Risks assessment, production and trade of processed wooden mortal from hardy plant species in Nigeria's vulnerable semi-arid zone

Abstract

Most of the farming tools used by farmers in the semi-arid zones of Northern Nigeria including hoes, axes, and diggers with wooden handle are complimented by woods. The reliance on these basic tools by farmers has further accelerated the destruction of valuable tree species for the production of these tools/items. This study therefore, examined the production and trading of wooden mortal and pistil in a fragile ecological zone of Nigeria. Results indicated that the ravage production and trading of these tools is engaged exclusively by men aged 20 to 70, with most between 30 and 50, who have not attended formal school and have been in the business for over twenty years. The most preferred species used in the production were <Ficus platyphylla, Faidherbia albida, Vitellaria paradoxa, Prosopis Africana, Balanites aegyptica, Lannea microcarpa, Daniellia oliveri, Vitex doniana, Diospyros mesfilipromis, Afzelia Africana, Isoberlina doka, Parkia biglobosa, and Ceiba pentandra. It was found that from the highly matured tree, only 10 to 20 units are produced and each unit is traded at ₦5000 to ₦10000 Nigerian Naira at 10 to 30 units per month, with 30 to 50% of the plant biomass wasted and used as fuel wood.