Browsing by Author "Azeez, I.O"

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Assessment of sources and geographical focus of forestry-related news in two Nigerian newspaper
(2017-06) Azeez, I.O; Adeniyi, T.E
The importance of forests, forest management and related information to human sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. This paper reports the analyses of forestry-related news source and their geographical focus in Guardian and Tribune Newspapers in Nigeria between June, 2009 and May, 2014. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the two National dailies because both have column for environment issues, they are available and their continuous existence for the period of the research, circulation and accessibility were guaranteed. Data were collected from the editions on the days these newspapers have slot for environmental columns and were analysed using descriptive such as percentage, frequency and charts as well as chi-square inferential statistics at α0.05. Guardian reported 76.9% of the articles while Nigerian Tribune reported 30.1% articles. The columnists had the highest percentage as the news source of forestry related issues reported with 29.1% of the articles. Also, the highest percentage of the articles reported was the Global focus on forestry issues with 38.1%. There was a significant relationship between the newspapers and the sources that reported the issues. There was however no significant relationship between the newspapers and the geographical focus of the issues that were reported. It was concluded that there will be a reduction of public attention on forestry news since they are more of global issues than immediate concern. Also, since forestry news were more from columnists, there was likely to be a professional gap, which needed to be filled.
Awareness and acceptability of the usefulness and products of jatropha curcas (L.) plant in Kano State, Nigeria
(Advanced Journals, 2013-11) Umar, A.F; Azeez, I.O; Popoola, L
Inadequate alternative sources of energy and low income engender unsustainable exploitation of the environment by the inhabitants of semi arid regions. Literature abounds on the potentials of Jatropha curcas as an alternative source of energy. This study reports the awareness and acceptability of the energy and other potentials of J. curcas in Kano state. Primary data were collected using FGDs and a set of structured questionnaire administered randomly on 1280 farmers. Information were sought on level of awareness about J. curcas, proportion of farmland available for its planting, level of acceptability of its products, government incentives and consent to utilize J. curcas and substitute petroleum diesel with J. curcas biodiesel. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression at p = 0.05. The usefulness of J. curcas for farmland boundary (100.0%) and homestead planting (98.48%) were more popular while its use as live fence was the most (99.24%) acceptable among the respondents. Also, 68.18% of the respondents accepted Jatropha oil while 90.91% accepted its biodiesel. About 83.3% of the farmers had less than a quarter of their farmlands planted with J. curcas. However, if market outlet and incentives were to be provided by the government, 30.0% and 55.0% of the respondents respectively, indicated willingness to commit the whole and half of their farmlands to J. curcas plant production. Awareness of J. curcas is likely to influence knowledge on the importance J. curcas seed cake (odds ratio = 4.44) in Kano state. So also, its awareness will likely influence the willingness to use J. curcas oil (odds ratio = 2.34), its seed cake (odds ratio = 4.4) and biodiesel (odds ratio = 4.37). Awareness of J. curcas plant usefulness but not that of its products is very high in Kano State. Deliberate promotion of the plant products in addition to establishment of a Jatropha System for sustainability of its production among farmers is therefore recommended.
Challenges of funding forestry education and research for sustainable forestry development in Nigeria
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2006) Adegeye, A. O; Azeez, I.O
Sustainable Forrest Management is an integral part of a nation's economic growth, social equity in development and environmental sustainability and it is greatly impacted by education. Forestry education and research has however been neglected in Nigeria because of the need to cut down expenses by the sole financier - The Federal Government, the state and local government, as well as private financial contributions to forestry development is noticed only in the area of forest plantation management. This is as a result of forest education not meeting job market demand and hence aspiration of the 21% century undergraduate. Apart from this, less than 3% of any public institution's budgetary demands are financed. Also, the policy framework that should put in place for a sustainable forestry education and research was non-existence in Nigeria until the recent National Forestry Action Plan (NFAP) of 1997. Even at that, NFAE is yet to be implemented to date. This and other challenges of forestry education research and development were analyzed by this paper and some suggestions made on ways of moving forward.
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.
Determinants of mass participation in community-based forest management in South-western Nigeria
(2010) Fayenuwo, G. A; Azeez, I.O; Popoola, L
In Nigeria forest management is faced with increasingly complex challenges of reconciling the demands of various stakeholders. The new designated global role of the forests (conservation, biodiversity, producer of wood, carbon sequestration and aesthetics) is also posing fundamental conflicts between the state forestry services and the local communities. This paper analyses the views of various stakeholders against their demographic and socio-economic background with the view of determining mass participation in the management of community forests in south-western Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select Lagos, Osun, Ondo and Ogun states for the study. The target population for the study comprised the local inhabitants and other categories of people such as artisans, civil servant, teacher traders, living in enclaves and settlements around the forest reserves in the study area. Data was collected using 3 different sets of questionnaire with test-retest reliability value of 0.85. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), was also used to elicit information on perceptions about income, household size, various management issues, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and views about other forestry stakeholders. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and Logit Regression statistics. The study revealed that determinant of mass participation in community forests (CF) or community based forest management (CBFM) are resource oriented, user or community dependent, forestry agency specific, programme related, and environment/forestry system specific. It was also found that communities around and within the forest reserves were heterogeneous in nature. The heterogeneity of caste, class, ethnicity, assets, household size, and income in the co-unities sampled were important determinant of stakeholders' level of participation in forest management. Logistic Regression Analyses revealed that ethnicity, level of income, awareness of CF benefits will significantly determine the willingness of the local people to participate in CF or CBFM in South-western Nigeria. An improvement of respondents' awareness of CF, joint determination of benefits from CF and inclusion of forest user groups (FUG)views in forest management content will go a long way at positively impacting forest management in the study area.
Determinants of proportions of household land used for forestry practice in Southeast Nigeria
(2017-06) Azeez, I.O; Onyema, M.C
Forestry activities if properly planned, designed and executed can provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits. But land availability and more importantly size, determines the level of investment in forestry. The growing scarcity and social issues surrounding land acquisition necessitate identifying opportunities to enhance forestry development at the household level. Thus, this study investigated the determinants of the proportion of a household land that can be put into forestry use by households in South-eastern Nigeria. Seven (7) communities were randomly selected from Imo and Anambra States. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered to ten percent (10%) of heads of households in the selected communities. A total of 547 sets of questionnaire were administered but, 490 were used for analysis. The questionnaire was based on the socio-economic background of the respondents, their number of farmlands, average size of farmland unit and proportion of the household farmlands, which can be used for forestry activity. Data generated were analysed using bar chart, frequency table and Tobit regression. Modal percentage of total farm land available for forestry activities was 54.0% while the lowest was 17.4%. Also, the form of household leadership, occupation and education of respondents as well as indigenous forestry groups had impacts on the percentage of land area that household heads are putting up for forestry activities in the study area. While male headed households and farmers show more interest in forestry activities, the educated elites hold a reverse perception.
Determinants of unwillingness to practice farm forestry among households in the humid zone of Nigeria
(School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, 2015) Onyema, M.C; Azeez, I.O
Public sector dominance of forestry practices across the globe impedes realization of local and international forestry development targets despite huge local and international investments in the subsector. The need for private forestry practice as compliment to public initiatives on forestry development therefore becomes imperative. This paper reports the bottlenecks for private farm forestry practices among households in the humid zone of Nigeria where environmental hazards necessitate urgent tree planting initiatives. Groups/individuals with stakes in forestry were identified through stakeholder analysis across selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Relevant information was obtained using a set of questionnaire, which are supplemented with FGDs and IDIs. Baseline data on household forestry-based activities were obtained and analysed using Chi-square test of independence and logit regression models. Unwillingness by indigenous residents and local-based farmers was significantly influenced by their household sizes and conservation awareness. Traditional/religious leaders, landlords (landowners) in both communities surveyed correspondingly expressed resilience to propagate or condone forestry/conservation practices in their domain. Local-based farmers and indigenous residents in the study area expressed fear for any land use change that may contravene existing norms and practices. A robust and integrated grassroots’ motivation approach towards re-orientations of different categories of stakeholders’ mindset is therefore recommended to encourage private sector forestry entrepreneurship in the study area.
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.
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.
Influence of Extension Education on Adoption of Forestry Conservation Practices in South Eastern Nigeria
(Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, 2016) Onyema, M.C; Azeez, I.O
Extension education programmes were observed to have positive impact on different sectors of the economy in developed society. However, forestry and other natural resources sub-sectors in Africa and by extension, Nigeria still lag behind and its growth and development is nothing compared with other sub-sectors. This paper reports the influence of conservation and extension education programmes on the adoption of conservation practices by households in Anambra Sate, south-eastern Nigeria with the view to determining the impact of education on natural resources conservation and development. The study was targeted at household heads across selected communities in Aguata agricultural zone of Anambra State, Nigeria, using, village grouping meetings and two sets of structured and open ended questionnaire. Information was sought on respondents’ participation levels in extension education and relative adoption rates of household level conservation practices. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Awareness and education programmes considered include governmental non-governmental conservation programmes earlier executed in the study area, Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension services as well as conservation/forestry extension training and education provided specifically for the study being reported. Respondents’ consent to participating in identified conservation programmes in the stud area was highest (91.6%) for conservation of trees that are located away from their residence. This was followed by training in poultry and wildlife domestication (90.4%). The least interest was expressed for arable and tree crop mix on the same land (10.8%). Also, planting of palm and exotic trees in the study area were found to have stemmed from the households’ access to government extension services (X2=7.3 and 4.6; df = 2) and the research organized through forestry extension education/awareness training (X2= 15.1 and 9.7; df = 1). Respondents’ participation in past conservation education programmes has impacted on poultry and wildlife domestication (X2= 8.16; df = 2), agri-silviculture (X2 = 12.8; df =2) and land management practice (X2 = 4.8; df =2) activities in the study area. Village level discussions showed that respondents’ would readily adopt innovations, which are compatible with their traditional agricultural practices although such adoption will depend on the frequency of their exposure to innovative programmes. It was also found that Local conservation programmes and activities especially for the informal sector of the economy can be made more robust and better executed periodically and jointly too by public and private organizations and stakeholders.
Influence of sustainable use of environmental goods and services on the green economy goals in African countries
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2013) Adewole, N.A; Ogunsanwo, O.Y; Azeez, I.O
This paper reviewed the status of environmental goods and services utilization in Africa viz-a-viz the goal of green economy. A systematic appraisal of the potential of utilizing forest goods and services in a sustainable manner to reduce the striking poverty in Africa is one of the focuses of this paper. It identified the challenges slowing down the development of environmental goods and services in a sustainable manner to guarantee green economy in Africa. The paper recommends urgent action in the direction of poverty and ignorance reduction by governments in Africa. This will engender sustainable utilization of goods and services in African states' indigenous communities towards meeting the green economy goals.
Mangrove forest conservation for sustainable development in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
(2017-06) Ogeh, T.K; Azeez, I.O; Jimoh, S,K
This paper report findings from a study carried out to obtain information on conservation of the forest and the environmental hazards in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on conservation of the forest and the environmental hazards affecting the area. Data were obtained from a systematic sample of 120 residents within three clans namely: Uzere, Aviara and Olomoro in Isoko South LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 97.5% of the respondents show interest in conserving the forest while 2.5% show no interest. Logistic binary regression result, revealed that two socio-economic variables, namely, occupation and educational status showed positive significant influence (p<0.05) on interest of the respondents in conserving the mangrove forest. Flooding, environmental pollution caused by gas flaring, oil spills from pipelines and waste materials and chemicals, increased atmospheric temperature and pest invasion are the environmental hazards affecting the study area. There is a need for a participatory forest management with conservation to achieve mangrove forest sustainability, and thereby enhancing sustainable development in the Isoko South LGA of Delta State, Nigeria.
Perception of climate change effects on forest-dependent rural livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria
(2016-06) Azeez, I.O; Jimoh, S.O; Adeniyi, A.B
Rural population is the highest in developing countries with pathetic living condition and lack of resources to cope with ecological perturbations apart from not having social opportunities to cushion the impacts of extreme events. This paper reports the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of forest dependent rural populations in Ondo State, a forest rich southwestern part of Nigeria, with the view to identifying possible adaptation strategies. Stratified multistage simple random sampling was used in selecting respondents for the study. The state was stratified into Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Four (4): Odigbo, Akure North, Owo and Idanre were randomly selected. In each of the LGAs selected, one forest reserve each (Oluwa, Ala, Owo and Idanre, respectively) was selected. Three rural communities surrounding each of the forest reserve were then selected as study site while 30 households were randomly selected for interview. Primary data were collected from the selected households in the selected communities using a set of structured and open-ended questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at α0.05. Generally, more (62.2%) respondents noticed changes in rainfall pattern, which led to flooding in 2014, while 37.2% noticed increase temperature, which led to the drought of 2007. On availability of forest resources, majority (78.6%) of the respondents noticed changes in the availability of Mansonia, while 12.0%,8.0%, 5.5% and 4.7% attested to changes in the availability of Terminalia superba, Gmelina, Tectona grandis (Teak) and Obeche, respectively. Similarly, 78.0% of the respondents noticed changes in availability of firewood, while changes in the availability of seeds, fruits and mushrooms were attested to by 15.0%, 4.7%, and 1.4% of the respondents, respectively. Identified impacts of climate change by the respondents included among others reduction in agricultural production, flooding, increased livestock death and shortage of food. Suggested mechanisms for coping with climate change adversities included changing of the planting date, practice of agroforestry, planting of trees and early harvesting regime. Climate change was found to impact agricultural and rural land use in the study area. Therefore, the adoption of agroforestry practices as rural land use is recommended in Ondo State as an adaptation measure against climate change.
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.
Population structure and threats to sustainable management of woody plant species in a semi-arid agro-ecosystem in Nigeria
(2016) Dauda, T.H; Jimoh, S.O; Azeez, I.O
This study was conducted to assess population structure and threat to the sustainable management of woody species in the various ago-ecosystems in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area (LGA) Katsina State, Nigeria. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used to collect data from 21 randomly demarcated 100m × 100m sample plots. All woody plant species found in the sample plots with stem diameter >2 cm at 20cm above ground, were recorded. Population structure was summarized by diameter classes. For the identification of threats, field and questionnaire surveys were used. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed at ten questionnaires per ward in five out of the 11 wards in the LGA. The highest numbers (350) of small diameter trees (0.1-1.0cm) were recorded in the agrosilvopastoral system. This was followed by silvopastoral and agrisilviculture systems with 89 and 85, respectively. However, the highest number of large diameter woody tree species was recorded in the silvopastoral system followed by agrosilvopastoral and agrisilviculture systems. The regular reverse J-shaped and fairly regular reverse J-shaped size class distribution observed for agrosilvopastoral and silvopastoral respectively, suggest a recuperating population. Over exploitation, debarking, de-branching, root-digging, leaf harvesting, seed harvesting, poor regeneration, slow rate of growth, wind effect and bush burning were the major threats to sustainable management of woody plant species in the study area. The implications of our findings for sustainable management of woody plant species in the study area are discussed and recommendations made.
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.
Processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa, Jacque Benth) in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
(2013) Adejumo, A.A; Azeez, I.O; Geply, J.J
The study examined the processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) in Arigidi Akoko in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State. A total of 3,446 locust beans sellers were identified and 5% of the sellers were sampled given the total of 172 respondents: 80 at Imo Arigidi Oja, and 42 at Agbaluku which are the three major settlements in the town. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and subjected to descriptive statistical tools. The socio-economic analysis shows that locust beans processing and trade are dominated by females (97.7%) with trace percentage of male (2.3%). This could be traced to preference of women in processing operations. The prevalent method of processing is manual or traditional. Majority of the respondents (48.8%) believed the processing method is strenuous and it takes a lot of time. However, 32% of the people considered it simple and less stressful but 2.3% perceived the activities to be simple, stressful and time-consuming. Similarly, 59.9% of respondents only submitted that the processing method could be learnt while 57.6% of the respondents specified the number of days in which the processing method could be learnt (1-7 days). The processing/utilization challenges include unavailability of the product in large proportion in the study area, lack of water supply, stressful nature of processing, poor packaging, lack of storage facilities, etc. based on the results of the study it can be concluded that locust bean processing is a thriving occupation and therefore a sustainable livelihoods for the people of Arigidi Akoko. For promotion of occupation or the locust bean trade in the area, modernized processing techniques, provision of boreholes by relevant government agencies to ensure potable water supply for processing activities and encouragement of plantation establishment should be considered.
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.
Sanmora: sustainable forest management
(2009) Popoola, L; Bamidele, J; Jimoh, S; Azeez, I.O; Fayomi, G; Shoroye, O; Ayansina, M; Adewusi, H.G
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.