Abstract
Butyrospermum paradoxum is a common species in upland habitats of Savanna zone in West Africa. Local people have traditionally utilized fat extracted from the kernels for cooking, and it was one of staple trading commodities in the northern Nigeria as well. Recent reports including those on forestry have made, however, almost no mention of it, as it lost the position in commercial trade. This was mainly brought by declining demand, especially in domestic market. Through a case study in the Niger state, it is ascertained that the trees are selectively left on farmland at the time of clearing. Harvesting activities are done only by women, which provide an important opportunity for them to earn income at their own disposal. In consequence, it seems this interaction between man and sheanut has produced significant effect on the distribution range and density of the trees. To find a countermeasure to forest deterioration which has become a nation-wide problem in Nigeria, it is required to encourage such customary activities by local people through stabilization of the market of non-wood forest products and introduction of more effective and proper land management system including tree crops.
