Browsing by Author "Amusa, T.O"

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Assessment of Agroforestry Practices as a Land Use Option in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
(Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, 2005) Azeez, I. O; Popoola, L; Amusa, T.O
The paper examines the adoption of agoforestry practices as a land use option in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained from structured questionnaire and direct interview of farmers in the study area, using purposive simple random sampling technique. Fifteen farmers were randomly sampled from each of the ten cells of Atisbo Farmers Association of Nigeria with 440 members. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential test statistics. Results show that although perception of farmers on agroforesty practices varied among respondents, out of the various forms of agroforestry being practiced in the study area, the tree crop system was dominant with a modal frequency of 67.3%. It was also discovered that farmers adopted agroforestry practices for various reasons. The most popular of which was the food and financial gains that accrued from the planning of fruit trees. However, paucity of information, bush burning, labour required and non-availability of incentives were considered as major constraints to the practice of agroforestry in the area. Test of hypotheses showed that although there existed significant differences in the type of agroforestry practices among the farmers in the study area (X2 = 39.60; df = 33; Pr = 0.19), there was no significant variation in the perception of agroforestry among the farmers. It was also noted that there was significant enhancement in the soil fertility of the study area through the practice of agroforestry (X2 = 3.81; df = 4; Pt = 0.43): and that there existed significant relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity in the study area (X2= 209.74; df 48; Pr < 0.01). An implication of the findings is that agroforestry presents huge opportunities for food production and developing forestry practices in the study area.
Climate change mitigation and the forest sector
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2008) Amusa, T.O; Azeez, I.O
The paper provides an overview on the global phenomenon of climate change and tile portentous impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The international efforts vis-a-vis the UNFCCC and the Kyoto protocol aimed at curbing the effects of climate change were discussed. The role of the forest as a potential climate change mitigation tool was also analyzed while policies for mitigation were appraised. Forests and vegetation cover are seen as an important source of carbon as well as a carbon store. Thus, they can play a key role in generating carbon offsets- the most important GHG being contributed by human activities. The conservation of forests offers important opportunities to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity. Therefore, the impacts of climate change on human and natural ecosystems can be reduced though the adoption of forest-based conservation strategies. The paper concludes by drawing lessons applicable to tropical African countries.
Conflicts, politics and policies of multiple and competitive uses of the mangroves and wetlands resources
(2016-06) Azeez, I. O; Amusa, T.O
The livelihoods of coastal populations of sub-Saharan Africa depend heavily on access to mangroves and wetland resources. However, with high populations, rapid urban growth and a high dependency, pressures on mangroves and other wetland resources have continued to soar. Thus, there is concern that the long-term values of intact and functioning mangrove ecosystems are not being recognized in current policy decisions, where short-term gains resulting in loss of the ecosystem are being pursued at the expense of long-term sustainability. The connections between mangroves and livelihoods throughout Africa need to be strengthened at the policy level. The policy for multiple and competitive uses of mangroves and wetland resources need to be well developed on the African continent. This is especially true with regards to the potentials of mangroves and wetland resources for aquaculture and ecotourism. It is important to build awareness and political sensitization on mangroves and wetland issues for general development of the continent and its people. This would require strategic planning, followed by policy formulation and programme development. Sustainable multiple usages of mangroves and wetland resources is possible by taking an integrated approach based on solid biological, socio-economic and cultural information.
Determining the local importance of non-timber forest products using two different prioritization techniques
(2012) Amusa, T.O; Jimoh, S.O; Azeez, I.O
Among the key uncertainties in the sustainable management of forest for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is the high diversity of species and paucity of information on indigenous use pattern. In designing appropriate strategies for sustainable management of non-timber forest products, therefore, it is important to identify species with high local importance with the potential for sustainable and profitable extraction in a managed system. In this study, we assessed the use of two quantitative techniques including the Use-Value index (Phillips and Gentry, 1993) and Assigned-Value approach (Adeola et al., 1994), as procedures for prioritization of NTFP species in a tropical lowland rainforest ecosystem, Omo Forest Reserve (OFR), southwest Nigeria. A simple random sampling approach was employed to obtain data on the uses of NTFP species through semi-structured interview of 81 households in four communities within the reserve. Descriptively, the data were analyzed using frequency distribution, tables, chart and percentages. The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to test for relationship between the values obtained for each of the two techniques. Results obtained for both techniques were fairly positively correlated (ρ = 0.59; P < 0.01), suggesting a cautious interchangeable use of the techniques for the same end. Based on our findings, we posit that in evaluating forest and NTFPs for local importance and use, the end objectives of such evaluation must be critically examined in the light of the interest of the different respondents’ group.
Factors affecting adoption behaviour of agroforestry practitioners in ATISBO local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
(2007-01) Azeez, I. O; Jimoh, S.O; Amusa, T.O
The importance of trees and shrubs in fallows or in food crop production systems cannot be overstressed in view of the fragile nature of the tropical environment, increase in population density, rate of forest diminution and increasing land shortage. This has given rise to the technology of Agroforestry. Evolving technology to meet any need will be incomplete without taking cognizance of the end-users no matter how perfect. This study investigates the factors affecting adoption behaviour of agroforestry practitioners in Atisbo local Government Area of Oyo State, Using a purposive random technique, a total of one hundred and fifty questionnaires were administered to selected agroforestry farmers in the study area based on membership of Alisbo Farmers' Association of Nigeria (AFAN). Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential test statistics. Results reveal variants of agroforestry system among the respondents. These include; the tree crop system (67.3%); Mixed home gardening (22.7%); Alley cropping (7.3%); Bush fallow (2.0%); and Taungya (0.7%). Farmers income level and extension contact were two variables that significantly associate with adoption of agroforestry technology (X2 7.651, 47. 680; P<0.05). There is also a positive and significant correlation between adoption and scale of farming, total farm size, socio status on land and type of agroforestry system. The financial implication of practicing agroforestry system is the most important determining factor affecting adoption and application.
Forests and national security in Nigeria: an evaluation of the symboisis and challenges
(2017-06) Amusa, T.O; Bada, S.O; Azeez, I.O
Forests play many diverse and multifaceted roles in our life. However, there is an emerging nexus between forest and national security in many countries, especially within the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Contrary to the noble objectives for which they were constituted, many forest reserves have become a source of security concern both at the local and national scale. In the light of this, we examined the relationship between forest and national security in Nigeria, with a view to identifying how forests impact security situations and how security situations in turn impact forests, and what need to be done to mitigate the negative upshots along the continuum. It is noted that the management of forests and other protected areas in the country has been quite fortuitous. The laws and policies associated with forest and protected area management are obsolete while the supervision, monitoring and surveillance carried out in the forest areas leave much to be desired. Given the shared features between forest locations and the geography of violent conflicts, it is observed that forests can provide refuge, funds and food for insurgents and terrorists. In turn, armed conflicts and activities also negatively impact the forest through “ecocide” (the destruction of the environment by military operations), hunting wildlife for food, and setting of land mines that kill and maim many wildlife species. Against this backdrop, we conclude that, more than ever, forest reserves in Nigeria and elsewhere need adequate protection, effective legislations, proper staffing, regular assessment of the state and status of reserves, and restoring the requisite management activities in all reserves across the country.
Land use activities among forest environments’ dwellers in Edo State, Nigeria: implications for livelihood and sustainable forest Management
(2010) Azeez, I. O; Ikponmwonba, O.S; Popoola, L; Amusa, T.O
Although urbanization may be increasing globally, over 75.0% of Nigerian populations are still living in rural areas. Extensive rainfed farming used to sustain this population is limited by loss of forest biodiversity, climate change and exposure of fragile soil. This study reports the socio-economic background of Edo State forests environments dwellers in relation to their land use activities with a view to positively harnessing the synergy of the two variables for improving human livelihood and by extension sustainable forest management. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 296 rural dwellers in settlements within and around three forest reserves: Ehor, Okomu, and Sakpoba. Information obtained was subjected to descriptive and chi-square test statistics at p = 0.05. Results revealed that the most popular land use activity within the forest reserves is farming (94.9%). A majority of the respondents practice mixed cropping with multiple choices of major crops through the taungya5 system. Socio economic status of rural dwellers affect their awareness of forest reserves, consent to use of forest reserves, willingness to plant trees on farm land and exploitation of forest resources. While participatory management of the reserves is expected to impact the economy of the study area, awareness of and exploitation of forest reserves as well as willingness to plant trees will on the whole influence the participation of rural dwellers in the management of the reserves.
Participatory forestry practices and renewable natural resources management
(2014) Azeez, I. O; Amusa, T.O
Despite their importance, the forest resource base in most African countries has continued to dwindle. This continuous decline in Africa forest cover and the inability to stem the tide of deforestation indicate among other things the failure of the classically structured resource management institutions established during colonial administration. Consequently, there has been a paradigm shift in forestry practices throughout the world from the classical management approach to managing the forest in a manner that ensures greater and effective participation of all stakeholders, especially the forest communities. This paper further examines the concept of participatory forestry practices as a model of renewable natural resources management approach. It also discusses the nexus between participatory forestry and sustainable natural resources management, the key steps in establishing participatory forest management, emerging conflicts in participatory forestry practices and avenues for conflict resolution. We contend that for a sustainable participatory forest management, there is need for strong commitment on the part of local people towards maintaining the forest resources through secured forest tenure; upholding a sustainable harvest levels for all the products from the forest; assessing the economic aspects of production and guaranteeing a fair share of the benefits accruing to the local population.
Population distribution and threats to sustainable management of selected non-timber forest Products in tropical lowland rainforests of South Western Nigeria
(Springer, 2013) Jimoh, S.O; Amusa, T.O; Azeez, I.O
Uncontrolled harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) poses a serious risk of extermination to several of these species in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of information on the distribution, population status and sustainable management of NTFPs in most of the tropical lowland rainforests. We, therefore, assessed the population, distribution and threats to sustainable management of NTFPs within the tropical lowland rainforests of Omo and Shasha Forest Reserves, south western Nigeria. Data were obtained through inventory surveys on five top priority species including: bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill), African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) Hutch. & Dalziel syn. Plukenetia conophora), chew-stick (Massularia acuminata (G. Don) Bullock), fever bark (Annickia chlorantha Setten & P.J.Maas syn. Enantia chloranta) and bush pepper (Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn.). Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used for the inventory. Each forest reserve was stratified into three, viz: less disturbed natural forest (for areas that have been rested for at least ten years), recently disturbed natural forest (for areas that have suffered one form of human perturbation or the other in the last five years), and plantation forest (for areas carrying forest plantation). Data were collected from eighteen 10 m×500 m belt transects located in the above strata. The species were generally fewer in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest than the less disturbed natural forest, suggesting that forest disturbances (habitat modification) for other uses may have an effect on the occurrence and densities of the NTFPs. Exceptions to this trend were found for P. guineense and T. conophorum, which were fairly common in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest. Among three tree NTFP species (i.e. I. gabonensis, M. acuminata and A. chlorantha), only I. gabonensis showed a significant difference in overall DBH size classes for both reserves (t=-2.404; df =21; p=0.026). Three tree NTFP species in both reserves further showed differences from the regular patterns of distribution of trees. The fairly regular reverse J-shaped size class distribution observed for M. acuminata in the study sites, however, suggests a recuperating population. In general, destructive harvesting of species, logging operations, low population size, narrow distribution ranges and habitat degradation are the major threats to the population of NTFPs in the study area. The implications of our findings for sustainable management of NTFPs in the study area are discussed and recommendations are made for a feasible approach towards enhancing the status of the species.
Prevalence, utilization and conservation strategies for non-timber forest products in South western zone of Nigeria
(2012) Jimoh, S.O; Amusa, T.O; Azeez, I.O
The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and utilization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) plant species in Omo and Shasha Forest Reserves, Southwestern Nigeria. Data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires administered to households in forest communities. To complement information from the household survey, focus group discussions (FGDs) were also carried out in each of the sampled communities. In-depth interview (IDI) of forestry staff was further used to supplement the information collected. A simple random sampling technique was employed for the study. In Omo Forest Reserve (OFR), a total of seventy five species distributed in forty three families were recorded, while fifty six species in thirty one families were documented in Shasha Forest Reserve (SFR). Local end-uses of NTFPs include food and food supplements, snacks/sweeteners, wrapping leaves, soup and spices, beverages, dental care supplies, washing tools, roofing/construction materials, medicine and traditional rites items. While access to these resources is important to guarantee the socio-economic well being of the forest dwellers and communities, their sustainable management has not been taken seriously by policy makers thereby contributing to reduction of biodiversity and gradual but irretrievable loss of indigenous knowledge on the uses of most species. To ensure the sustainable utilization of NTFPs in these and similar tropical forest environments therefore, a number of conservation approaches are proposed.
Prospects of involving local communities in Joint Forest Management in Oyo State, Nigeria
(2007) Amusa, T.O; Azeez, I.O; Jimoh, S.O
The study assessed the prospects of community participation in Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Oyo State. This is against the backdrop of the State's forestry department perfecting strategies and logistics for community participation in forestry activities in the State. Primary data were sourced through open-ended and structured questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained from the state's forestry publications, records and reports. Additional information was sourced through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for questionnaire administration. A forest reserve was first selected from each of the four (4) forestry administrative zones in the State. In each of these reserves, two communities were randomly selected to elicit information from members of local communities living within and around the reserve. A total of eight communities were involved in the study. One-hundred and sixty (160) questionnaires were administered on the inhabitants. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive tools and appropriate inferential test statistics. The study identified Taungya farming as a means of enlisting communal supports in the management of reserve and a way of regenerating forest stand. However, this practice is viewed by local communities as grossly inadequate. Besides, lack of fund, and non availability of planting stocks on most occasion are major constraints against the system. Further, Chi-square test statistics reveal a significant (Pr < 0.05) level of dependence of willingness of respondents to participate in JFM on their socio-economic background. Also, a significant level of dependence was established between willingness to participate in JFM and respondent's consent to communal involvement in forest in management (X2=70.49, df = 2, Pr = 0.01) as well as index of involvement of respondent in forest management (X2 = 70.49, df = 2, Pr = 0.01). The regression model further indicates a relatively high positive relationship (df =152, R=0.517, R2 = 0.268) between demographic/socio-economic features of respondents and willingness to participate in Joint Forest Management with the State. Thus, although socio-economic characteristics of respondents impacts participation, implementation of JFM in Oyo State is imperative and will need to build on present management Structure to succeed.
Socio-economic determinants of consumer demand for non-timber forest products in Ogun and Osun States, Southwest Nigeria
(2013) Amusa, T.O; Jimoh, S.O; Azeez, I.O; Adefalu, L.L; Oladipo, F.O
There is a dearth of research effort on the individual and household characteristics that affect the consumption of on-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in parts of Southwest Nigeria. Yet, understanding the factors driving demand for NTFPs is crucial for managing supplies sustainably. Therefore, this study examined the socio-economic determinants of consumer demand for NTFPs in Ogun and Osun States, Southwest Nigeria. A survey involving 320 respondents randomly selected from eight communities in each of Ijebu East Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State and Ife South Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State was carried out using questionnaires. Data were collected on five top priority species including: bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), African walnut (Plukenetia conophora), chewingstick (Massularia acuminata), fever-bark (Annickia chlorantha syn. Enantia chlorantha) and bush pepper (Piper guineense). Both descriptive and inferential statistics involving frequency tables, percentages, Likert scale, chi-square and multiple linear regression were used in analyzing the data at P = 0.05. Respondents’ sex, age, marital status, educational attainment and primary occupation had significant impacts on the level of consumption of P. conophora and A. chlorantha, while that of M. acuminata was significantly impacted by both marital status and household size. Primary occupation and age of respondents also significantly impacted the level of consumption of P. guineense, whereas only household size had a significant impact on the level of consumption of I. gabonensis. Products’ price, taste and substitute had no significant effect on NTFPs consumption. Although, each of the NTFPs has different socio-economic demand and niche among the consumers, the most determining factors of consumption were product availability and season of the year. The results of this study are valuable for predicting NTFPs consumption pattern and for policy orientation that targets sustainable use of the products.
Socio-economic factors influencing marketing of non-timber forest products in tropical lowland rainforests of south-western Nigeria
(NISC (Pty) Ltd and Taylor & Francis, 2017) Amusa, T.O; Jimoh, S.O; Azeez, I.O
A number of factors persist to constrain the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) market and, by extension, its potential to contribute meaningfully to livelihood development and poverty reduction objectives. To better utilise the potential of NTFPs, it is important to have a better understanding of the key factors governing the success and failure of NTFPs trade. This paper reports on the market constraints and socio-economic factors that influence trade in five top-priority NTFPs within the tropical lowland rainforests of south-west Nigeria. The NTFPs investigated were bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), African walnut (Plukenetia conophora), chew-stick (Massularia acuminata), fever bark (Annickia chlorantha) and bush pepper (Piper guineense). Field data were collected in 10 villages located within and around Omo and Shasha forest reserves using a household questionnaire survey. The results showed that seasonality, poor transport, lack of storage facilities and market information were the four main constraints influencing marketing and trade in the NTFPs. In addition, the level of education, gender (sex), household income, ethnicity, distance to the market and access to roads significantly influenced market knowledge and information among households involved in the trade of NTFPs. There is need to improve on the limited source of NTFPs information, enhance skills for product transformation, build innovative storage facilities, and develop the process of domestication and integration in traditional land-use systems.
Sustainable food production in a climate constrained environment in Nigera-the action learning approach
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2008) Azeez, I. O; Amusa, T.O
The nexus of food security with sustainable forest development and rural development is a topical issue. Food availability is related to production, which is a land use activity. In Nigeria, where population density is high coupled with the global climate constrain, the blending and spatial planning of different and changing land uses, including legislation thereof are crucial policy issues, which involve various stakeholder. Thus, a synergy of various interests and hence system thinking approach is imperative. Systems’ thinking is in particular suitable for studying complex dynamic issues that have to do with human behaviour for example. Traditional analysis focuses on the separating the individual pieces of what is being studied. System thinking, in contrast, focus on how the thing being studied interact with the other constituents of the system of which it is a part. This paper examines the impact of global climate change on sustainable food production with a view to evolving mitigation to the anthropogenic impacts.
"Zana" production
(2005-10) Azeez, I. O; Amusa, T.O