An Overview on the Importance of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del.: A Review
Issoufou Amadou
Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University of Maradi, Niger.
Moussa Soulé
Laboratory of Biology Garba Mounkaila, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
Ali Salé
Department of Geography, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Zinder, Niger.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Egyptian mimosa or Acacia nilotica or Vachellia nilotica is a leguminous and complex species tree of great socio-economic and ecological significance in the world. It is called as Bagaruwa in Hausa and is a great source of livelihood. A. nilotica is an agroforestry and urban forestry tree species, which provide fruits, timber, fodder, gums and other services such shade, beauty, soil improvement. It is used for climate change mitigation, adaptation and phytomediation. Every part of the plant is medicinal. This paper reviews the perception and usage on taxonomy, socio-economic and ecological importance of Acacia nilotica. This attempted to compile and document information on different aspects of this important plant species and its potential uses from the literature. The study provides a base line information about the societal and ecological benefit derived from Egyptian mimosa, which is constitutes a management tool for the conservation of the species. This study recommends the use of Acacia nilotica trees in planting programmes.
Keywords: Acacia nilotica, climate change, ecosystem services, multipurpose tree.