.03 kg/tree), and the lowest in forests (20.14 ± 10.34 kg/tree). Fruiting began at a stem diameter of about 10 cm across all land uses. Significant positive correlations were found between Dbh and fruit biomass, tree height, and fruit number, and between fruit biomass and fruit number (p < .001). These results highlight the need to integrate sound land-use management practices to improve fruit yield of Sclerocarya birrea and enhance rural livelihoods.