Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

Fruits yield of Parkia biglobosa established in Wasanagare, Saki West Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T10:03:32+00:00

The fruit yield from Parkia biglobosa sourced from eight provenances in West Africa, established 1995 in Wasangare , Saki West local Government of Oyo State were investigated. The Parkia biglobosa were sourced from Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Benin, Giunea and Senegal were planted at Wasangare Saki West Local Government Oyo State. The yields of the Parkia biglobosa were determined by harvesting all clustered fruits of Parkia from each tree under investigation. The total harvested pods for each provenance were parked in jute bag and taking to the laboratory for further assessment. The data collected were subjected to one way ANOVA, Duncan Multiple Range Test was used as a follow up test for means that were significant. Total weight per tree, total number of bunch per tree, number of pod per bunch and weight of bunch were assessed. The assessment was carried out in three consecutive years which were 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. The result obtained showed that Total weight per tree, total number of bunch per tree, number of pod per bunch and weight of bunch increases along the three consecutive years in all the provenances. In Year 2015 the fruit yield from Nigeria provenance was significantly different from the rest of the provenances that were investigated. At the end of year 2017, fruit yield from Nigeria and Burkina Faso were not significantly different from each other but significantly different from the rest of the provenances. This study concludes that there were significant differences in the fruit yield of Parkia biglobosa from different provenances and the years of fruiting. The fruit yield from Nigeria and Burkina Faso gives better yield at the end of the three years assessment. It is now recommended that further study on the fruit yield should continue to ascertain the quantity and the quality of the fruit yield of Parkia.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatments of measles in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T10:22:17+00:00

The study was conducted between April to December 2019 to document medicinal plant species used in the traditional treatments of Measles disease in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select eight villages and sample size of 80 household heads was selected through simple random sampling technique. Information was collected by oral interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and presented with tables, percentages and frequency distribution, bar and pie charts. The results showed a total of 29 plant species belonging to 24 families effective in the treatment of measles disease.75.86% of the plant species are Indigenous /native, 24.14% exotic, 48.28% common and 51.72% are rare. 44.83% are found in the forest, 65.52% wild, 24.14% cultivated and 10.34% are wild/ cultivated. Fabaceae subfamilies of Papilionoideae (6.90%) and Ceasalpinioideae (3.45%), and Arecaceae family (10.34%) contributed the highest plant species. Trees (41.38%) and leaves (56.25%) constituted the highest plant form and plant parts used. 13 herbal formulations were used in the treatment of measles diseases; 5 formulations were mono-herbal and 8 were polyherbal. Decoction (33.33%) is general method of preparation and oral (52.38%) by drinking is the frequent mode of administration. The study concluded that villagers are more knowledgeable in the traditional treatment of measles disease and recommends more research to validate the plant species used in the production of novel drugs for measles treatments.The standardization of dosage and efficacy of recipes should be ascertained through research.

Evaluating estimated daily intake versus acceptable daily intake of heavy metals in Farfantepenaeus notialis from Bodija market, Ibadan: a comprehensive risk assessment

2025-02-25T10:29:29+00:00

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in Farfantepenaeus notialis, sourced from Bodija Market in Ibadan, Nigeria. The concentrations of Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) were analyzed, and the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for each metal was calculated. The EDIs were then compared with the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limits set by regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to assess potential health risks. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted to investigate relationships between the concentrations of these heavy metals. The results revealed that the EDI values for Cu (0.8457 mg/kg/day), Cd (0.0029 mg/kg/day), Pb (0.1143 mg/kg/day), and Hg (0.0057 mg/kg/day) exceeded the ADI limits (Cu: 0.5 mg/kg/day, Cd: 0.001 mg/kg/day, Pb: 0.0036 mg/kg/day, Hg: 0.0001 mg/kg/day), indicating significant potential health risks. In contrast, the EDI for As (0.0000 mg/kg/day) was below the ADI limit (0.0003 mg/kg/day), suggesting no immediate health risk from Arsenic contamination. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between the concentrations of certain heavy metals, with notable correlations observed between Pb and Hg (0.70), Cd and Hg (0.60), and Pb and Cd (0.55). These findings suggest possible common sources or pathways of contamination in the seafood from Bodija Market. This study highlights the need for stringent monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the safety of seafood consumed by the population. The significant health risks associated with the consumption of Farfantepenaeus notialis contaminated with Cu, Cd, Pb, and Hg underscore the importance of addressing heavy metal contamination in seafood. The correlation analysis provides further insights into the potential sources and interactions of these contaminants, emphasizing the complexity of seafood safety management.

Effects of some demographic attributes of sawn wood marketers on their income in Benue State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T10:40:47+00:00

The paper examined the demographic attributes of sawn wood marketers in Benue State and the effects of some of these attributes on their income. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. A total of 100 sawn wood marketers from five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were selected and sampled. One hundred copies of semi-structured questionnaire were used to elicit data for the study. Descriptive statistics and the t-test were used to analyse the data. The demographic attributes of sawn wood marketers showed that 97.0 % of the marketers were males. The age distribution of sawn wood marketers in State indicated that 98.0 % of the marketers were less than 50 years, out of which 83.0 % were young men of less than forty (40) years. Eighty-one percent (81.0 %) of the marketers were married. In terms of household size, the marketers had between 1 to 10 persons in their household. The result of educational attainments indicated that 84.0 % had at least secondary school education. Majority of the marketers (61.0 %) were indigenes of Benue State and. 87.0 % of them had more than 5 years of experience in the trade. The income distribution of sawn wood marketers in Benue State indicated that about 67.0 % of them earned more than the minimum wage of N30, 000. The t-test indicated that age and level of education had significant effects on their income at 0.05 (0.005 and 0.011 р ≤ 0.05), while the effects of household size and marketing experience were not significant (0.731 and 0.732 p ≤ 5 %). Sawn wood marketing is a lucrative trade in Benue State; therefore, youths especially graduates should be encouraged to go into the business instead of waiting for white collar jobs that are very scarce.

Occurrence and distribution of Euphorbia Heterophylla Linn on the main campus of the University of Abuja, Nigeria

2025-02-25T10:48:22+00:00

The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence, distribution, and possible effects of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. on the biodiversity at the main campus of University of Abuja in Nigeria, between June and October, 2023). One-meter-square (1m2) quadrats were randomly selected from each of the five (5) sampling sites, namely: the Center for Distance Learning, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Education Trust Fund, the University Press, and the Female Hostel. The following five (5) parameters: weed density, frequency (actual number of occurrences of Euphorbia heterophylla) abundance, diversity, and relative frequency (percentage of the total occurrences), were collected and analyzed to determine the occurrence or distribution of a species. From the results, the Faculty of Agriculture had the highest density of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn (55. 0/m2), followed by University Press (30.3m2). The highest percentage of weeds was found at the Faculty of Agriculture (55. 00 %), followed by the Education Trust Fund (34.33 %), University Press (30.25 %), and the female Hostel (00 %). Faculty of Agriculture (33.81 %) had the highest relative density, followed by University Press (31.68 %), Education Trust Fund (22.78 %), Female Hostel (22.42 %), and Center for Distance Learning (17.76 %). The lowest frequency was that of the Education Trust Fund, while the highest frequency was 100 % for the Faculty of Agriculture and the University Press. It is therefore, concluded that the high density and frequency of Euphorbia heterophylla at University of Abuja, suggests its successful establishment and potential dominance in the study locations, and hence, potential invasive, and possibility of outcompeting other species and altering the ecosystem's balance with implications to reduce plant diversity and ecosystem healthiness. This paper recommends that in order to reduce soil seed bank and successfully mitigate Euphorbia heterophylla infestations, timely weed control should be implemented using appropriate and efficient techniques, especially integrated weed management.

Analysis of rice farmers and avian conflicts in Patigi and Edu Local government areas, Kwara State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T16:31:48+00:00

This study investigated the avian–rice farmers’ conflicts resulting from avian invasion of rice farmlands and its implications on bird conservation in Patigi and Edu Local government areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 350 questionnaires were administered to registered rice farmers in the area. Data obtained were analysed both by descriptive and inferential statistics using chi-square and correlation. Most of the respondents were male (67.3%) within the age group 51-60 years (35.43%). Also, 35.71% had secondary education with 53.15% from household size >8. Most, 29.71% had 16-20 years of farming experience with an average farm size of 5.32±1.08 hectares. Twenty-one bird species were identified as pests of rice with Ploceus cucullatus, Quelea erythrops, Lonchura castaneothorax, Lonchura bicolor and Euplectes franciscanus being the major pests. Rice farmlands are majorly attacked at the grain formation stage, more prevalent in the dry season and occur during the daytime. The average crop loss during each planting season was 26-50% (severe category). Avian attack leads to reduced crop yield and poor grain quality with weighted mean values of 4.64±0.51 and 4.56±0.55 respectively. The rice farmers adopted six control measures with human scaring the most common and most effective. Rice farmers’ perception on birds varied with weighted mean values ranging from 3.48±1.79 to 4.60±0.83. Gender had no significant relationship (p>0.05) on the perceived effects of avian attacks on rice production. However, planting season had a significant relationship (p<0.05) with avian attack leading to reduced crop yield. Furthermore, the perception statement showed varying levels of significance to socio-demographic variables. Farm size, farming season, bird species, and life stages showed a significant (p<0.01) correlation with average crop loss. This study sheds light on the challenges faced by rice farmers in the study area due to avian attacks and the resulting retaliatory killing by farmers. Respondents recognized birds’ potential for income loss, farm abandonment, and discouragement and therefore resulted in control measures that are lethal in nature. Promoting integrated pest management, raising farmer awareness, encouraging crop diversification, adoption of modern and non-lethal measures and establishing sustainable compensation mechanisms are recommended.

A review of value-added products from cashew fruits in Nigeria in the last two decades

2025-02-25T16:38:06+00:00

The cashew (Anacardium occidentale) tree produces cashew fruit which has two distinct parts; the real fruit called the nut that houses the kernel and the fleshy apple referred to as the pseudo-fruit. Cashew fruit has been found to contain a good quantity of essential nutrients such as fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and adequate amounts of micronutrients. In many countries of the world, cashew apples and nuts have applications in the food and manufacturing industries, Nigeria inclusive. This review reports different approaches employed by Nigerian researchers in the last twenty years in transforming cashew apples and nuts into value-added products for consumption.

Evaluation of local ecological knowledge in mitigating human/wildlife conflicts for sustainable ecotourism in Idanre Forest Reserve Southwest Nigeria

2025-02-25T16:54:29+00:00

The human-wildlife conflict threatens conservation and livelihoods in Africa, necessitating innovative solutions. This study evaluates Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in mitigating such conflicts, focusing on sustainable ecotourism in Idanre Forest Reserve, Southwest Nigeria. Data collection involved 150 questionnaires and interviews across three villages at distances of one, five, and ten kilometres from the forest. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical package version 27. The results show heavy dependence on forest resources, with 50% of respondents living there for less than ten years, mostly engaging in farming (55%) and hunting (38%). Gender imbalance is noted, with 73% male respondents, and 60% having only primary education. Economic challenges are clear, as 61% earn between ₦1,000 and ₦50,000 monthly. Respondents agree that LEK reduces human-wildlife conflicts (average rating 3.67). Traditional conflict resolution methods are rated highly (mean 3.77), but success stories of LEK application are less recognised (mean 3.21). The findings highlight the need to integrate LEK into wildlife management to support conservation and community resilience, advocating for training programs and improved documentation of traditional practices for sustainable ecotourism.

Analyzing BDq method of selective harvesting in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T17:06:52+00:00

The Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, Nigeria, faces degradation and loss of biodiversity due to unsustainable harvesting practices, prompting the need to investigate the effectiveness of selective harvesting as a sustainable forest management approach for maintaining continuous cover forestry The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of selective harvesting in maintaining continuous cover forestry and promoting sustainable forest management in the Omo Forest Reserve. Selective harvesting based on the BDq method was applied. Ten 50 metres x 50 metres (m) temporary sample plots were laid at the study site. Trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of at least 10 centimetres (cm) were sampled and measured. Harvesting with the BDq method was quantified, by setting B at 20 m²/ha, 25 m²/ha, and 30 m²/ha for heavy, medium, and light harvesting regimes, respectively. The maximum diameter D was set at 65 cm and the q-ratio was calculated for each sample plot. The heavy, medium, and light regimes produced appropriate felling intensities (FI). For example, a heavy regime in Plot 1 yielded 16.1 trees/ha with a corresponding extracted volume of 9.639 m³/ha (FI: 14.197 %). The medium and light regimes had FI of 5.647 % and 0.351 %, respectively. A heavy regime in Plots 4, 5 and 9 yielded 18.258 m³/ha, 36.559 m³/ha and 66.492 m³/ha, respectively. The three regimes did not produce any timber harvesting on some plots. This study demonstrates the potential of the BDq method for selective harvesting in promoting continuous cover forestry in the Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria, highlighting the importance of diversified forest structure and genetic diversity in adapting to climate change

Ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants In Apa Local Government Area, Benue State Nigeria

2025-02-25T17:23:38+00:00

This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics and traditional medicinal practices in Apa Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, Nigeria. The area, known for its fertile lands and significant agricultural potential, was examined to understand the use of local medicinal plants and the demographic profile of its inhabitants. Utilizing a stratified multistage random sampling technique, data was collected from 156 respondents, including traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) and local residents. Results indicate that the majority of respondents are male farmers aged between 50 and 59 years, with primary education being the most common educational level. Traditional medicine is widely practiced, with a preference for combining various plant species to enhance efficacy. Majority of respondents (67.50%) agreed to use both local herbs and orthodox methods in treating of the ailments. Most (78.33%) of plant species are not cultivated but gotten from the wild. The result further revealed that thirty three plant species were identified as plants used in the treatment of various ailments in the study area, belonging to nineteen (19) families. Most medicinal plants are harvested from the wild due to difficulties in cultivation, which raises concerns about sustainability and conservation. Key ailments treated include fever, typhoid, and gastrointestinal issues, with plants like Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera being most frequently mentioned. The study highlights a significant reliance on traditional herbal medicine, with many TMPs having been in practice for over a decade. This traditional knowledge, primarily passed down verbally, is at risk due to modernization and the younger generation's decreasing interest in herbal practices. The findings underscore the need for sustainable practices and documentation to preserve both the plants and the traditional knowledge associated with them.

Evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of water samples from Ata/ Ehimiri Stream watershed ecosystem in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

2025-02-25T17:32:11+00:00

A single factor experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used to study the physico-chemical properties of water samples from four watershed locations within Ata/ Ehimiri Stream in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria. Water samples were collected in duplicates from the different sampling locations using white polyethylene bottles (DO-Dissolved Oxygen, and BOD-Biological Oxygen Demand) bottles according to Ademoroti, (1996) methods. The results showed the physico-chemical properties of the stream water within the watershed ecosystem, the turbidity and temperature contents of the four study locations were statistically similar. The NRCRI and Fish Farm locations had significantly the highest and least hardness contents. The CVM and Raphia palm sites had the highest and least (p ≤ 0.05) conductivity values. The Fish Farm site had significantly the highest Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The statistically similar Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of the water samples from the NRCRI and CVM locations were significantly higher than the similar TDS values of the Fish Farm and Raphia palm locations. The pH of the water samples at the NRCRI locations was` significantly higher than the statistically similar pH values of the Raphia palm, CVM and Fish Farm sites. The NRCRI and the Fish Farm sites had the highest and least (p ≤ 0.05) acidity contents. The NRCRI location also had the highest alkalinity and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) contents. The water samples from the Raphia palm and NRCRI sites had significantly the highest and least Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) contents respectively. The Cl^-, NO₃^-, SO₄^-, PO₄^-3, and Pb contents of the water samples are within the acceptable limits/ range of drinking water and for other human uses.

Climate change literacy among primary school teachers and pupils in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T04:43:24+00:00

This study examined climate change literacy among primary school teachers and pupils in Ilorin metropolis, North-Central Nigeria. Using random sampling, 10 schools were selected across Ilorin metropolis (4 in Ilorin West, 3 each in Ilorin East and Ilorin South Local Government Areas). A total of 100 teachers were assessed through a structured questionnaire that focused on awareness, causes, effects and mitigation strategies of climate change. Additionally, a specially designed climate change curriculum was implemented for pupils (n=206) for about six months, with pre-test and post-test evaluations to measure its impact. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, t-tests, and Pearson Products Moment Correlation (PPMC). The results showed that 94% of teachers acknowledged the reality of climate change, with 88% recognizing its current impacts. However, knowledge gaps were evident—only 71% of teachers identified deforestation as a cause of climate change, while 82% understood the role of burning fossil fuels. While 80% of teachers supported tree planting as a mitigation strategy, only 47% saw reducing deforestation as an effective solution. Furthermore, an independent samples test revealed no significant differences between male and female teachers on awareness (= 0.453), knowledge of causes (p = 0.542), effects (p = 0.603), and mitigation strategies (p = 0.512) of climate change, indicating that gender did not significantly influence teachers' climate literacy. Among pupils, the curriculum implementation resulted in a significant improvement in climate change literacy, with average test scores increasing from 55.8% (pre-test) to 73.7% (post-test). The correlation between students’ age and pre-test scores was 0.12, 0.25 for age and post-test scores and 0.06 between pre-test and post-test scores, indicating a weak relationship between age and performance, thus showing that the intervention was beneficial across all age groups. These findings highlight the need for better teacher training and emphasize the importance of incorporating climate change education into primary school curricula.

Determining the response of vegetation to urbanization and urban expansion in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State,in Nigeria

2025-02-26T04:50:13+00:00

This study assessed the relationship between urban expansion and tree density in Sokoto metropolis from 1990 to 2022, using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDBI (Normalized Difference Built-up Index) differencing techniques. Results show continuous increase in urban vegetation as the city expanded. Over the 32-years, the net vegetation gain was 927.8ha while the urban built-up area expanded by 2918.1ha. Urbanization and urban expansion may have detrimental effects on urban vegetation but with controlled planning, it will have little or no negative impacts especially in the Sahelian area. Management and policy measures can thus be taken in cities to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on urban vegetation. These findings are relevant to the planning and management of urban forests.

Challenges of ecotourism destinations in selected states of South Eastern Nigeria

2025-02-26T05:00:24+00:00

This paper assesses the challenges of ecotourism in selected tourist destinations of south eastern Nigeria. These destinations include: Agulu/Nanka erosion site and Ogbunike caves from Anambra state, Nekede zoo and Urashi river source from Imo state, Oferekpe waterfall and Okposi salt lake from Ebonyi state.Three sets of well-structured questionnaires (A,B and C) was used to collect the data. Questionnaire ‘A’ was administer to 50% of the total number of household in Agulu/Nanka (51), Ogbunike (42), Nekede (48), Dikenafai (54), Oferekpe (40) and Okposi(45), making a total of 280 household respondents. Another set ‘B’ was administered on 50 touristsfrom each site and ‘C’ was administered to 100% of staff respondents in Agulu/Nanka (18), Ogbunike (10), Nekede (24), Dikenafai (15), Oferekpe (8) and Okposi (12). Data collected were subjected to simple descriptive analysis. The results shows that the highest respondents on age (29.24%) fall into the age bracket (36-45) years, while the least (06.30%) were >60 years. The sex ratio was (67.47%) male and (32.53%) female, (46.48%) were married, (50.37%) were unmarried and (03.30%) were divorced. The tourists reception was warm in Agulu/Nanka erosion site (46.00%), Ogbunike caves (38.00%), Urashi river source (64.00%) and Okposi salt lake (60.00%) while indifference (54.00%) at Nekede zoo and poor (62.00%) at Oferekpe waterfall.Though the facilities were inadequate in all the sites but majority of the tourist indicated interest to repeat visit. The reasons for protecting eco-destination at Agulu/Nanka (44.83%) and Ogbunike (40.38%) site is tourism, Nekede zoo (43.55%) and Okposi salt (38.46%) lake is biodiversity conservation, cultural festival at Urashi (46.88%) and economic value (35.29%) at Oferekpe waterfall. The way of protecting destination in Agulu/Nanka site is planting trees (52.11%) taring of road (29.63%) at Ogbunike, molding monuments (30.19%) at Nekede zoo, building steps (64.06%) at Urashi river source, bush clearing (50.94%) at Oferekpe waterfall and community rules (40.74%) at Okposi salt lake. The challenges include deforestation at Agulu/Nanka, illegal hunting in Ogbunike caves, empty cages at Nekede zoo, lack of tour guards at Dikenafai, far distance at Oferekpe and crude method of salt production at Okposi salt lake. Also, it suggested publicity as a way of improving sustainable ecotourism in the study destinations

Assessment of the collaboration between Ekiti State Forestry Commission and non-governmental organization [NGOS] towards the development of forestry sub-sectors in Ekiti State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T05:05:39+00:00

This study assessed the collaboration between Ekiti State Forestry Commission and the Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) towards the development of forestry sub-sectors in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Directors and the Deputy Directors were purposively selected in the Commission based on the hierarchy in the service and were interviewed through semi-structured questionnaire. Through the collaboration with the NGOs in the State, the Commission has been able to established one hundred and ninety-seven hectares (197ha) of both Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis plantation in the free areas (Table 2) (private sector) while one hundred and fifty-five hectares (155ha) of plantation of Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis were also established (Table 3) in the government forest reserve. As a result of collaboration between the Commission and NGOs there was an increase in the participation of private tree growers in forest plantation development in Ekiti State. The Forestry Commission and the NGOs meet often and engaged in both closed and opened form of collaboration. The commission is committed to the effectiveness of the NGOs by recommending them to International Donor Agencies and Organizations and giving land to them to operate. As part of the commitment, the Commission regularly meet with the NGOs to assess and review its achievements and make necessary inputs to enhance productivity. Despite their valuable contributions, NGOs face significant obstacles, including insufficient funding and communication breakdowns among stakeholders. Therefore, the study recommended that Ekiti State Government should support the NGOs, to promote, expand and strengthen the roles of NGOs by giving financial support through grants and giving of loan.

Evaluation of Ekiti State Forestry Commission contributions to the development of forestry sub-sector in Ekiti-State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T05:11:35+00:00

This study assessed the roles of Ekiti State Forestry Commission on the establishment of forest plantation since creation. Comparative analysis of the occurrence of forest offences for two years before and after the creation of Ekiti State Forestry Commission was done and the roles of stakeholders and the problems faced by the Commission were examined. The study was limited to the three Senatorial district in Ekiti-State (North, South and Central Senatorial district). Two Local Government were purposively selected in which six towns were randomly selected and interviewed through semi-structure questionnaire. Also, focus group discussion was used to obtain additional information while secondary data was obtained from the Forestry Commission. The results showed the growing participation of private tree growers in forest plantation development in Ekiti State. The total areas of forest plantation established since inception of the commission in the free areas is approximately one thousand, one hundred and ninety-seven hectares (1,196.5ha) while in the government forest reserve is one hundred and fifty-five hectares (155ha). The dominant tree species established were Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis, and other species planted were Terminalia superba, Terminalia invorenses, Mansonia ultissima. The established plantation in the urban area of the three senatorial districts were less than that of rural area due to abundance of land in the rural area though Chi-square test (p>0.05) showed no significant difference in the number of hectares established. The study revealed that Ekiti-State forestry commission is faced with the challenges of shortage of staff, insecurity, poor funding, political instability and inadequate patrol. It was revealed that the stakeholders are faced with the problem of finance, power supply, and marshy terrain, extinction of parent trees, long gestation period and unavailability of land across all the senatorial districts.The study recommended that government should increase the allocation given to the commission and also that the timber development levy (N200) paid on each timber felled for regeneration should be released to the commission for massive afforestation/regeneration.

Assessment of wildlife policy in fostering a conservation development environment in old Oyo National Park, Nigeria.

2025-02-26T05:19:10+00:00

This study was carried out to examine the nexus between Biodiversity protection in parks and human livelihood demands from settlement in or around protected areas. Hence, assessing significance of legislation in striking balance between conservation and development in Nigerian National Parks, taking Old Oyo National Park (OONP) as a case study. Two sets of questionnaire were administered to Support Zone Communities (SZCs) and park officers assisted with organized Focused Group Discussions (FDGs) in each of the six ranges of the park. Secondary data collection augmented survey where records of arrests and prosecution, park projects, local groups, community-based conservation and empowerment programs, were all obtained from the park head office at Isokun. Results show that the park is under herdsmen invasion and exploitation by miners. Arrest and prosecution curb exploitation and threaten lives of under-armed park staff. There is need for more development programs for the communities. The Park Act needs to be amended for locals’ involvement; fines and penalties upgraded to cater for present-day economic rates in order to make prosecution effective. Developing park communities would sharpen the locals’ interest in conservation.

Monitoring deforestation and its impacts on edaphic and climatic factors in Yankari Game Reserve

2025-02-26T05:37:59+00:00

This study was carried out to determine and quantify the impact of human activities on vegetation productivity and local edaphic and climatic factors inside and outside Yankari Game Reserve (YGR). The data used was extracted from high resolution satellite imagery. The result revealed that there was a significant (α = 0.05, p = 0.00) increase of Human Foot Print (HFP) from the year 2000 to and 2018 both around and inside the YGR. The HFP significantly (α = 0.05, p = 0.00) decreases in a continuum starting from the furthest point from the border of the YGR towards the center of the YGR. The result also showed a strong but negative relationship between the Human Foot Print (HFP) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Aridity Index (AI); soil organic carbon (SOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP) and Exchangeable Phosphorus (EP). The NDVI, EVI, AI, SOC, TN, TP and EP also positively correlated among themselves. These results suggested that vegetation productivity, climatic and soil variables (NDVI, EVI, AI, SOC, TN, TP and EP) are perfect indicator and good predictors of HFP; and that these variables were also good predictors of one another, at least in the YGR. Time series analysis revealed a decrease of vegetation cover in the YGR. This decrease in vegetation cover is forecasted to continue in the near future. This information is crucially important in predicting future scenario of HFP on the YGR.

Valuation of financing methods for wooden pallats enterprise in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T05:42:08+00:00

The study was carried out on financing methods for wooden pallet enterprise in Benin metropolis, Edo State. Ninety respondents were randomly selected using 80% and 20% sampling intensity where the number of producers were <14 and >350 respectively. Interviews were carried out with use of well structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statestics, ‘t’test and ANOVA with arcsine tramsformation. Results showed that most commonly tree species used were khaya spp. (12.50 %) and Triplochiton scleroxylon (12.50%), the most commonly used families were Meliaceae and Sterculiaceae which stood equally at 16.67% each. The most preferred tree species was Alstonia boonei (12.50 %) while Meliaceae (18.18 %), Bombaceae, Combretaceae and five other famles stood at 9.09% as the most preferred families. It was shown that there was significance difference (P <0.05) among various pallet dimensions observed, indicating that pallet dimension in Guiness company dominated all the dimension observed in the study under review. Personal savings dominated all other sources of finanacing and there was significant difference among various sources of finananc (P <0.05). Results showed no significance difference (P>0.05) among various constraints faced by pallet enterprise and there was significant difference (P<0.05) among location effects on the contraints considred in the forgoing analysis. It is recommended that government should encourage specialized financial institution to assist in the funding of wooden pallet enterprise and also encourage commercial banks to lend money to the entrepreneur at low interest rate instead of leaving the financing of this important forestry sector to personal saving as main source of financing.

Economic analysis of taungya farming in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T05:51:49+00:00

The study examined the economic analysis of taungya farming in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State. Multi-stage random sampling design was used for to carry out the study. Data were obtained with the aid of 150 copies based on 30 and 40% sampling intensities on 34 farm centres and 980 taungya farmers respectively, developed well-structured questionnaire and administered to corresponding numbers of taungya farmers and analyzed with both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that cassava (39.3%) was the most cultivated arable crop by taungya farmers ,with Gmelina Arborea at 50.7% as the most planted tree crop It was revealed that all the farm centres had positive gross margins, which indicated that taungya farming was profitable. The Highest gross margin of ₦54.650 was recorded at Aduhanhan while the least Gross margin of ₦ 20,520 was recorded at Ukpohi. The Highest revenue of ₦11,183,100 was generated to the government from timber concession in 2003 and land rate generated the highest revenue of ₦-990,000 in 2014. Essentially, taungya farmers and government depended on the system for incomes and revenues respectively, thus it is recommended that Government should improve on the sustainable management of the system in order to accommodate economic, biophysical and political considerations in the operation of the system.

Credit accessibility among plank entrepreneurs in Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T11:46:04+00:00

Accessibility to credit is very important for any business expansion including plank selling. Lack of access to financial services not only retards economic growth, but also increases poverty and inequality. The sampling technique was multi staged. The first stage was 30% of the Local Government Area (LGA) in Oyo State, therefore 11 LGAs out of 33 were used for the study. Stage two involves random sampling of one sawmills in each LGA, and stage three involves random selection of twenty-five (25) plank sellers in each. Descriptive (percentage, frequency and mean) and inferential (multiple regression) statistics were use in the analyses. The study found that males were the major (63.3%) traders in the study areas. The average age of the sellers was 45.6±11.5 irrespective of the sex. A greater percentage of the sellers were married (72.1%), singles were 13.4%, and others were 14.6%. The average household size was 2.5±1.0, the household size is probably small because they did not really need too much hands in selling the planks unlike farming that need lots of labour. The multiple regression coefficient r² is 0.82, this implies that about 82% of the independent variables explain the dependent variable sources of credit. This is also confirmed by the fact that out of fourteen dependent variables, eleven were significant at various significant levels. Furthermore, interest rate (p<0.01) and the proximity to the source of credit (p<0.05) influence the source of credit. The study implies that socioeconomic factors influence accessibility to credit, so also the interest rate charged. It is therefore recommended that loans or credit should be made available for plank sellers at considerable interest rate and the collateral should not be to grievous.

Roles of urban forestry in wildlife conservation: case of selected locations in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

2025-02-26T11:51:34+00:00

The study investigated the roles of urban forestry in wildlife conservation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through field survey and use of structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed that most of the respondents were within the age group of 31 and 40 years (46.7%), married (65.4%) and had tertiary education (74.8%). The result also showed that valuable trees species such as shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), locus bean (Parkia biglobosa) and Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) that are considered endangered in the wild due to deforestation were found in the study area. Among the associated wild animals species sighted in the study areas were cattle egret (18.4%), grey hornbill (15.3%), senegal coucal (13%), bee-eater (12.3%), bush fowl (7.7%), weaver birds (7.7%), touraco bird (6.9%), wood pecker (5.3%) flying squirrel (4.6%), morning dove (4.6%), lizard buzzard (3%) and common falcon (0.7%). The observed activities of these animals include singing, feeding, resting, nesting, flying, playing and mating. Government through the ministry of environment and department of forestry should give serious attention to urban trees and associated animal’s conservation, and also ensure public enlightment on trees planting and management.

Butterfly species abundance and habitat preference in Farin Ruwa waterfall in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

2025-02-26T11:57:40+00:00

Butterflies are considered as good ecological bio-indicators of the environment and play significant roles as pollinators of Agricultural crops, aesthetics and range forage productivity. Their occurrence and diversity in populations contribute to ecosystems and can indicate the state of environmental health. Though, there is a high increase in human disturbances in most protected area. However, information on butterfly species abundance and richness on different habitats is limited in the study area. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of butterfly species in relation to its environmental factors. Sampling was done quantitatively using three complementary methods, line transect (walk-and-counts), hand sweep nets, and fruit bait traps in April to August 2023. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, diversity indices and Pearson’s correlation. A total of 34 butterfly species belonging to 4 families in the order Lepidoptera were recorded across the three different habitats. Members of Nymphalidae family occurred most and accounted for 58.81% species in riparian, 56.25% species in waterfall and 55.97% species in farmland with Acrsea serena been the most dominant across the habitats. Farmland habitat had the highest species composition (n = 1196). There was no significant relationship between the environmental factors and the total number of individuals or species richness. But rainfall was found to be positively correlated with the species diversity and abundance. Hence, understanding the factors affecting butterfly species diversity and abundance in farin ruwa waterfall is very important for conservation purposes.