A Review of Comparative Assessment of Carbon Sequestration Potential of Selected Indigenous Species (Parkia Biglobosa, Vitellaria Paradoxa and Tamarindus Indica) In The Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to ecological stability and rural livelihoods in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. Indigenous tree species, long integrated into traditional agroforestry systems, offer considerable potential for climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. This review provides a comparative assessment of the Above-Ground Carbon (AGC) and Below-Ground Carbon (BGC) stocks of three ecologically and socio-economically important indigenous species, Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea), Parkia biglobosa (Dawadawa), and Tamarindus indica (Tamarind), to evaluate their role in climate mitigation through carbon sequestration. Using data synthesized from over 20 peer-reviewed studies across West Africa, the average AGC and BGC values were compiled to estimate the Total Carbon Storage (TCS) of each species. The analysis reveals that shea trees possess a higher carbon sequestration capacity, with an average AGC of approximately 58.60MgC/ha and BGC of 2.0MgC/ha, with TCS of 61.40 MgC/ha. This is attributed to shea's longevity, extensive canopy development, and cultural protection in parkland systems. Tamarind, being second in carbon storage, with a mean AGC of 8.40MgC/ha and BGC of 14.0MgC/ha, with a TCS of 22.4MgC/ha. It shows promise in fast-growing systems, hedgerows, and mixed agroforestry setups. Dawadawa recorded the lowest carbon stocks. AGC of 4.59MgC/ha and BGC of 1.6 MgC/ha, with TCS of 6.55MgC/ha. Though lower in TCS, P. biglobosa contributes significantly to soil fertility improvement and nitrogen fixation, enhancing the sustainability of farming systems. The study concludes that while shea dominates in terms of carbon stock, all three species serve complementary ecological roles that support resilient landscapes and long-term carbon storage. A species-diverse, site-specific agroforestry approach is recommended to enhance both mitigation and adaptation outcomes.