The aim of the study was to demonstrate how Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used to document settlement pattern of Imeri, Ijebu-mushin Ogun State Nigeria. The method of data collection was through the collection of information gathered on the site with the use of Geographic Information System, Global Positioning System, and questionnaires and oral interview method. The research was carried out in Imeri Ogun state Nigeria. Information was derived from Imeri, a secondary village settlement in Ogun State. The results indicate that, 2% of the building is used for commercial purposes, while 4% of the buildings are dilapidated. 5% of the building in Imeri is not yet completed as at the time of carrying out this research, 5% is used for both residential and commercial purposes and another 5% is used for religious purpose. 79% of the buildings are used for residential purposes and this percentage ranks highest regarding the use of building in Imeri. Also, 2% of the buildings are constructed with wood, while 5% are made of mud and not with plaster, 12% are made of concrete and also not with plaster, 18% of the buildings are made of concrete and are plastered while, 63% of the buildings are made of mud and are plastered. Therefore, it is recommended that GPS should be used often as a powerful technological tool that could help a lot in knowing the settlement pattern of a large area and ways to help a particular community when needed.
The study focused on the development of models for height- diameter relationship for Arakanga Forest Reserve. A Random sampling technique was dopted for sample plot allocation while a total of 10 sample plots of 25 X 25m were laid in line transects for data collection. A total of 163 trees were encountered. The data collected was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean DBH and the mean Height for the study area were 55.69cm and 13.25m respectively. The Height- diameter relationship was modelled using Curve Expert Professional software. Ratkowsky, Logistics and Richards models gave good result in describing the relationship between DBH and Height. All three models had the lowest AICC value of 123.08, 123.08 and 124.5 and Standard Error values 1.99, 1.99 and 2.0 rescpectively. Validation of the models was carried out using student Ttest and Ratkowsky returned the best model with t-Statistics value of 0.02. Therefore, Ratkowsky model was adjudged as the best model for describing DBH and Height relationship in Arakanga Forest Reserve. Keywords: Tree Height-Diameter, Arakanga, Forest Reserve and Abeokuta
This study aimed to determine socio-demographic characteristics of visitors, factors that influence visitors’ patronage, influx status of Nigerian and foreign visitors in Old Oyo and Okomu National Parks, Nigeria. Random sampling method was used to administer 512 copies of a questionnaire to visitors of the national parks and data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Majority of the respondents were males at Old Oyo (68.5%) and Okomu (62.8%) national parks, 45.6% and 37.6% had HND/BSC at Old Oyo and Okomu National Parks respectively. Also, highest percentage of the respondents at both parks earned less than ₦150, 000 (61.5% at Old Oyo and 65.7% at Okomu National Parks). Conducive environment (Mean: 4.26) and Attractiveness of the area (Mean: 3.80) were ranked as the highest factors enhancing visit to Old Oyo and Okomu National Park lodges respectively. 15,365 Nigerian tourists and 34 foreign tourists have visited Okomu National Park while 13,021 Nigerian tourists and 319 foreign tourists have visited Okomu National Park for the period of 2009- 2018. Finally, there is no significant difference in the visitors’ influencing factors at Old Oyo and Okomu National Park lodges (P=0.120). Therefore, destination management should improve the maintenance of their facilities to meet the standard of visitors, both locally and internationally in order to attract more foreign visitors and improve foreign exchange
This study evaluates the phytochemicals and vitamins constituents of Corchorus aestuans. The plant extracts were prepared by cold maceration using methanol as a solvent. Phytochemical screening was carried out using preliminary phytochemical tests and the vitamins was determined according to procedure outlined by Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemistry. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannin, phenolic, saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, trypsin, glycoside and carbohydrates while steroids, cardiac glycosides and triterpene are not presence. The quantitative phytochemical constituents of leaves of Corchorus aestuans indicated that alkaloid and flavonoid recorded the highest mean value of 2.973 and 0.131 mg/kg each, followed by carbohydrates with 0.99 mg/kg while phenolic was the least with a mean of 0.01 mg/kg. Vitamins composition of the leaves of Corchorus aestuans showed that vitamin C recorded the highest value of 8.82 mg/100g, followed by Vitamin E and Vitamin A (5.68 and 2.246 mg/100g) while Vitamin D (0.27mg/100g) is the least. The study concludes that leaves of Corchorus aestuans can serve as a good source of vitamins and used as herbs. Therefore, the study recommends that further study on pharmacological uses of C. aestuans should be carried out and include in the human diet to solve the problem of malnutrition.
A study on the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on germination and early seedling growth of P. erinaceus was assessed at the Forest Nursery of the Department of Forestry Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos Plateau State Nigeria. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze collected data (Percentages, Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test). The pre-sowing treatments were soaking seeds in cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T1), hot water (T2), sulphuric acid (at 98%concentrated) for a minute (T3), sulphuric acid (diluted at 50%) for a minute (T4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours (T5), nicking treatment (T6), and no treatment as control (T7). Forty-two seeds were planted (Six seeds for each treatments). Seed germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and stem diameter were assessed from week five to twelve after germination. Seeds with nicking treatment commenced germination after 30 days and achieved 43.3% germination which was significantly different (P 0.05) at 8th weeks after germination (WAG) (leaf length); 7th to 9th, 11th and 12th WAG (stem diameter) respectively. Nicking treatment gave the best pre-sowing treatment when compared to other treatments that enhanced seed germination and seedling growth of P. erinaceus. Thus nicking treatment is recommended as the most suitable pre-sowing treatment for enhancing seed germination and early growth of P. erinaceus in the nursery for plantation purposes. Keywords: Pterocarpus erinaceus, Pre-Sowing Treatment, Germination, Seedling Growth
The perception of the fringe communities of Okomu National Park (ONP) in Nigeria on the impact of the Protected Area on their livelihood was investigated. Two groups of respondents were interviewed for this study while a two-staged sampling technique was employed in selecting the respondents which were residents of adjoining communities of ONP and officers of the Park. The responses in the questionnaires from the individual respondents was processed and analyzed. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage and mean scores were used to present the data collected. The positive response of the adjoining community residents on the awareness of ONP protection indicates clearly that most individuals (76.6%) in the communities are aware that ONP is a strictly protected area while 23.4% claimed ignorance. Although, the respondents completely agreed that biodiversity would be preserved for future generation (at a mean score of 4.26), their responses showed that the community claimed there was little or no economic benefit derived from proximity to the National Park. While the mean values of the benefits derived from the park, in the opinion of the community respondents ranked from 2.10 - 2.91, the mean scores of ONP officers’ responses ranked from 3.0 - 4.31. These results indicate that the host communities and ONP officers held contrary views as to the benefit communities derive from the park. Nevertheless, both groups of respondents agreed that the host communities participated in the management of the National Park.
This paper examines the various types of Agroforestry systems that can be practiced by the youth in Nigeria. However, the paper pinpointed lack of access to knowledge, information and education, poor socio-cultural orientation towards agroforestry technology, limited access to land, lack of capital and financial support as well as poor culture of entrepreneurship as the major problems and challenges that have made the youths to be unable to participate in agroforestry sector as effectively as supposed in Nigeria. Meanwhile, in exploiting the full potential of Agroforestry for youth participation in Nigeria, a range of prospects are inherent which include: (i) increased variety of food (ii) increased variety of farm products (iii) Creating more employment opportunities to absorb an ever increasing labour force and a lot more. The paper concludes on the premise that Nigeria has a great prospect in making the agroforestry sector’s ample potential to provide income-generating opportunities for youth if some problems hindering the youth participation are overcome.
The extent of soil contamination by heavy metals and the potentials of herbaceous plant species to remediate the soils at a selected mining site in Nasarawa state were assessed. Herbaceous plants and their associated soils were collected from Eggon community mining site in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. There was a generally higher concentration of the heavy metals in most of the plants than in soils which indicates the ability of the plant to tolerate and accumulate these metals. None of the collected plants attained the status of hyperaccumulator. However, most of the plants have potentials of been a phytostabilizer or phytoextractor. At the mining site, Pseudognaphalium luteo and Cyperus rotundus were observed to be the phytoextractor and phytostabilizer of Lead respectively. These same two plants could also extract Copper, whereas Eclipta alba was identified as a phytoextractor of Manganesse. Also, Pseudognaphalium luteo, Physalis minima, Cyperus rotundus, and Sphenoclea zeylancia were observed as phytostabilizers of the metal.
This study harnessed the quality attributes of condiment powder (iru) processed from soy and African locust bean seeds using calabash and plastic as fermenting containers. The soy and African locust bean-condiment powders were comparatively evaluated with referencecondiment based upon storability for 8-weeks on moisture gain or loss and microbial counts, and 3-weeks colour evaluation were carried out. Sensory analysis was done using students of the Department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan. The design of the experiment was carried out using completely randomized design. The results revealed increase in moisture throughout the weekly storage study as the concluding 8-week showed highest in referencecondiment(14.78 %) and lower in soy-condiment powder (10.03 %) produced in plastic. Microbial count ranged from 4.74 to 5.07 log10 cfu/mL and no detection of fungi in all condiment powder samples. However, coliform was present only in control-condiment (0.73 log10 cfu/mL). Weekly storage studies on total viable count of soy and African locustcondiment powders ranged from 4.74-5.07 (week 0); 4.93-5.05 (week 1); 4.66-5.47 (week 2); 4.11-5.07 (week 3); 4.20-5.59 (week 4); 4.51-5.76 (week 5); 4.75-5.88 (week 6); 4.01-5.28 (week 7) and 4.48-5.62 (week 8) log10 cfu/mL. The degree of lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) on soy and locust bean-condiment powders produced in a plastic had optimum scores but lower in reference-condiment. General acceptability was highest in soy-condiment powder produced in plastic. Plastic container can be use for the processing of condiment powder without any adverse effect on the final product. Keywords: African locust bean, soy bean, containers, powdered condiment, moisture gain
A two-phase assessment of mammalian richness and diversity was conducted in the 4,600 ha Conservation Areas in Presco concession, Ologbo, Edo State, Nigeria. Using both direct and indirect techniques, 20 line/point transects (ca. 2% sampling intensity) and 24 (ca. 2.5% sampling intensity) were assessed in September, 2016 (wet season) and March, 2017 (dry season). The Bushnell binoculars was used to identify distant/fleeing animals while Nikon Laser Rangefinder (Forestry 500) was used to determine vegetation height. Assessment of floristics was largely anecdotal. Data were subjected to Shannon-Weiner and Brillouin diversity indices, and descriptive statistics. Wet season entry revealed seven families, 12 species and 118 individuals while Shannon-Weiner and Brillouin diversity indices were 2.27 and 2.10 respectively. The dry season entry revealed eight families, 14 species and 123 individuals while Shannon-Weiner and Brillouin diversity indices were 2.46 and 2.27 respectively. The Red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) had the most abundant population in both wet and dry seasons. The ‘White throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster)’ was the only vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List (2019-3) recorded; however, based on National Biodiversity Approach (NBSAP), five wildlife species were endangered. Among flora, 66 tree/shrub/liane species spread across 25 families were encountered in the eco-zones. Despite the palpable drawbacks occasioned by illegal logging, poaching, unauthorized grazing/wildfires and resultant loss of species and ecosystems, the conservation areas have very rich potentials for transformation into wildlife sanctuary/rescue centre and repository for phyto-demographic and socio-cultural studies. For the CAs/buffer zones to be left undisturbed, alternative livelihood projects should be established for enclave/fringing communities and all forms of logging and poaching activities prohibited. Keywords: Anthropogenic threats, declining ecosystems, non-timber resources, peripheral communities, species diversity, wildlife corridor,
This study was carried out to determine the growth and yield performance of Pleurotus ostreatus on different substrates of bio-waste carried out in Wood Science and Forest Based Industries Laboratory Unit, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State. Five different substrates treatments from (Gmelina Arborea sawdust, Garcinia kola sawdust, corncob, rice straw and composite mixture) were used to grow the oyster mushroom with different substrates in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. The results on the growth performance of mushroom reveals cap diameter were higher than corncob, bitter kola and lower in gmelina 50.63 cm, 48.93 cm and 8.2 cm) respectively. Stipe length were higher in hard sawdust (20 cm), followed by that of rice straw (16.67 cm) and lower in soft sawdust (1.7 cm). Fruits numbers were higher in corncob (15.57), medium in rice straw (15.90) and lower in soft sawdust (1.00). Result in variation of yield weight on oyster mushroom reveals that fresh weight shows nosignificant difference at p≤0.05, while yield weight variations in dry weight reveals corncob were significant at value (0.0532). Result on fruiting duration variation reveals that corncob, rice straw, soft sawdust was significant (P≤0.05) while the composite mixture was not significant at p≤0.05. Variation in harvesting duration reveals that soft sawdust, rice straw, corncobs were significantly higher than composite and hard sawdust. Result on biological efficiency reveals highes in rice straw(13.5%),corncorb(12.8%) and lowest softsawdust(0.01%). Considering all the parameters investigated; corncob and rice straw are recommended as the best substrates for the cultivation of oyster mushroom for better growth and yield performance than other bio-waste substrate medium. Keywords: Sawdust, Bio-waste, Growth, Mushroom, Substrate, Yield Performance
The study analyzed the influence of shade and temperature in germination and early growth rate of Bombax buonopozense. A total of 300 seeds were collected and sown in 300 polypots (3kg per pot) filled with topsoil. For the site and treatment preparation, three different light shades were selected. Two of the treatments (forest gap and dense shade) were located in the Arboretum while the third site (open shade) was located in the Nursery, both in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management. The six germination conditions/treatments and their average light levels (illumination) obtained using the Lux meter of ×10 magnification were: Open Shade/Control: 447.5 Lux (treatment 1); Medium Shade: 157.5 Lux (treatment 2); Forest gap: 12.5 lux (treatment 3); Dense Shade: 3.2 Lux (treatment 4); white cellophane: 317.5 (treatment 5); black cellophane: -0.3 lux (treatment 6). Thus, 50 seeds were sown under each treatment plot. Data was analysed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) while the means was separated using Duncans Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The highest germination percentage (68%) was recorded under the medium shade compared to the other shade treatments. The highest mean temperature (32.48) was recorded for the white cellophane plot with a percentage germination of 50%. The early growth stage of B. buonopozense which show highest average seedling height of 10.38cm was recorded under the white cellophane treatment while forest gap seedlings had the least average height growth of 4.42cm at 6 weeks after germination (WAG). Moderate shade and temperature are therefore recommended for the germination and early growth of B. buonopozense.
This study evaluates the impact of involvement of stakeholders in forest policy formulation and implementation in South-west Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions to gather relevant data from the forest stakeholders in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States of South-west Nigeria. The respondents were made up of Forest Officers, Saw-millers, Timber Contractors and Forest Community. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that only 16% of the saw-millers and little above 10.0% of the timber contractors indicated that they were involved in decision-making processes as regards the forest reserves. 30.3% of the respondents in forest community indicated that they were involved in decision-making. In all, 35.0 % of the Forestry Officials, 32.0 % among the Sawmillers, 34.0 % among the Timber Contractors and 41.0 % among the rural people in the forest reserves perceive the forestry policy implementation as adequate. There is need for adequate involvement of stakeholders in policy formulation towards sustainable forest management. It is recommended that the nation reviewed its existing forest policy and approves a unified National Forest Policy in line with the emerging forest issues as well as sustainably manages the forest estate.
The study on the effect of honeybee flora diversity on honey production was carried out in six selected local government areas of Kwara State between May 2018 and April 2019. The survey of the plants in the study area was done twice a week in all the locations during the study period. The plants identified and their relative abundance were determined. A total of 38 honeybee flora species categorized into 13 families with Fabaceae 11 (28.9%) being the highly visited followed by the families: Anacardiaceae 6 (15.8%) and Moraceae (15.8%). The flowering periods of the plants differed seasonally, with more flowering in the rainy season. The extensive cultivation and propagation, and conservation of these important honeybees plant species in the study area were suggested to improve honey production in Kwara State.
This study was aimed at evaluating different methods of irrigation based on parametric evaluation method for Chanchaga irrigation scheme, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at various rooting depths of 0-15 cm, 15-40 cm and 40-75 cm, the collected samples were analysed for physical properties. Various suitability classes were generated for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods using the capability index. The results revealed that the use of drip irrigation system for soil depths of 0-15 cm and 15 -40 cm within the study area were found to be suitable and not suitable for deep rooted areas of 40-75 cm. The sprinkler irrigation method was found to be suitable for study locations 3 and 4 at depths of 15-40 cm. At depths 40-75 cm, drip irrigation method was found suitable for locations 1, 2 and 5 while locations 3 and 4 supports the use of sprinkler irrigation method. It is therefore concluded that the sprinkler and drip irrigation methods are both highly favoured for irrigation purpose in the Chanchaga irrigation scheme.
Soil erosion is one of the most important environmental issues in natural and synthetic territories. It can lead to loss of fertility, slope instability, soil truncation; etc. which causes irreversible effects on the poorly renewable soil resource. Therefore, understanding the key parameters and factors to model soil erosion will enable the conservation of soil system goods, services and resources, and will avoid the damage outside of fields caused by transported and accumulated sediments and water. In view of this, a review was carried out on previous studies to examine the concept of soil erosion and review various soil models widely used in literature. It was found that several models are used for soil assessment and prediction and these models are classified into physical (e.g. WEPP), conceptual (SEDNET) and empirical (USLE). The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its modifications were found to be the most commonly used soil erosion models due to its simplicity, ease of use and the ability to integrate the various ecosystem parameters successfully. Furthermore, it was found that one of the major limitations associated with the use of models is lack of data for validation especially in large areas where obtaining ground data is not feasible. Although some researchers have suggested the use of correlation between modeled erosion results with factors such as land cover and management factor and soil erodibility factor as well as results of land use change analyses as alternatives for validation purpose. Others correlate the predicted soil erosion results with that of sediment yield. Some validated their soil erosion data with results of land use change analyses, slope length and slope steepness factor, land cover and management factor and soil erodibility factor. However, there is still ambiguity in the knowledge of our understanding as to which soil erosion prediction model to use. Keywords: soil erosion, model, validation, USLE, RUSLE
This research was geared towards the study on the effect of soil nutrient concentrations on the quantity of tannin and flavonoid deposited in Gmelina arborea fruit located in Onigambari forest reserve within latitude 7o 23’ N and longitude 3o 33’ E and environs of Ijebu-Ife which lies within latitude 6o 47’ N and longitude 4o 2’ E. Soil samples and 50 Gmelina arborea fresh fruits were collected from each location, the pulps and seeds were air dried for 15 days at room temperature to reduce its moisture content, and then grinded into powdery forms before being subjected to Trease and Evans technique to screen for the Tannin and Flavonoid quantity. The results were subjected to both t-test and analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.0 version. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability. The seed (0.54 g) and pulp (0.45 g) harvested from Ijebu-Ife have higher concentration of tannin compared with Onigambari seed (0.06 g) and pulp (0.12 g), also flavonoid concentration of seed (0.11 g) and pulp (0.24 g) of Onigambari is lower than that of Ijebu Ife seed (0.35 g) and pulp (0.40 g). The study shows that variations in soil nutrient concentration levels, soil pH and soil textural class of different locations will influence the quantity of Tannin and Flavonoid of Gmelina arborea fruit. The study further revealed that soil nutrient at concentrations levels that are high and tending towards toxicity will reduce deposits of plant phytochemicals which is a quality parameter in plant nutrition.
This study set to evaluate the recent forest cover of Oluwa forest and its future status. The 18-year interval (2002 and 2020) land cover maps used in this study were produced using Landsat images for these years. The image processing and analysis were carried out in Idrisi environment. CA-Markov analysis was run in Idrisi software to test a pair of land cover images and outputs a transition probability matrix and a transition areas matrix for the analysis and prediction of forest cover Results showed that there was a continuous increase in forest cover and decrease in non-forest area. Degraded forest increased from 3.7% in 2002 to 3.92%in 2020. Projection revealed that the forest reserve will experience increase in forest cover by about 0.1% in 2038. It also showed a projected gain of 0.39% and 0.98% forest loss (from degraded and non-forest areas in 2038. This development poses severe ecological disorder as such would alter surface energy balance. To avert this ecological threat, the activities of loggers and other anthropogenic activities within the study area should be checked.
The study was designed to assess the germination performance of seeds from moist heat and dry heat softened fruits of D. edulis. Ripe fruits were harvested from mother trees and mixed together to mute any effects due to genotype and subjected to two heat treatments: forty-eight fruits were soaked in warm water at 57oC in the moist heat treatment, while a total of twenty fruits were placed on cooling hotplate at (54oC) in the dry heat treatment. Seeds were propagated in clear polythene bags 0.1 mm thick and 100 x 150 mm dimension at 26oC room temperature in a completely randomized design experimental layout. Data collected include: number of days before germination, germination count, total number of germinated seed, and duration of germination. While germination characteristics evaluated were: dormancy period, mean germination speed, mean daily germination, mean germination time, and germination capacity. Data analysis was carried out using Mann-Whitney U-test after a normality test confirmed data was non-normal. The results showed that dormancy period in seeds from dry heat softened fruits was 9 days and moist heat softened fruits 10 days: seeds from moist heat softened fruits however recorded higher mean germination speed (4 seed), germination capacity (100 %), mean daily germination (3 seeds), and lower mean germination time (8 days): while seeds from dry heat softened fruits recorded lower mean germination speed (0.33), germination capacity (55%), mean daily germination (1 seed), and higher meangermination time. There was a significant difference in germination performance of the two heat treatment methods. Dry heat penetrating D. edulis seed reduced the germination performance. Keywords: germination characteristics, propagation
Illegal logging is a major problem for many timber-producing countries in the developing world.The damage caused by illegal activities and corrupt practices in the Nigerian forest is a problem of enormous proportions. The study assessed forest offences among stakeholders and its implication on sustainable forest management in six States of South-west Nigeria with a view to recommending policy options for sustainable forest management. The States include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti. The survey was conducted through the use of structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. The respondents were made up of forest officers, saw-millers, timber contractors, and people living within and around the Forest Reserves. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Identified Forest Offences in Forest Reserves were illegal felling of trees (19.8%), illegal farming (18.9%), arson (15.9%), illegal hunting (15.7%), trespassing (15.2%) and misuse of pass-hammer (14.5%). There was no significant variation in the proportion of Forest offences across the States. Illegal felling of trees was the most common Forest offence among both the saw-millers (97.2%) and timber contractors (94.8%), while hunting in the Reserves was the most common Forest offence among farmers (80.0%). Among forestry officials, 54.0% indicated that forestry officials aided Forest offences. It is recommended that Government should provide forestry officials with the necessary financial support, equipment, communication and transportation to enable them carry out their work promptly and efficiently. In addition, stiffer penalties should be meted out to forest offenders to serve as deterrent to others.
