Endangered species
Afzelia africana has been considered vulnerable due to the pressure put by wood exploitation but also by cattle in some places like North-Cameroun where it is one of the most important forage tree (Onana et al., 2002; IUCN, 1998). It is also referred to be endangered in Mali, Burkina-Faso, Nigeria and Benin (Sinsin et al., 2004; Bonou et al., 2009).
Soil improver and soil cover
As an N-fixing tree, Afzelia africana improves soil fertility and its N and mineral-rich leaves that fall on the ground or that are mulched provide both nutrient and soil cover, thus reducing erosion (Gérard et al., 2011; Orwa et al., 2009).
Shade provider, living barrier
Afzelia Africana provides shade and shelter to hunters waiting for wildlife. It is planted as barrier for property demarcation in villages where it is valued as timber (Gérard et al., 2011; Orwa et al., 2009).