Browsing by Author "Jimoh, S. O."

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Agricultural productivity under taungya and non-taungya land-use options: a case study of Vandeikya Local Government area, Benue State, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2011) Adegeye, A. O.; Jimoh, S. O.; Agera, S. I.
Taungya farming is a special arrangement between the forestry department and farmers, which combines the production of both arable and forest tree crops simultaneously on a piece of land. The practice was adopted in Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State Nigeria, in mid 1950s up to 2000. This study evaluated the method as an option for food and fiber production compared to the traditional farming and forest management practices. Using Stratified random sampling, two sets of questionnaire were used to appraise the productivity of some arable crops and forest regeneration under taungya and non-taungya cultural practices. The yields of arable crops were significantly higher under taungya farming that in non-taungya plots in the study area. There was however no significant difference in the total forest area regenerated under the two landuse systems. The apparent land hunger among farmers is a favourable factor for adoption of taungya as a land use option in the study area. There is need to adopt multi-species planting approach in future programmes. Also, the land tenure system which limits access to land by strangers needs to be reviewed and greaterawareness on the programme needs to be generated among the farmers and forestry staff alike.
Assessment of regeneration potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. under established ecosystems in Cameroon
(2012) Anjah, G. M.; Ogunsanwo, O. Y.; Jimoh, S. O.; Forjoh, J. N.; Tsombou, F. M.
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a non-timber-forest-plant (NTFP) that has the potential of producing fibers good in paper-making. Germination and growth potentials of H. sabdariffa under farmland, fallowland, plantation and forest ecosystems were studied. Seeds of H. sabdariffa were sown to assess germination percentage, germination rate, germination time and velocity coefficient on established plots of each ecosystem. Seedlings were randomly selected to measure growth and yield parameters of height, diameter, leaf number, fresh and dry weights. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means separated by LSD at P = 0.05. Values of germination percentage for fallowland (17.5) were significantly different from those of farmland (19.4) and plantation (19.1) ecosystems, while natural forest (18.9) had an interactive significance with farmland, plantation and fallowland. There was no significant difference between germination times among the ecosystems, but the coefficient velocity and rate of germination among the ecosystems were significantly different. There was a significant variation in growth and yield values among the ecosystems. However, only seedlings on farmland and fallowland survived with a survival rate of 96 to 86%, respectively. H. sabdariffa can thus, be sustainably regenerated on farmland and fallowland ecosystems for the extraction of stem fibres for paper-making
Biodiversity and ethnobotanical potentials of plant species of University of Agriculture Makurdi Wildlife Park and Ikwe Games Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria
(International Formulae Group, 2009) Jimoh, S. O.; Debisi, L. A. A.; Ikyaagba, E. T.
Plant biodiversity and ethnobotanical potentials of University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) Wildlife Park and Ikwe Games Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria, were investigated in this study. Floristic survey was conducted in the two reserves using stratified sampling technique based on the three identified microhabitats in each of the reserves. Nine plots measuring 25 m x 25 m were laid in each of the reserves to survey trees and shrubs with diameters at breast height (dbh) 5 cm and above. Within each plot, 5 sub-plots of 1 m × 1 m were established to assess plants below 5 cm dbh. Participatory ethnobotany and interview were used for the ethnobotanical survey. Seventy-one valuable species belonging to 39 families were identified. Ninety-three percent of these have more than one use; categories with medicinal uses topping the list (48%). Other uses include: wood (35%) and food (17%). Harvesting techniques in many of the species were intensive and destructive. It is suggested that harvesting of plant products in these reserves be controlled through monitoring and enlightenment.
Bush Meat Harvesting and Human Subsistence Nexus in the Oban Hill Communities of Nigeria
(2012) Obioha, E. E.; Isiugo, P. N.; Jimoh, S. O.; Ikyaagba, E.; .Ngoufo, R.; Serge, B. K.; Waltert, M.
Wildlife is an important socio-cultural and economic resource in West and Central Africa. The declining wildlife population in the recent time is as a result of a combination of factors, namely, increased access and demand for wildlife resources by rural and urban dwellers, population growth, improved hunting technology and lack of protein alternatives in many households.. This paper investigates the contribution of bush meat extraction to household’s livelihood (income, health, nutrition, etc); the role of beliefs and taboos in wildlife conservation and the attitude of community members towards wildlife hunting and conservation in Oban Hills, Nigeria. Data for the study were generated through a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods using primary and secondary sources. It was revealed that majority of the people of Oban Hills are farmers although some also engaged in quarry business, civil service, trading, lumbering and hunting. However, there has been a decline in income generated from hunting and dependence on bush meat as protein source due to restrictions on hunting in and around forests in the protected area. It was also observed that beliefs and taboos in form of totems played a major role in wildlife conservation in the past; therefore involving existing cultural institutions in conservation efforts will facilitate sustainable wildlife exploitation in Oban Hills. However, the involvement of the cultural institution in the conservation agenda and the integration of these values into the overall conservation strategy will be achieved through a formal process of recognition and consultation by the responsible government agencies
Community Based Forest Management as a Tool for Sustainable Forest Management in Cross River State, Nigeria
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of llorin, 2013) Jimoh, S. O.; Abi, E. A.
Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) in Cross River State (CRS) was investigated with a view to understanding its efficiency and effectiveness as a tool for sustainable forest management in the State. Four sets of questionnaire were administered to forestry officials; forest edge communities; timber dealers/saw millers: and relevant Non-Governmental Originations (NGOs).Three-stage sampling technique was adopted to sample six communities. The stages of sampling included: senatorial districts, Local Government Areas and communities. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The performance of CBFM was assessed against the ATO/ITTO’s Criteria and Indicators for the Sustainable Management of African Natural Tropica1 Forests. Results show that the average size of Community forests was between 101 and over 1000 ha per community. The level of awareness about community forest management was about 96% while 86% of the respondents participated in CBFM activities. The most significant gain of CBFM has been the meaningful partnership between the Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) and the forest edge communities in protecting and managing the forest resources. The existing benefit- sharing formula of CBFM proceeds is 1:4 in favour of government for government- established plantations, while communities have 7:3 of proceeds derived from community forests. The current sharing formula for the products obtained from reserved natural forests is 1:1. We suggest that a mutually acceptable formula should be worked out among the stakeholders. Some of the problems and challenges confronting the implementation of CBFM in the state include: inadequate encouragement and Cooperation among some members of the communities: inadequate incentives (seedlings, etc) and equipment (farm tools, etc); and capacity building; insufficient monitoring and evaluation by the relevant staff of the Forestry Commission. CBFM has done fairly well in certain aspects of sustainable forest management. However, aspects of maintenance of multiple functions of forests; creation of enabling environment; state economic and fiscal policies, policy to encourage forestry enterprises; effective monitoring and evaluation of forest management policy and adequate mechanisms for law enforcement have to be taken more seriously if CBFM v would serve as a veritable tool for sustainable forest management in Cross river State, Nigeria
Contributions of non-timber forest products to household food security and income around Onigambari forest reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria
(2007) Jimoh, S. O.; Haruna, E. A.
"The study evaluated the contributions of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household income and food security in the adjoining villages of Gambari forest reserve Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents among the community members. 141 copies of questionnaires were administered among consumers and marketers of NTFPs. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, t-test and rate of return on investment (RORI). Results indicate that 61.7% of the marketers were involved in NTFPs marketing on full time basis and 63.12% of them were females. Ten important NTFPs were found to contribute to food in -take and income in the area. Sixty one percent of the respondents obtained the products from the forest. Vegetables are consumed with 45.4% of their meals on a year round basis. The contributions of NTFPs to household income amount to 68.1% of total monthly income. The difference in monthly income generated from NTFPs and other sources is significant (p < 0.05). Fuel wood is used by 46.09 % of the respondents as a source of energy for cooking and preserving foods. It is recommended that important NTFPs be integrated into the traditional farming system so as to enhance sustainable supplies. The NTFPs should also be developed in terms of value addition in order to promote efficient resource utilization. Also, proper inventory of the forest should be carried out to assess the stocking level and determine potential yield to guard against over-exploitation. "
Determining the Local Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products Using Two Different Prioritization Techniques
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Amusa, T. O.; Jimoh, S. 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 impor-tance 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.
Drought stress on early growth of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst ex A. Rich in Jega, Northern Nigeria
(Ecological Society of Nigeria, 2012) Olajuyigbe, S. O.; Jimoh, S. O.; Adegeye, A. O.; Mukhtar, R. B.
Trees face rising drought stress and mortality with global warming and it is vital that adequate information is available on the tolerance levels of tree species. In 2012, seedlings of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst ex A. Rich were evaluated for response to varied levels of water availability at the Aliero Teaching and Research Farm, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Twelve uniformly growing potted seedlings were selected and exposed to four watering frequencies (daily, once in three days, weekly and fortnightly) in a screen house. For each watering event, 200 ml of water was administered to the soil of each potted seedling. Seedling height and collar diameter were measured, while number of leaves were counted fortnightly for 16 weeks. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance, at p<0.05 level of significance. A hundred percent survival rate was observed in all treatments. Seedlings that were watered daily had the highest height (13.53 ± 2.66 cm) and collar diameter (3.41 ± 0.44 mm). The treatments resulted in 283%, 133%, 98% and 125% increase in height, as well as 100%, 89%, 57% and 40% increase in collar diameter of seedlings watered daily, once in 3 days, weekly and fortnightly, respectively. Time of experiment had a significant influence on the height and collar diameter growth of seedlings in the four treatments while watering frequency only had a significant effect on collar diameter of the seedlings, after 16 weeks. However, posthoc analysis showed that only the collar diameter of daily watered seedlings differed from other treatments. Although, delayed watering reduced the rate of growth, it did not hinder it. The least watered seedlings had the lowest number of leaves (6) after 16 weeks. The study showed that fortnight supply of water was sufficient for the early growth and development of D. mespiliformis seedlings. The apparent drought tolerance of the species may be an indication of a good candidate species for plantation establishment under dry and warm conditions which are imminent in the event of climate change
Effects of Land Use Changes On Flora Diversity in Oba Division of the Cross River National Park, Nigeria
(2015) Ikyaagba, E. T.; Jimoh, S. O.; Amonum, J. I.
The Oban Division of the Cross River national Park, Nigeria, is a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot. The area is experiencing rapid land use changes and little efforts have been made to document the effects of the changes on biodiversity. The study investigated the effects of different land use types on flora composition, distribution and diversity in the area with a view to generating data that will support conservation decisions. The area was stratified into four: primary forest (core), secondary forest (buffer), farm fallow and plantation. Ten transects of 2 km length each were systematically located in each land use type. Four sample plots of 50×50 m were located on each transect at an interval of 500 m. Each plot was subdivided into 10×10 m subplots; and nine subplots were randomly selected for the enumeration of trees, shrubs and climbers. A 1×1 m miniplot was then located at the centre of each subplot for herb enumeration. Flora species composition was estimated across the land use types using species diversity indices and Jaccard similarity indices. Composition, species richness and diversity of trees, shrubs and climbers all decreased from the core to plantation. However, herb species composition, richness and diversity increased from core to farm fallow. Significant differences in species composition were obtained across land use types at 5%. The highest tree species similarities were recorded between core and buffer. The highest similarities for shrubs, herbs and climbers were recorded between farm fallow and plantation. The absence of species previously recorded in the core, and in the other land use types makes it imperative that conservation efforts be improved and extended to areas beyond the core in order to save the remaining flora diversity in this forest
Ethnobotany, Propagation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Ghana
(2012) Ofori, D. A.; Darko, B. O.; Gyimah, A.; Adam, K. A.; Jimoh, S. O.; Jamnadass, R.
Medicinal plants and plant-based medicines are widely used in traditional cultures all over Ghana and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. This paper studied the ethnobotany of medicinal plants through a socio-economic survey. Seed germination experiments were also carried out on selected medicinal plant species. It was found that the herbal medicine industry was a major source of income for 82% of the respondents. Almost 50% of the respondents were women with majority of them involved in marketing of the medicinal plant products. Out of 160 plant species marketed, 129 were collected in Ghana with Kumasi and Accra being the major marketing centres. Most of the species have multiple curative properties with over 46 diseases purported to be cured by herbal medicine. Over 100 species were reported to be in high demand, scarce or unavailable. Among the reported constraints to availability of medicinal plants were lack of cultivation, unsustainable harvesting, deforestation, wildfire and urbanization. Studies on seed germination showed that seven species out of the ten selected for conservation had good germination, ranging from 40-74% with an average of 63.3%. This suggests the possibility of cultivating medicinal plant species on commercial scale. Based on the results, it is suggested that linkages between all stakeholders should be strengthened in order to promote conservation and commercial production of medicinal plants. Furthermore, improving the knowledge-base of scientists, traditional herbal medical practitioners, policy makers and the public on the relevance and safety of traditional plant medicine could lead to the sustainability of the medicinal plants industry in Ghana
Forest Structure Analysis in the Oban Division of Cross River National Park, Nigeria
(David Publishing Company, 2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Adesoye, P. O.; Adeyemi, A. A.; Ikyaagba, E. T.
Information on forest structure is important for forest management decisions. This is inadequate in many situations, especially where timber is not of primary interest. We analyzed the structure of two forest types in the Oban Division of Cross River National Park, Nigeria. Systematic sampling technique was used to establish two transects measuring 2,000 x 2 m, at 600 m interval in the two forest types in four locations. Four 50 m x 50 m plots were located alternately at 500 m intervals along each transect, constituting 32 plots per forest type and 64 plots in all. Diameters at breast height (DBH), base; middle and top; crown diameter; total height and crown length were measured on all trees with DBH > 10 cm. There were 159 stems/ha in the close-canopy forest and 132 stems/ha in the secondary forest. The mean DBH were 34.5 cm and 33.62 cm respectively. The mean heights were 24.79 m and 23.97 m, respectively. Basal area/ha were 41.59 m2 ha'1 and 27.38 m2 ha'1 for the two forest types. Majority of the trees encountered in the two forest types belonged to the middle stratum which has implication for small mammals’ populations. Emergent trees which are otherwise scarce in other parts of the country were recorded, which also has implications for density thinning and seed supplies
Local depletion of two larger Duikers in the Oban Hills Region, Nigeria
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Ikyaagba, E. T.; Alarape, A. A.; Adeyemi, A. A.; Waltert, M.
Across West and Central Africa, duikers are important for trade and consumption; their populations are expected to become depleted. Reliable data on their status are scanty in Nigeria. We assessed duiker populations in the Oban Sector of Cross River National Park through diurnal and nocturnal surveys along 32 transects of 2 km each. After 508-km survey effort, only Ogilby’s duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi) and blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) were recorded. Using habitat as a covariate in modeling detection probability in DISTANCE 6.0, we estimated densities for the blue duiker ranging from 15.5 (95% CI: 7.8–30.9) in the core, 5.8 (CI: 2.6–12.9) in the buffer and 0.9 (CI: 0.09–10.1) km² in farm fallow to no duikers in the plantation. For Ogilby’s duiker, densities ranged from 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.7) km² in the core, 2.0 (CI: 0.8–5.1) in buffer to no duikers in farm fallow and plantation. The apparent absence of yellow-backed and Bay duikers may indicate local depletion. We call on all stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of rescuing this biological hotspot in Nigeria from further degradation and species loss through improved funding for well-equipped field staff and institutionalized community wildlife management
Management of indigenous medicinal plants in Nigeria using phenological information
(Academic journals, 2014) Oni, P. I.; Jimoh, S. O.; Adebisi, L. A.
Available information on medicinal plants indicates habitat loss and has heightened the need for more proactive conservation strategies. Conservation efforts in this direction resulted in an eco-pharmacological survey in the West African sub-region by three countries (Nigeria, Ghana and Republic of Benin) to assess frequently used medicinal plants. The result of the socio-economic study based on utilization pattern regionally was used to produce a list of ten topmost frequently used and mentioned medicinal plants regionally and was subsequently adopted for the eco-pharmacological study in Nigeria. The list was super-imposed on a vegetation map of Nigeria for study sites selection in the species range. Selection criteria were based on the presence of at least one or more members of the medicinal plants in each location. Subsequently these plants were monitored range-wide for phenological behaviors for two seasons (dry and raining seasons) for two consecutive years. Findings indicated that the ten medicinal plants belonged to nine taxonomic families and are represented in the three plant habits. Flowering was majorly a dry season event (November to February) extending to early rains (March to April) in the species of the southern range (lowland and derived ecozones). Fruiting was typical of early rains increasing northwards (March to July). For short duration flowering species (Pcynanthus angolensis, Alstonea bonnie and Rauvolfia vomitoria), fruiting occurred late in dry season (December to February). Mean flowering duration ranged between (9.45 ± 1.73 to 45.68 ± 4.77) days, while mean fruiting duration ranged between (15.22 ± 2.15 to 145. 87 ± 8.59) days. Phenological charts were used to depict the phenological trends for the different species. The provision of this information offers a useful tool-kit for medicinal plants genetic resources monitoring, management and appropriate conservation strategies in Nigeria
Marketing System of Non-Timber Forest Products:-The Case of Palmyra Palm in North-Eastern Nigeria
(2009) Tee, T.N.; Jimoh, S. O.; Popoola, L.
"This study investigated the marketing system of Palmyra Palm products in North-eastern Nigeria to; identify its marketable products, channels of distribution and roles of market participants, and also assess its marketing facilities in North-eastern Nigeria. Data were generated through market surveys and interviews on 203 respondents selected randomly from Adamawa, Bauchi and Yobe markets. The generated data were analysed using descriptive statistics where appropriate. Marketing system focusing market organization was analyzed qualitatively by observing the marketing channels, roles of market participants and marketing facilities. The results revealed that exchange and ownership of title to products occurred at the local markets (54.0%), farmers' homes (37.7%), and farmers' farms (6.2%), and inter-states' markets (2.1%). The marketing channel of Palmyra palm was highly decentralised and thus the marketing system was expected to be operationally efficient. However, because of poor road network, high transportation cost and poor marketing facilities, the marketing system was adjudged operationally inefficient. Market participants introduced flaws in the marketing system; farm-gate middlemen dominated marketing operations, commissioned buying agents over-depended on wholesalers for capital, and there was collusion in price determination. Marketing facilities namely market places, storage, processing, transportation and packaging were crude and inadequate, while credit facilities were virtually absent. To address these inadequacies, the study recommended provision of improved marketing facilities and communication gadgets, formation of consumer co-operative organizations to check the excesses of the middlemen in the market and more research into the marketing of Non-timber forest resources."
Population distribution and threats to sustainable management of selected non-timber forest products in tropical lowland rainforests of south western Nigeria
(Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 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 planta tion 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
Potentials of Tamarindus Indica (Linn) in Jam Production
(2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Onabanjo, O. O.
This study was conducted to investigate the potential of tamarind fruits in jam production with a view to improving utilization efficiency of the fruits thereby adding value to the tree and encouraging its cultivation and sustainable management. The fruits for the study were collected from Bishop Ajayi Crowther University, in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo town, Oyo State and Taironi Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The jam was prepared using variable proportions of pulp and sugar. Chemical and microbial analyses were carried out on the jam. Heavy metal contents were determined and sensory evaluation was carried out. Physical and chemical properties of jams produced from the fruits of the two locations were compared. Data generated was analyzed using students t-test. There is no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the moisture contents of the jams produced from the fruits from both locations. Some essential elements including Zn (0.74mg), Mg (0.68mg), Cd (0.26mg), Mn (0.94mg), Pb (0.55mg), Fe (0.29mg), Cr (0.67mg), and Cu (0.17mg) were contained in the jam. The levels of heavy metals found in the jam are significantly lower than the UN/WHO allowable standard for human consumption while some of the other metals are actually of high nutritional values. There are indications that the jam could keep well at room temperature. Oyo State sample is higher in mineral element than that of Kano State. The ascorbic acid content is low in both Kano and Oyo samples. Pulp and sugar were rated most acceptable by a panel of judges on a nine point hedonic scale. Tamarind possesses great potentials for jam making and is safe for human consumption and well accepted by consumers. Further development of the jam to an industrial status was recommended
Prevalence, Utilization and Conservation Strategies for Non-Timber Forest Products in South western Zone of Nigeria
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 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.
Private Participation in Forest Plantation Development in Nigeria
(2001) Jimoh, S. O.; Bada, S. O.
"Nigeria’s endowment of natural forest was so vast that it was thought to be inexhaustible. Today the resource base has been badly eroded. Only about 5% of the nation's land area is under forest cover. The current situation is that the nation can no longer meet its domestic wood need and has thus have to rely on wood importation to supplement domestic production. Though series of efforts have been made to bridge the gap via plantation establishment; the results of these efforts have not been good enough to achieve the objective. This paper traces the history of forest plantation establishment in Nigeria form the early part of the 19th century to date. It is observed that the level of private participation in forestry development in the country is still very low. This is contrary to the contemporary global trend in which private participation in plantation development is growing rapidly. It is suggested that public enlightenment; legislative reforms, provision of technical and financial assistance; funding of relevant research targeted at the private sector's needs and prevision of clear definition of property rights be embarked upon by the government in order to stimulate the interest of private investors."
The Role of Traditional Laws and Taboos in Wildlife Conservation in the Oban Hill Sector of Cross River National Park (CRNP), Nigeria
(2012) Jimoh, S. O.; Ikyaagba, E. T.; Alarape, A. A.; Obioha, E. E.; Adeyemi, A. A.
Efforts to integrate rural people into biodiversity conservation through community-based conservation programs is an old tradition. These efforts were largely based on economic incentives, with little or no attention given to the role of culture and traditions in building support for conservation. Although these strategies are useful in promoting conservation and local empowerment, they are still fragile. Scholars suggest that incorporation of traditional values which reflect locally important cultural practices of the people into the management of conservation areas in Africa will help in their successful conservation. There is a strong need to assess cultural practices; traditional laws and taboos of the people in protected areas, and how they have assisted conservation in the past. To understand how such practices could be strengthened and incorporated into natural resources management and conservation strategies, there is a need to have a general overview of existing practices. The study analyzes the ways in which cultural practices and value systems of the people of Oban Sector of Cross River National Park Nigeria, have aided conservation in the past and how such practices can be encouraged, strengthened and replicated for sustainable natural resources management in the study area and possibly proposed for adoption elsewhere. Ten cultural institutions and seven laws and taboos which regulate the use of resources were recorded in the area. These laws and taboos were respected by all indigenes. Eleven animal species were found to be forbidden by the people. Some of the tabooed animals were for spiritual reasons while some were for medicinal purposes. Every community had sacred forests, called Mgbe forest (Eten Mgbe) The social organizations in the area ensured that these taboos are obeyed. Presence of other tribes, new religions/westernization, use of modern hunting equipments and poverty pose a threat to the effectiveness of these taboos as a conservation tool. Adaptation of some aspects of these taboos may be valuable for wildlife conservation, particularly in protected areas
Social norms and cultural services – community belief system and use of wildlife products in the Northern periphery of the Korup National Park, South-West Cameroon
(De Gruyter Open, 2014) Ngoufo, R.; Yongyeh, N. K.; Obioha, E. E.; Bobo, K. S.; Jimoh, S. O.; Waltert, M.
In many traditional societies, beliefs and taboos influence human behaviour towards the natural environment. Such beliefs and taboos are informal institutions where norms rather than official laws determine land use and nature protection in general and wildlife in particular. The present study on beliefs and taboos of the people of the northern periphery of the Korup. National Park is an attempt to reveal how norms influence their relation to the environment. A total of 195 households were sampled through a household survey conducted in four villages. The results revealed that before the application of “modern” approaches for wildlife protection and management, the people relied on norms to establish a relationship with wildlife and nature. The enactment of the 1994 legislation on forest, wildlife and fisheries resulted in stiff resistance as it contradicts traditional norms. It was found that 57.4 % of the respondents still perceive wildlife as a resource that can never get extinct. Traditional norms had a differentiated impact especially on game protection. The study recommends that a wildlife benefiting code of beliefs and taboos is developed to provide a basis for establishing a synergy between park management laws and traditional belief/taboo systems that drive the management of wildlife