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Item GROWTH PREDICTION IN SOME PLANTATIONS OF EXOTIC TREE SPECIES IN THE NORTHERN GUINEA AND DERIVED SAVANNA ZONES OF NIGERIA(1985-06) ADEGBEHIN, J. O.Growth studies which include diameter distribution using the Weibull function, development of stand volume models, and construction of provisional top height-age and total volume production-age curves for the average site class were carried out in plantations of Eucalyptus cloeziana, E. tereticornis and Pinus caribaea. The study locations were Kabama (Zaria) and Afaka (both typical of Northern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria), Nimbia (Derived savanna zone) and Miango, Vom and Ta-Hoss (on the Jos Plateau). E. cloeziana represented only at Afaka had 4 experimental sample plots with age range of 4.2 - 15.5 years. E. tereticornis represented at Kabama and Afaka had 6 sample plots with ages from 3.7 - 15.5 while P. caribaea represented in all the study locations except Zaria had 43 plots with ages between 4.7 - 29 years. In fitting the Weibull distribution to the individual diameter plot data, WWINGO, the most suitable Weibull (program) subroutine for determining the Weibrill parameters in the stands, was capable of describing the diameter distribution in the plots as from the minimum age of 4 years for E. cloeziana and 6 years each for E. tereticornis and P. caribaea. On testing the Weibull parameter predictive models constructed (based on stand attributes and site factors) in new stands, while those of E. cloeziana and E. tereticornis gave good predictions as from the respective minimum age limits stated above, those of P. caribaea did not give reliable predictions until the age of 10 years. With reference to the stand volume model developed for each species, that of E. cloeziana gave the best prediction with the root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.25 m3/ha, followed by that of E. tereticornis with RMSE of 4.7 m3/ha and that of P. caribaea with RMSE of 10.1 m3/ha. The models predicted well within the range of field data when tested in new stands. Out of the three functions used in fitting the provisional top height-age (site index) curve for the average site class for each species, the Gompertz model, in most cases, gave better fittings than the Logistic while the polynomial function was the poorest. Based on the best-fit model for each species and some other criteria, a provisional average site class was defined as top height of 27.4 m at a reference age of 13 years for E. cloeziana, 24.8 m at the age of 15 years for E. tereticornis and 23.4 m at age 20 for P. caribaea. The Gompertz model was also more reliable than the Logistic in fitting the provisional average total volume production-age curve for each of the species. A maximum total volume production of about 240 m3/ha at age 13.4 years, 286 m3/ha at age 19.4 years and 726 m3/ha at age 30 could be obtained for E. cloeziana, E. tereticornis and P. caribaea, respectively, on an average site. The applications of the Weibull parameter predictive models in forest management, and the expected optimum rotation ages for the species in view of the growth figures obtained from the other growth models were discussed.Item SIMULATION MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF STAND GROWTH AND YIELD OF Tectona grandis Linn F. IN AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA(2014-08) UREIGHO, Nelly UfuomaEffective management planning tools for forest require growth and yield functions that can produce detailed predictions of stand development. Models such as Gamma Distribution Function (GDF), Weibull, Beta, and similar functions have been used to predict growth and yield of forest stands. However, information on the use of GDF in forest management has not been fully documented. The development of a program using Java programming language for GDF to predict growth and yield of Tectona grandis was studied in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was used to select four different age classes of teak plantation namely; 11, 13, 22 and 59 years. Based on the size of each plantation, 7 and 8 temporary sample plots of 0.04 ha were selected from 11, 13, 22 and 59 year-old plantations respectively. Complete enumerations of trees (n = 433.) was done. Growth data sets collected include Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), total and merchantable heights. Basal Area (BA) and Volume were computed from measured variables. Data obtained were processed into tree level, stand level and size class. Parameters α and β for GDF were estimated from growth data. Based on the algorithm of GDF, α, β and n parameters, for the Java Program (JP) was written. Values obtained were fitted into the JP for growth and yield prediction. Linear and non- linear models were used to compare their predictive ability to the JP developed. At individual tree level using JP, the Observed and Predicted (O&P) values for height and BA ranged from 16.80-43.80 m, and 16.10-39.30 m; 2.49-4.51m2, and 2.45-4.31m2. Volume ranged from 2.09-10.54m3 and 2.04-12.03m3. Error rate varied from 0.00-9.00, -23.09-4.99 and -14.09-5.27 for height, BA and volume respectively. At stand level the O&P values for height, BA and volume from JP ranged from 17.10-28.30 and 17.90- 32.10 m; 2.55-3.69 m2 and 2.58-3.69m2; 2.25-3.69m3 and 2.28-3.69 m3 with error rate of -2.77-13.4; -0.10-5.65 and -0.10 -0.40 respectively. Size class level shape and scale parameter of GDF for diameter distribution ranged from 0.96-25.20 and 0.07-2.28 respectively. These values have better predictive power than non-linear and linear models which at individual tree level, O&P values for height and BA models of best fit ranged from 16.80-43.80m and 15.86-39.00 m; 2.49-4.51m2 and 2.50-4.98m2 . For volume, it ranged from 2.09-10.54m3 and 2.02-12.05m3 with error rate of -14.32-6.37. At stand level, O&P ranged from 17.10-28.30m and 17.95-32.18m for height; 2.55-3.69 and 2.59-3.72 m2 for BA and 2.25-3.69 and 2.29-3.65m3 for volume with error rate from -2.88-13.71; -4.58 -0.81 and -1.77-1.08 respectively. The R2 values for height, BA and volume models of best fit were 0.9490, 0.8981 and 0.9800 with the equations given as H= [1.31.08 + (H1.08 dom -1.31.08)1-e-0.06dbh/1-e-0.06*1.08 dom]1/1.08, 1n(B) = ln(0.32)+ 0.42(1/A)+ 0.77(lnH)+1.82(lnN)+1.89(H/A) and V= 1.62+22.38*DBH. The predictive ability of gamma distribution function for height, basal area and volume for teak plantation from the developed Java program consistently performed better than other models and could therefore be used for prediction of growth and yield in forest stands. Keywords: Gamma distribution function, Teak plantation, Growth and yield models, Forest management Word count: 498Item MODELS FOR GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN YIELD STUDIES FOR Pinus caribaea Morelet 1851 IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA(2014-07) OYEBADE, Bukola AmooDevelopment of empirical models provides ample prospects of exploring established mathematical theories and relationships among tree growth variables for sustainable forest management options. However, there is inadequate information on modelling growth characteristics and productivity potentials of Pinus caribaea, a pulpwood species which is now being proposed for timber production in Nigeria. Hence, models for growth characteristics and their applications in yield studies for Pinus caribaea in southwestern Nigeria were investigated. Sixty Temporary Sample Plots (TSPs) of size 20m x 20m each and of different Age (A) series based on stocking density were sampled from Omo Forest Reserve (n=16 TSPs -15 and 21 years), Oluwa Forest Reserve (n=36 TSPs-18, 20, 35, 36 and 37 years) and Shasha Forest Reserve (n=8TSPs-27years) in Ogun, Ondo and Osun States respectively using stratified random sampling method. Growth variables: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), Stem Quality (SQ) and Total Height (THT) were measured in each plot and Basal Area (BA), Stem Volume (SV), Tree Slenderness Coefficient (TSC), Crown Ratio (CR), Crown Projection Area (CPA) and Site Index (SI) estimated. A total of 1,592 trees were enumerated and each tree per plot classified into four canopy layers as dominant, co-dominant, intermediate and suppressed. Data obtained were used for modelling and categorized into individual tree level, size class level and whole stand level with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) technique adopted in 3-parameter Weibull Probability Distribution Functions (WPDF). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses at α0.05. Growth variables exhibited significant variations among the canopy layers with the dominant canopy layer having the highest mean THT of 14.9±0.2m and intermediate canopy layer lowest with 7.8±0.1m. Stem volume (1.4±0.04m3) and BA (0.1±0.002m2) were also highest in the dominant canopy layer. Slenderness coefficient however was highest (80.6±1.1) within the suppressed canopy layer while crown ratio was highest (0.27±0.001) in intermediate canopy layer. There were positive relationships between the growth variables across the stands with coefficients of correlation (r) ranging from 0.01-0.98 for individual tree level and 0.41-0.91 for whole stand level. Similar results of UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY iii correlation between Weibull parameters and other growth variables at the size class level were significant with r ranging between -0.72 and 0.92 with location parameter „a‟ of the WPDF having the highest positive association of r = 0.92 with DBH. The growth-yield models were of the forms lnCR =-3.5507+0.6263lnTHT+0.1558CPA+10.2339A 1, R2 =0.98 for dominant layer, lnCR = -3.1922+0.6363CPA+7.6876A-1, R2 = 0.994 for intermediate layer, lnTHT= 0.4547+0.0032lnSQ+0.6757CPA+0.1052A-1, R2=0.989 for suppressed layer and lnTHT=0.5872+0.5348CPA+0.0567A-1 with R2= 0.996 for co-dominant layer respectively. The overall best model among individual, size and whole stand categories was found within the whole stand level with R2=0.999 and of exponential form: lnSV=-0.7759+0.0001SI+0.0005A-1 +0.9532lnBA. The best adjudged growth-yield model among the canopy layers was found within the co-dominant layer. The selected whole stand growth-yield model was suitable for both current and future prediction of major growth characteristics and productivity potentials of Pinus caribaea in southwestern Nigeria. Keywords: Pinus caribaea, Growth variables, Yield models, Tree canopy layers Word count: 489Item CONFLICTS BETWEEN FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURAL LAND – USES IN OGUN STATE(2012-05) OTESILE, Adegboyega Ayodeji,Clash of interests between custodians of government Forest Reserves (FRs) in Ogun State and farmers operating within them, often results in conflicts causing disruption of socio-economic activities and sometimes loss of lives. Information on the causes and effects of these clashes would better inform policy makers and forestry professionals on workable and sustainable land-use practice. Therefore, factors responsible for such conflicts and their effects were investigated. Seven hundred and fifty farmers were randomly selected based on probability proportionate to size from 72 enclaves. This represents 30% of the total number of enclaves in the nine FRs in the State. In addition, 30% of staff of Ministries of Forestry and Agriculture (72 and 32 respectively) were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. Furthermore, 30% (32) of the timber contractors operating within the FRs were randomly selected for interview using an interview schedule. Data were collected on existence, causes and effects of conflicts, land hunger, accessibility to forestland and farming systems practised. Secondary data on the thrust of subsisting forestry and agricultural policies were obtained from the State Agricultural Policy, Federal land-use Act of 1978 and reports from the State Ministry of Forestry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit model at p<0.05. Among the farmers, descriptive statistics revealed that 74.3% had unauthorized access to FRs, 68.1% were resident within FRs while 55.4% utilized lands approved by government for farming. Furthermore, 68.7% of the farmers identified taungya system and shifting cultivation as the prevalent farming systems practised. An average of two forest land encroachment cases were reported at each of Arakanga and Edun stream FRs yearly in the last 10 years while an average of 24 forest land encroachment cases was reported yearly in the last 10 years in Omo FR. Also, results of logit regression analysis revealed that the location of FRs where farmers operate (odds ratio = 2.39), rights of farmers to use forestland for farming (odds ratio = 2.19) and farm size (odds ratio = 1.52) are factors that are likely to cause conflicts over the use of forest lands in Ogun state. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of timber contractors‟ response revealed that, 72.6% identified destruction of cash crops during timber exploitation as cause of conflicts between them and farmers. State Ministries of Forestry and Agriculture officials identified loss of forests (27% and 25.2%), species (25.5% and 24%) and lives (22.5% and 22%), as effects of conflicts in the FRs. The thrust of the extant agricultural land-use policy made no provision to UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY iv penalize forestland encroachers. Conflicts in the use of forest land ensued between farmers and timber contractors on one hand and farmers and forest custodians on the other. The existence of land hunger in the forest reserves host communities, unauthorized access to forest land and absence of provision for penalty in the extant agricultural land use policy for forest encroachers encouraged activities engendering conflicts over the use of forest land. Keywords: Land-use conflicts, Forest policy, Forest reserves, Land hunger Word count: 481Item SILVICULTURAL AND CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES FOR Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA(2014-12) OKERE, Anthony UgochukwuKhaya grandifoliola, an important economic hardwood species, has been severely depleted by overexploitation. This necessitates its ex-situ conservation and requires in-depth knowledge of nursery handlings, seed storage, in-vitro and ex-vitro propagation on which information is sparse. Therefore, silvicultural requirements for conservation and sustainable use of K. grandifoliola in some parts of southern Nigeria were investigated in this study. Seeds of K. grandifoliola were purposively sourced from forested areas of Cross River (Boki and Kutia), Ondo (Ayegunle-Akoko, Oba-Akoko and Owo) and Oyo [National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan] states and assessed for length, width and weight. Freshly collected (Control) seeds (n=100) were tested for viability using standard procedure. Seeds (n=100) from each of the sources were planted and 30 competitive seedlings were assessed for growth characters. Seeds (n=2000) were selected and 500 each were stored for 20 weeks at Ambient Room Temperature (ART: 28.0±2.0oC), Short Term genebank (ShT: 24.0oC), Freezer (FrZ: - 6.0oC) and Long Term genebank (LgT: -17.0oC). Monthly, seeds (n=100) were randomly selected from the four storage conditions and sowed in sterilised river sand for viability test. Single node cuttings treated with Indole Butyric Acid (IBA), Napthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) at (0, 25, 50, 150 and 200 mg/L) using sand, sawdust and 1:1 sand-sawdust were assessed for macropropagation. In-vitro culture of embryo on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium + Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) + NAA + Adenine Sulphate (ADS) was studied. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) samples were collected from juvenile leaves of K. grandifoliola from the 30 competitive seedlings and tested for molecular genetic diversity using six Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) (OPD-08, OPD-11, OPD-13, OPA-18, OPD-18, and OPD-20) primers. All experiments were laid out in completely randomised design. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Seed sources significantly affected the seed weight (0.3±0.06g at Owo to 0.5±0.11g at NACGRAB). Seed viability ranged from 88.0% at Oba-Akoko to 98.0% at NACGRAB while seedling height was 21.7±8.27 cm at Owo and 29.9±5.30 cm at NACGRAB; the number of leaves was 30.8±6.51 at Boki and 43.2±12.78 at NACGRAB. After 20 weeks, only ShT seeds had 70.0% viability compared with 98.0% for control. The highest number of roots per cutting UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY iii was observed in cuttings treated with 150mg/L IBA in sawdust. Embryo culture using MS + 0.05mg/L BAP + 0.1mg/L NAA + 10mg/L ADS gave the highest number of nodes (4) and root length (7.5 cm) while pure MS produced 2 nodes and 1.5 cm root length. The RAPD markers revealed genetic similarity among K. grandifoliola sources. Ninety-four scorable polymorphic bands were generated from the six primers selected for amplification. An average of 18.2 amplicon per primer was obtained giving amplification products of 4-27 with primer OPD-08 producing the highest. Viability of Khaya grandifoliola seeds was highest at 24.0oC within 20 weeks of storage, while macropropagation was best with stem cuttings treated with 150 mg/L Indole Butyric Acid in cured sawdust. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers were effective for its molecular characterisation. Keywords: Khaya grandifoliola, Morphological traits, Seed storage, Ex-situ conservation, In-vitro propagation. Word count: 500Item HOUSEHOLD COPING STRATEGIES FOR DOMESTIC ENERGY PRICE CHANGES IN NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA(2011-11) JATAU, David FinchiwaIn Nigeria, high cost of Domestic Energy (DE) has put untold hardship on households. Coping strategy is therefore imperative to meet household domestic cooking and heating needs. Investigating evolving strategies would better inform DE experts and policy makers. This study was therefore designed to investigate strategies devised by households in Northeastern Nigeria for coping with the escalating prices of DE. The domestic energy types considered in the study include Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), kerosene, electricity, coal, solar energy, animal dung, agricultural residues and wood energy. Other potential energy sources in Nigeria include volcanic and refuse fuel, tidal and wind energy and geothermal, which are yet to be exploited. Borno, Gombe and Taraba states were selected for the study through stratified random sampling that gave due cognisance to representative vegetation zone of Northeastern Nigeria. Twenty percent of the total number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno (27), Gombe (11) and Taraba (16) states respectively were randomly selected comprising urban, semi-urban and rural LGAs. Two wards were selected from each LGA making a total of 20 wards for the study. Four sets of questionnaire were administered, each on 25 household heads, six DE marketers, two heads of government forestry agencies and three community leaders in each ward. Information elicited focussed on DE price changes, factors determining choice of DE and coping strategies evolved by households between 2006 and 2007. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, Logistic regression and correlation tests were used to analyse the data at p≤0.05. Eighty two percent of the household heads were male, 81.7% were married, and 33.2% had secondary school education while 54.2% were farmers. The mean age of household heads was 42.0 ± 3.0 years while the mean monthly income was ₦11,228 ± 2,345:00. Fuelwood, (90.0%), kerosene, (74.4%), charcoal, (83.2%), electricity (49.2%) and, cooking gas (13.6%) were DE severally identifiable by community leaders. Factors determining choice of DE among households were cost (94.8%), regular availability (94.4%), and ease of use (81.8%). UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY iii Mean monthly expenditure on DE in the urban areas was N12,300.00 ± 1000.00 compared to N4,345.00 ± 525.00 for those in semi-urban and N932.00 ± 178.00 in the rural areas. Fuelwood was the most popular DE (81.3%), followed by electricity (14.0%) and kerosene 5.7%. Findings from DE marketers indicated that kerosene had the highest price increase from N17.00/litre to N53.6/litre (215.5%), followed by fuelwood N20.00/33% of a cord to N45.3/33% of a cord (126.7%), charcoal N200.0/16kg to N412.0/16kg (106%) and cooking gas N7,500.0/12kg cylinder to N13,350/12.5kg cylinder (78%) between 1999 to 2005. The favoured household coping strategies on DE were reduction in the rate of DE use (40.8%), cutting expenditure on other household needs (21.2%), and suspension of capital projects (13.1%). Substituting of fossil-based energy with biomass (13.1%) and keeping of domestic animals (11.8%). Adoption of coping strategies varies significantly among households’ characteristics. Gender and settlement type significantly influenced adoption of coping strategies. The price sensitive to adjust to price of fuelwood from that of kerosene are noticed in the semi-urban (r = 0.9729) and urban (r= 0.9623) areas of guinea savannah, urban areas of Sudan (r = 0.9616) followed by rural areas of guinea savannah (r = 0.9166), while the least price sensitive to adjust to prices of fuelwood from that of Kerosene are in the semi-urban (r = 0.7893) and urban (r = 0.7873) of Sahel zone areas and rural (r = 0.6670) areas of Sudan. Ninety three percent of heads of government forestry agencies attributed the upsurge in the use of fuelwood by households to high cost of fossil-based DE and viewed it as a threat to forest conservation. Fuelwood is the most popular alternative DE in the Northeastern Nigeria. This could have potential negative impact on the fragile savannah ecosystem. Increased efforts at afforestation will compliment fuelwood supply in the region and help in stabilizing the ecosystem. Key words: Domestic energy, Energy Prices, Coping strategies, Households, Northeastern Nigeria Word count: 490Item AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES AND THEIR POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOIL FERTILITY AND FOOD PRODUCTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA(2011-10) AMONUM, JOSEPH IGBAUnsustainable forest land use practices have resulted in land degradation in the northern part of Nigeria leading to low crop yield. Agroforestry is a viable option for reversing dwindling crop yields through proper soil management practices. There is notably no sufficient published information on the contributions of agroforestry to food production in Katsina State. The practices of agroforestry and its potential to slow down the pace of soil degradation and boost food production in Katsina State was therefore investigated. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select respondents for the study. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from each of the agro-ecological zones (Sahel, Sudan and Guinea) of Katsina State. Within each of the selected LGAs, one community was randomly selected and forty respondents were randomly sampled from each community. Using structured questionnaire, information was sought on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of respondents, Agroforestry Practices (AP), attitude to AP, information sources on AP and AP perceived benefits. Chemical characteristics of soil samples from agroforestry and non-agroforestry plots of respondents in the three zones were also determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and ANOVA at p = 0.05. Most of the respondents (96.3%) were married, 82.5% were male and 50.0% were between 30 and 49 years of age. Their primary occupation was mostly farming (66.1%) while modal annual farm size was 1 – 2 hectares. Means of land acquisition was more by inheritance (50.8%) and 33.1% of the respondents made an annual income of between N30,000.00 – 40,000.00. The major farm enterprises were food crop production (74.1%), livestock (5.2%), tree crops (0.6%) and various combinations of these (19.0%). Multipurpose trees on farmland (79.2±11.1%), windbreaks (50.0±13.3%), woodlots (49.7±3.9%), improved fallow in shifting cultivation (32.2±26.3%) and home gardens (24.7±6.9%) were the common AP by the respondents. Benefits of AP to the respondents included preservation of the environment (98.5%), provision of fruits and leaves (98.3%), improvement of soil fertility (97.5%), erosion control (97.5%), improvement of farmers income (95.8%) and provision of fodder (92.7%). Also, 93.9% of the respondents reported increased yield of arable crops from a mixed tree and arable crop farm. Majority of the respondents (70.3%) identified scanty rainfall, land shortage and inadequate labour as problems while 12.8%, 4.7% and 4.4% respectively identified each of the problems as limiting AP. Although significant variation was observed in AP in the zones, sources of information significantly impacted adoption of AP in Sahel and Sudan but not in Guinea savanna zone. Significant variation was observed in soil pH, total nitrogen, Mg2+, K+ and Na+ between agro-forestry and non agro-forestry plots with soil nutrient and organic matter content skewing in favour of agroforestry plots. UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY iii Agroforestry practices enrich the soil with important nutrients and prevent soil erosion. The adoption of multipurpose trees on farmland in Katsina state will help in preventing environmental degradation, desertification and enhance food crop production. Keywords: Agroforestry practices, Agro-ecological zones, Farm enterprises, Soil degradation Word Count: 476Item VALUATION OF THE CONSUMPTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE USES OF WILD AND DOMESTICATED INDIGENOUS LEAFY VEGETABLES IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA(2013-07) AJU, PAULINUS CHUKWUMAUCHEYAVegetables are grown for human consumption all over the world. Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILV), both wild and domesticated species make important contributions to household improvement in Nigeria. However, information on availability of these species in the market and the consumption level at household is limited. Therefore, ILV species in southeastern Nigeria were investigated in order to determine their availability and consumption level. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was adopted for selecting three states (Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi), three agricultural zones, communal and household levels. One rural and one urban community were purposively selected from each of the three Agricultural Development Programme zones. Existence of a central market formed the main criterion for selection of an urban community. Ten households were randomly selected and one market was surveyed in each community. Information on ILV species consumed and the corresponding expenditure during the week preceding the interview were collected from the households. Also information on ILV species on sale in the markets, prices and profit margins were obtained. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Z-test at p = 0.05. A total of 16 domesticated and 17 wild ILV species were commonly consumed (95% of the respondents) and marketed (average of 52±9.3 persons in each market surveyed) in the study area. These vegetables were consumed 2.0±0.6 times weekly with domesticated ILV accounting for 75.4% of the times. More than one vegetable species were usually used in meal preparation in the area. An average of 4.0±1.2 different species of vegetables were consumed by each household weekly with expenditures ranging between N182.60 and N227.76 in the rural areas and between N205.64 and N222.04 in the urban communities. Selling of the vegetables was a part-time occupation for majority (82.6%) of the traders in the rural, but full-time for 65.3% in the urban areas. The prices of the vegetables ranged between N42.43 and N181.22/kg in the rural and between N50.0 and N175.23/kg in urban markets except, Gnetum africanum which maintained an exceptionally high price that ranged between N498.22/kg and N933.33/kg in rural and between N222.17 and N929.77/kg in urban markets while remaining the most preferred wild ILV species. Each seller sold an average of 3.0±0.6 different species of vegetables with daily profit margins that ranged between N419.55±70.07 and N738.27±96.79 in rural and between N526.41±87.42 and N805.47±112.55 in urban markets. Profit margins were significantly higher (Z= -5.4) in urban than in rural markets. In the rural markets, profit margins of sellers of wild ILV (N205.34±95.84) were significantly higher (Z= 4.8) than for sellers of domesticated ILV (N175.96±75.89). In the urban markets, profit margins of sellers of domesticated ILV (N231.10±62.50) were significantly higher than for sellers of wild ILV (N 207.64±138.09). There was a high level of sales and consumption of indigenous leafy vegetable species in the study area. Domestication and commercialisation of Gnetum africanum will enhance the economic well-being of the respondents because of its high preference and market values. Keywords: Indigenous leafy vegetables, Vegetable consumption, Gnetum africanum Word Count: 481Item CONTRIBUTIONS OF SELECTED NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS TO COMMUNITY LIVELIHOODS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA(2017-04) SABO, Z.Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have been identified to contribute to community livelihoods. Such contributions are people as well as site specific and may be short-lived if continuous availability cannot be guaranteed. Information on the role of NTFPs in community livelihoods is crucial to their sustainable management; however, this role has not been properly documented in Taraba State. Therefore, contributions of selected NTFPs to community livelihoods in Taraba State were investigated. A four-stage sampling procedure was used in the study. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from each of the three existing Agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Taraba State. Five wards from each LGA and 30 household heads (HHHs), using 30% sampling intensity were then randomly selected to give a total of 1,350 HHHs. Five sets of questionnaire were administered to 435 Harvesters, 188 Livestock Managers (LMs), 338 Marketers, 327 Building and Energy materials Suppliers (BEMSr) and 62 Medicinal Herbs Collectors (MHCs). The NTFPs were identified and prioritised. Contributions of selected NTFPs to community livelihoods were evaluated using Food, Livestock Feed (LF), Income and Employment Generation (IEG), Building and Energy Material Supplies (BEMS) and Medicinal Herbs Utilisation (MHU) as indices of livelihoods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Chi-square and logistic regression at α0.05. Two hundred and six NTFPs were identified. Ten species having priority for community livelihoods were Afzelia africana (35), Balanites aegyptiaca (34.5), Vitellaria paradoxa (34), Parkia biglobosa (33.5), Irvingia gabonensis (33), Xylopia aethiopica (32.5), Faidherbia albida (32), Adansonia digitata (32), Brachystegia eurycoma (32), and Elaeis guineensis (31.5). Forty-six species of NTFPs were used as Food (36 trees, 3 shrubs, 7 herbs), twenty-four as BEMSr (17 trees, 3 shrubs, 4 herbs) and twenty-nine for MHU (24 trees, 2 shrubs, 3 herbs). The two hundred and six NTFPs belong to forty-four families. The NTFPs contributed N2,065±1197.43 to Harvesters, N1,523.18±977.71 to LMs, N4, 882.06±3391.75 to Marketers, N1, 268.47±2023.61 to BEMSr and N1, 553.23±1062.74 to MHU as income/month. The NTFPs contributions to community livelihoods were: 34.1% (food) 14.9% (LF); 22.9% (IEG); 22.8% (BEMS) and 5.3% (MHU). Community livelihoods significantly depended on NTFPs (χ2 = 94.83). Harvesters’ occupation (6.25), age (9.22), monthly income (2.13), AEZ (1.77), sex (1.65), educational status (1.22) and main forest based activities (1.21) are likely to influence their dependence on NTFPs for livelihood. The AEZs (6.88), sex (5.85) and age (4.09) of LMs are likely to influence their dependence on NTFPs, while monthly income (7.99), AEZ (6.28), sex (2.01) and educational status (1.63) of marketers are likely to influence their dependence on NTFPs for livelihood. Also, AEZ (1.98) and monthly income (1.31) are likely to influence BEMS dependence on NTFPs, while age (4.87), sex (6.84) and AEZ (4.29) are likely to influence MHC dependence on NTFPs for livelihood. Ten of the identified 206 Non-Timber Forest Products significantly enhanced livelihood status in Taraba State. These species are however under pressure due to multiple usage, which have implication for their sustainable management. In situ conservation is therefore recommended to mitigate the pressure on themItem CHARACTERISATION OF SELECTED WOOD PROPERTIES OF THERMAL-MODIFIED Bambusa vulgaris SCHRAD.EX J.C.WENDL(2017-06) OLAJIDE, O. B.,The preservative treatment of non-durable lignocellulosic materials, such as Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo) enhances its service life. Thermally modified lignocellulosic biomaterial is better than chemically treated products because it is environmentally friendly. However, there is a dearth of information on the characterisation properties of thermally modified Bambusa vulgaris. This study was therefore conducted to characterise the properties of thermally modified Bambusa vulgaris. One thousand and eighty (30 cm x 2 cm x 0.5 cm) bamboo strips were thermally modified in a heat-chamber at 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 °C each, for 10, 20 and 30 minutes, under constant pressure (220 N/m2) in factorial arrangement in completely randomised design with 5 replicates. Untreated strips served as control. The strips were laminated into boards using cold press for 24 hours and Fibre Diameter (FD), Fibre Cell Wall (FCW), Fibre Lumen Width (FLW), Fibre length (FL) were measured. The Specific Gravity (SG), Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC), Radial Shrinkage (RS), Water Absorption (WA), Compressive Strength (CS┴), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Shear Strength (SS) and Impact Bending (IB), chemical characteristics (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash contents) were determined using standard procedures. Samples were thereafter inoculated with Sclerotium rolfsii (Brown rot) and Pleurotus florida (White rot) using accelerated durability test procedure for 12 weeks and assessed for Weight Loss (WL). Samples were also assessed in Timber Grave Yard (TGY) using Weight Loss (WL) procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and regression at α0.05. The FD ranged from 11.51±2.07 µm (140°C/30 minutes) to 17.62±3.65 µm (control), FCW ranged from 5.96±2.13 µm (140°C/30 minutes) to 12.03±3.66 µm (control), FLW ranged from 2.64±0.12 µm (140°C/30 minutes) to 2.80±0.22 µm (control), while FL ranged from 2.05±0.28 mm (140°C/30 minutes) to 2.52±0.39 mm (control). The SG (0.6±0.1 and 0.5±0.1), EMC (10.5±1.3 and 6.8±1.2), RS (3.7±1.1and 1.6±0.6) and WA (46.6±13.5% and 32.7±2.2) were obtained in control and 140°C/30 minutes thermal-modified samples, respectively. The RS and WA at 100, 110, 120 and 130°C/30 minutes were 0.9±0.3, 1.2±0.4, 0.6±0.1, 0.6±0.1 and 38.4±5.3, 31.1±4.7, 26.4±3.8, 29.9±4.5%, respectively. The CS┴, MOE, MOR, SS and IB varied from 7.41±0.24, 5461.83±594.86, 18.39±2.01, 1.07±0.26 N/mm2 and 1.68±0.03 KJ/m2, respectively in 140°C/30 minutes to 36.14±0.11, 29,703.50±4192.77, 56.29±1.86, 3.88±0.50N/mm2 and 2.30±0.02 KJ/m2, respectively for untreated samples. The cellulose (46.46±0.11% and 42.19±0.18%), hemicellulose (35.59±0.10% and 31.80±0.01%), lignin (29.11±0.12% and 26.17±0.13%), ash (0.92±0.02% and 0.63±0.01%) were obtained in control and 140°C/30 minutes thermal-modified samples, respectively. The highest WL was obtained from untreated samples inoculated with Sclerotium rolfsii (6.1±0.3%) and Pleurotus florida (5.1±0.9%), while the least WL of 1.8±0.2% and 1.1±0.2%, respectively was recorded for samples modified at 140°C/30 minutes. The WL of untreated samples in TGY was 28.2±14.1%, while the least WL (25.1±2.9%) was observed for 140°C/30 minutes thermal-modified samples. The IB and EMC accounted for 83.9 and 53.8% variation of chemical characteristics. Thermal modification at 140°C for 30 minutes improved dimensional stability and durability of Bambusa vulgaris. Increase in temperature and time of thermal modification reduced strength properties and chemical characteristics of Bambusa vulgaris