Evaluation of essential indigenous woody plant species used by the rural population in Taraba State Nigeria
This study examined some essential indigenous woody plant species used by the rural people in three ecological zones of Taraba State in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify and document the essential indigenous woody plants, the frequency of their harvest, and the methods...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Academia.edu Journals
2024-08-01
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| Series: | Academia Environmental Sciences and Sustainability |
| Online Access: | https://www.academia.edu/122834632/Evaluation_of_essential_indigenous_woody_plant_species_used_by_the_rural_population_in_Taraba_State_Nigeria |
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| Summary: | This study examined some essential indigenous woody plant species used by the rural people in three ecological zones of Taraba State in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify and document the essential indigenous woody plants, the frequency of their harvest, and the methods employed for harvesting them. A multistage sampling design was used to stratify the study into three ecological zones: Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS), Southern Guinea Savanna (SGS), and Montane Forest (MF). Data collected were obtained using purposive sampling technique. Solvin’s formula was used to select 399 respondents (i.e., 133 in each ecological zone). Administration of semi-structured questionnaire was done using free listing method. All the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that majority of the respondents were males (56%) and young persons (46%) who had traditional knowledge of the importance of available indigenous woody plant species. A total of 22 most essential indigenous woody plant species belonging to 18 families were identified to be used by the rural population in Taraba State. Majority of the respondents (69%) used risky and unsustainably destructive methods to harvest these species on a daily and annual basis, notably during the dry season (69%). Sustainability of these species is, therefore, recommended through proper education, afforestation and reforestation programs, sustainable harvesting methods, and management of indigenous woody plant species and forest ecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 2997-6006 |