Evoking the Knowledge of Tree Tenure in the Humid Tropics: A Review of Dimensions in Agro-Plantation System in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explored the natural situation of trees, concept, potentials and importance of tree tenure, tree and land tenure, types of tree tenure, problems of forest reservation in south eastern Nigeria and the way forward. The tropical rainforest of Nigeria occupies 9.7% of the total land mass of 98.3213km², but is the most densely populated and source of Nigeria’s bulk timber. In the natural situation no nutrients is lost due to a balanced nutrient recycling and there are slight variations in temperature light, humidity, and characteristic meet groups. The concept and importance of tree tenure borders the fact that much of life on earth owes its’ existence to trees. Land and tree ownership rights are largely governed by customary tenure rules and these rights are rarely revoked. Land tenure does not necessarily mean tree tenure. Trees may be owned privately, communally or by government. Each of these forms of ownership have their advantages and disadvantages. In private/individual tree tenure, trees are owned by planting, inheritance, gender, purchase/lease and culture. Communal tree tenure involves full ownership, restricted ownership, village squares and evil forests/sacred bush. Government tree tenure is through acquisition and maintenance of forest resources at the local, state or federal levels. Some of the challenges of maintenance forest reserves include diseases and pests, wild fires, poaching, village/community participation, poor budgetary allocation among others. A proper knowledge of tree tenure is a must if trees are to be managed scientifically in such a way that their productivity is sustained.