DEPARTMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

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Access to credit and value additions to some non-timber forest products in Egbeda Local Government Area, Nigeria
(2012) Azeez, I. O; Falade, K.O
The capacity to promote sustainable use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and facilitate increased financial benefits to local users as incentives for forest conservation is low due to neglect by governments particularly in Nigeria. Such capacity is however imperative to stemming rural poverty and can be enhanced by incorporating NTFP collection and commercialization research into forest management development programs. But sustainable production and conservation of forest products is influenced by a number of factors, largely socioeconomic and institutional in nature. Men and women also play different roles in the collection and utilization of NTFPs. This paper reports collection and sales of NTFPs against some socioeconomic background of identified collectors in Egbeda Local Government Area (LGA), Oyo state, Nigeria. Purposive simple random sampling was used to select respondents from the study population using the medium of the Egbeda Farmers Association of Nigeria (EFAN). Egbeda LGA has 10 cell groups of EFAN and twelve (12) farmers were selected from each of the cell group. A total of 120 sets of structured questionnaire were used to document demographic information, involvement in NTFPs business and access to credit facilities among respondents. Oral interview were also conducted to know if they engage in the NTFPs business as a primary occupation or secondary occupation, the type of NTFPs specialized in, their sources, number of gathering trips per week, and the amount made from the sales of the NTFPs. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. More than half (53.3%) of the respondents involved in the NTFPs business in the study area was of the male gender and 62.5% had secondary education. Majority of the respondent (88.2%) engaged in NTFPs gathering as a secondary occupation. Their access to credit facilities was low. The amount made from sales without credit facilities is reasonable. Inadequate funding, lack of credit facilities, inadequate information about how to market their products and its neglect by government were identified as a major constraints to sustainable collection and use of NTFPs. NTFPs would contribute more to livelihood in the study area, provided access to credit can be facilitated.
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.
AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES AND THEIR POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOIL FERTILITY AND FOOD PRODUCTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
(2011-10) AMONUM, JOSEPH IGBA
Unsustainable 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: 476
Analysis of trends in forest charges and government expenditure of forestry in Africa
(2002) Ajewole, O. I.
Application of Multiple Use Models, in Sustainable Forest Management Planning
(Zenith Book House, 2010) Jimoh, S.O.
Assessment and classification of hazardous street trees in University of Ibadan Nigeria
(2010) Omole, A. O.; Adetogun, A. C.; Adejumo, R. O.
The study was carried out to assessed and classified hazardous trees within the University of Ibadan (UI) campus, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study population was 25 municipal tree species comprising of 420 individual trees located along the major roads of the study area, which were considered hazardous to the community. With the aids of data form, health assessments which include a review of defects, surrounding site conditions, and potential targets were carried out. Data collected were subjected to statistic analysis. The result revealed that 31.42% of the total tree species samp1ed within the study area are samena senna. Hazardous trees were generally lower along Agriculture, Masaba and Veterinary roads and they are 0.47%, 0.95% and 1.66% respectively. Oduduwa road had highest number of poor-quality tree with multiple defects (22.38%). A total of 132 species of samena senna bad extremely high probability of failure while the probability of 69 species of Delonix regia to strike a target is extremely high, this species have very shallow roots and the species is easily affected by root/stem rots resulting in heavy damages even with little storm. Ten species of Samena senna affect the road, 33 species of Gliricidia sepium affect the walkway, 60 species of Delonix regia affect the building, 71 species of Samena senna cause street light obstruction and 6 species of Samena senna are affecting the underground cable. In conclusion the study revealed that all the sampled municipal trees of university of Ibadan were defective having some negative impacts for infrastructure damages (e.g damage to building and sidewalks). Since there will always be a common Interaction among people, property and trees in the University community, detection and removal of trees that are likely to be hazardous is essential.
Assessment of Agroforestry Practices as a Land Use Option in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
(Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, 2005) Azeez, I. O; Popoola, L; Amusa, T.O
The paper examines the adoption of agoforestry practices as a land use option in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained from structured questionnaire and direct interview of farmers in the study area, using purposive simple random sampling technique. Fifteen farmers were randomly sampled from each of the ten cells of Atisbo Farmers Association of Nigeria with 440 members. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential test statistics. Results show that although perception of farmers on agroforesty practices varied among respondents, out of the various forms of agroforestry being practiced in the study area, the tree crop system was dominant with a modal frequency of 67.3%. It was also discovered that farmers adopted agroforestry practices for various reasons. The most popular of which was the food and financial gains that accrued from the planning of fruit trees. However, paucity of information, bush burning, labour required and non-availability of incentives were considered as major constraints to the practice of agroforestry in the area. Test of hypotheses showed that although there existed significant differences in the type of agroforestry practices among the farmers in the study area (X2 = 39.60; df = 33; Pr = 0.19), there was no significant variation in the perception of agroforestry among the farmers. It was also noted that there was significant enhancement in the soil fertility of the study area through the practice of agroforestry (X2 = 3.81; df = 4; Pt = 0.43): and that there existed significant relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity in the study area (X2= 209.74; df 48; Pr < 0.01). An implication of the findings is that agroforestry presents huge opportunities for food production and developing forestry practices in the study area.
Assessment of community based forest management practices in Benue State, Nigeria
(International Organization of Scientific Research, 2017-09) Dagba, B.I; Azeez, I. O; Ancha, P.U
Forests in Benue State are depleting due to anthropogenic activities. Community based forest management had been suggested by various researchers as being capable of stemming the rate of destruction of forests. This study was therefore carried out to assess the presence, mode and level of participation in community based forests practices in Benue State with a view to corroborate or dispute the veracity of the practice. Stratified multistage random sampling method was adopted to select 240 Household Heads who were later interviewed using 240 pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Participatory Index analysis (PI) was employed to determine the extent of peoples’ involvement in various forestry practices. Likert scale rating was equally used to measure the factors motivating and inhibiting respondents’ participation in identified community forestry practices. Modal forestry practice identified was boundary planting (91.2%) with PI of 0.95, followed by home gardens (PI=0.93). Participation in physical execution of work (85.4%) was highest while only 15.8% of the respondents participated in decision making process. Most of the people who participated did so because the practices were relevant to their needs (WMS = 4.30>3.05) followed by the fact that they themselves were part of the planning process (WMS =3.90 > 3.05) while others said that level of literacy was not a hindrance to participation (WMS = 1.55 < 2.95). It was concluded that community based forest management practices existed in Benue State but participation in the practices was most in physical execution of work. It was recommended that people should be involved at the stage of planning, monitoring and evaluation to enhance better participation in Community Based Forest Management by the people.
Assessment of forest revenue system in Kogi State
(2011) Ajewole, O. I.; Fabola, A. M
Low and arbitrary review of forest charges encourage waste and poor harvesting practices resulting in underdevelopment of forest resources. The study therefore assessed the type, value and changes in the value of forest charges in Kogi State between 1991 and 2009. Data on forest charges between 1991 when the state was created and 2009 were collected from the Forestry Service of Kogi State. GDP deflator was used to convert the forest charges in each year under study to real or constant values thereby compensating for the effect of inflation on the value of forest charges. Average annual change in the forest charges was calculated for the period under study while sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the current (2009) equivalent value of the base year (1991) value of forest charges.The State Forestry Service (SFS) operates 35 different charges from eight groups of charges with the exception of Forestry Trust Fund. The SFS started operating 11 of the 35 charges since 1991 when the State was created and these 11 forest charges have been reviewed twice, one in 1997 and the other in 2004. Another 11 different charges were introduced in 1997, all of which were reviewed once in 2004. The remaining 11 other various charges were introduced in 2004 and are yet to be reviewed. Three methods - residual or stumpage valuation; calculation of the volume of timber transported from the forest; as well as consultation and negotiation- are used in determining the forest charges. The difference between the average annual change in the nominal value and the real current value is relatively high (16.06% to 17.68%) for the forest charges whose base year is 1991. Forest charges whose base year is 1996/1997 have lower differences (9.08% to 11.90%) while those whose base year is 2004 have difference of 7.38%. In order to have a better forest revenue system in Kogi State, setting of forest charges should be primarily based on the market prices of the products coupled with consultation with the stakeholders. The review of the charges which should be done more regularly such as once in three years should be adjusted for inflation
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
Assessment of some other traditional uses of accepted agroforestry fuelwood species in Akinyele and Ido local government areas, Oyo State, Nigeria
(2010) Erakhrumen, A. A; Ogunsanwo, O. Y; Ajewole, O. I.
This study was carried out in order to assess some other traditional uses that some woody species can be put to, apart from their usefulness as fuelwood, using Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs), Oyo State, Nigeria, as a case study. Woody species found in agroforestry plots/farms in the study area, were compiled from questionnaires retrieved from 179 respondents, then prioritised using the respondents' ranking, from which twelve species that top the ranking were selected. Friedman chi-square result revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the ranking pattern of the respondents in the two LGAs (x2=2.17; p<0.05). The questionnaire survey and literature search for other traditional uses to which the various parts of the accepted fuelwood species are put revealed that culinary and medicinal uses were dominant among these other uses. It was therefore recommended, based on this study, that management strategies that aim at balancing wood use as fuel and other traditional uses should be encouraged.
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.
Assessment of stakeholders participation in forest road maintenance in a Nigerian forest estate.
(2011-06) Omole, A. O.; Udofia, S. L.; Obonyilo, P. O.
A study was conducted to assess the stakeholders' participation in forest roads maintenance at the Ondo State Afforestation Project (OSAP) in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Forest roads maintenance is a tool for sustainable forest management. Using simple random sampling method, respondents were selected from the study population which included staff of the Ondo State Afforestation Project, and residents of the communities within the enclaves in the area such as llulitun, Ilege, Lisagbede, Makinde, Ogunlepa I, Ogunlepa II. Results showed that 84.30% of the stakeholders expressed concern about the present condition of the road, 4.30% were not interested on importance attached to road maintenance while 11.40% of the respondents were indifferent. Data obtained from the professional staff of OSAP show that only 20% of the stakeholders actually participated in forest roads maintenance. Although 34.35% of other stakeholders within the forse estate (farmers and timber contractors) claimed to be involved in grading of roads but majority (65.70%) of the stakeholders said they did not participate in road maintenance. The implication of the findings indicate that roads leading to forest areas have not been given adequate attention through stakeholders participation. This has resulted in road degradation thereby causing hardship to smooth transportation of resources and human beings. It is recommended that all stakeholders' be encouraged to participate actively in road maintenance in the study area in other to promote sustainable management of forest resources.
Assessment of technical compliances to landowners guides in forest roads of Oluwa forest reserve Ondo State Nigeria
(2012-06) Omole, A. O.; Akinwole, A. O.
Assessment of the various types of hazard exposed to by logging crews in a Nigerian Forest Reserve was carried in this study. The study site was the Ondo State Afforestation Project Forest road construction appears to be the most expensive single investment in forest operations and designing forest road to specification is a complex engineering problem involving economic, environmental and social factors. The study was carried out to assess the technical compliances to recommended land owners guide to building forest access road in a forest estate in Nigeria. The study was carried out at Ondo State Afforestation Project (OSAP) Headquarters, South West Nigeria. Data collected for the study involved collation of road parameters such as road length, carriage way, drain depth and width, and comparative analysis of these with standard road parameters. Data collected were then subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that the road width in all the locations ranged from 12.23m and 7.15 m with a mean of 9.42m as against the recommended 11.00m. The width of the carriage way ranged from 4.4m to 8.76m while the drain depth ranged from 0.51m and 1.20m in all the selected locations. The difference in the observed width and the standard width was significant at 5% level of probability. Both the observed carriage way width and drain depth were significantly different from the recommended standards. OSAP access roads therefore, fall short of the recommended standard landowners’ guide to building forest access roads.
An assessment of the forest regeneration potential of the taungya system of farming in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria
(NISC (Pty) Ltd and Taylor & Francis, 2017) Azeez, I. O; Popoola, L
Balancing forest regeneration and meeting food and fibre needs of Nigeria’s ever-increasing population challenges is imperative to her sustainable development. Two methods of artificial forest regeneration practiced in Oyo State, Nigeria to meet these challenges are direct planting and taungya systems. This paper reports the performance of the taungya system of forest regeneration in Osho Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria with a view to harnessing information for informed and effective policy decision on sustainable forestry development. Four out of seven taungya centres within and around the reserve were purposively studied using questionnaire administration, oral interviews and direct field measurement. Direct field measurement was undertaken in 10 temporary sampling plots, each measuring 25 m × 25 m. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at P = 0.05. The taungya farmers in the study area were male and a majority (76.0%) had no formal education. More than half of the farmers (56.0%) had knowledge about taungya and silvicultural operations, while 82.0% of them had no other farm outside the taungya farm. The observed survival of trees planted on the farms was high. Significant variation was observed in the circumference at breast height (Cbh) of species under the direct planting and taungya systems with Gmelina arborea contributing to most of the variation and the differences in stand age. The survival percentage of tree species under taungya was higher (52.0% ha−1) than that under direct planting system (41.0% ha−1). The study identified lack of credit facilities, inadequate funding and ignorance of the advantage of tree crops on tropical farmland as well as inadequate technical support as the major constraints of the taungya system. The taungya system is effective for forest regeneration albeit taking care of farmers’ interest beyond the tree canopy closure age is recommended, if more trees are expected to survive.
Assessment of Tree Diversities in Oban Division of the Cross River National Park (CRNP), Nigeria
(2013) Adeyemi, A.A.; Jimoh, S.O.; Adesoye, P.O.
Many tropical forests are under great anthropogenic pressure and require management intervention to maintain the overall biodiversity, productivity and sustainability. This cannot be possible without proper understanding of their structure and species diversities. Tree diversity in Oban Division of the CRNP was assessed. Systematic sampling technique was adopted for plot locations. Two transects, 2km long with a distance of 600m apart were cut in each of the three study sites. Four plots of 50m><50m were laid alternately along each transect at 500m intervals in the closed canopy and secondary forests. Forty-eight plots were used for the study. Tree growth parameters were measured on all the trees with Dbh>10cm within each plot. All the measured trees were identified and classified into their respective families. Species diversity indices were computed for the trees in the two forest types. The canopy layer to which each tree belongs was noted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Diversity Indices, t-test as well as analysis of variance. A total of 118 species (107 genera and 37 families) of trees were recorded, with 72 and 69 species in the closed canopy and secondary forests respectively. The Strombosia spp. was the most abundant species in the forests. The family, Olacaceac accounted for 11.94% of the total individuals recorded in the area. This was followed by Mimosoideae (8.4%). The average tree stems/ha was 158 and 130 in the closed canopy and secondary forest respectively. The Simpson’ Indices were 0.99 and 0.98 for the two forest types respectively, which implied high floristic richness The Shannon-Wiener’s Indices (4.36 and 4.14) and the equitability ratios (0.9513 and 0.9506) were high for the two forest types, which indicated moderate representation of most of the species in the area. The tree growth parameters significantly differ under different canopy layers (P<0.05). However, most of the parameters were not significantly different in the two forest types fP>0.05)
Assessment of users’ preferences for sawn wood species in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria
(2016-06) Ajewole, O. I; Adedeji, G. A; Olabisi, W. B.
Users of wood still have preferences despite increasing reduction in the availability of wood species. This study was therefore carried out to assess the users’ preferences for sawn wood species in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey study, which employed questionnaire and on-site observations, was used. A sample of 210 respondents was purposively selected from twenty one associations’ of sawn wood users comprising mixtures of active furniture makers and carpenters in five local government areas of Ibadan metropolis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency and ranking. Of the 27 species, users expressed the highest preference for Gmelina arborea, which ranked 1st with a frequency of 99.5%, and least preferred was Funtumia elastica with a frequency of 2.4%. Sawn wood users comprise furniture makers only (29.5%), carpenters only (2.9%), and combined furniture makers/carpenters (67.6%). Based on the wood conversion methods, 73.3% of users preferred wood from band-saw milling and chain-saw milling, 26.7% preferred wood from band- saw milling only, while none preferred wood from chain-saw milling only. Criteria for users’ preferences for sawn wood species were durability (50%), workability (28.5%), and attractive colour of the species (22.5%). In addition, users expressed accuracy in dimension (62.9%), ease to work on (27.1%), and specification order by the final consumers (10%) as criteria for preferring sawn wood from band-saw milling to that from chain-saw milling. Efforts should be made to shift the consumption paradigm from reliance on natural forests to conservation approaches focusing on market oriented mass establishment of plantations of the preferred species.
Assessment of variation in the fiber characteristics of the wood of vitex doniana sweet and its suitability for paper production
(2014-03) Ogunjobi, K. M.; Adetogun, A. C.; Omole, A. O.
The study investigated the fibre characteristics and chemical composition of Vitex doniana towards determining its potentials for pulp and paper. Fibre dimensions are of great importance because of the strong correlation between it and the strength properties of wood and paper. Axial and radial examinations of fibre characteristics of naturally grown wood of Vitex doniana were investigated to determine its suitability for paper production. Wood slivers were prepared from slices, introduced into wash bottles containing equal volume (1:1) of glacial acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide and investigated on a Rheichert Visopam microscope. Variations existed in the axial and radial direction of the wood. The mean values of fibre characteristics are: fibre length (1.48mm), fibre diameter (21.9μm), fibre lumen width (12.7μm) and fibre wall thickness of Vitex doniana was 4.9μ. The mean lignin, cellulose and extractive contents were 28.1%, 41.2% and 3.5% respectively. Based on the derived values: Slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient and Runkel ratio, species of Vitex doniana were considered to be good paper making materials.
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.
Basic practical procedures in wood science
(Green Canopy Consultants, 2010) Ogunsanwo, O. Y.; Omole, A. O.