Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Farmers’ Preferences for Farming Enclaves in Forest Reserves of South-West, Nigeria: A Discrete Choice Experiment
No full textAims: Acquiring suitable land for agricultural purposes is a challenge for most prospective farmers in South-West, Nigeria. This makes them acquire lands in government-owned forest reserves with special contractual agreements. Therefore, we evaluate farmers’ preferences for selected attributes of farming enclaves in four hypothetical forest reserves in South-West, Nigeria.
Study Design: An orthogonal main effects design was used to construct the choice sets used for preference elicitation.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in December, 2017 in randomly selected communities of Oluyole Local government area of Oyo State, South-West, Nigeria.
Methodology: Focus group discussions and relevant literature search were conducted to identify the relevant attributes. Four hypothetical forest reserves were considered and the selected attributes were size of the farmland, type of cropping system and land rent fee per hectare. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select 100 farmers and data were collected via face-to- interview. Multinomial logit model was used to analyse the data and willingness to pay for each of the selected attributes was also calculated.
Results and Conclusion: We find that farmers value intercropping system the most. The coefficient of land rent fee (per hectare) is negative and significant implying that farmers obtain higher utility from very low land rent fees. They are willing to pay an extra 12.50 US Dollars land rent fees (per hectare) to have intercropping on a particular farming enclave while avoiding other enclaves with other cropping systems. Farm size and taungya do not contribute significantly to the farmers’ choice of farming enclave. These results will help forest reserve managers in formulating policies that will benefit farmers without jeopardising efficient management of forest resources
Germination of Balsa Seedlings (Ochroma lagopus Swartz) under Different Sowing Media in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea
No full textA good sowing media ensures better anchorage of plants, provides a reservoir of nutrients and water, and enhance gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. Balsa (Ochroma lagopus Swartz); Vimmy variety, has proven its versatility in producing some of the best phenotypic characteristics such as higher jorquette height, less branching and high log volumes. This experiment was carried out using a combination of three different local materials; local garden soil, pumice soil and sawdust but in different combination ratios aimed to investigate the best combinations. Six treatments were tested: T1= Pure Garden soil, T2= Pumice, T3= Control (75% large coarse sawdust, 25% pure garden soil), T4= Pure Sawdust, T5= 50% medium coarse sawdust, 50% pure soil, and, T6= 33% medium coarse sawdust, 33% Pumice, 33% Pure garden Soil. The daily average germination count in Treatment 5 (50% medium coarse sawdust & 50% pure soil) produced constant germinations from day fifteen (15) to day twenty one (21). Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 showed high variations in their daily average germination for the same period but did not produce a constant supply of germinations. Treatment 5 had the highest emergence rate index (ERI=71.76) followed by treatment 1 (ERI=66.59). Treatment 4 had the third highest seedling emergence (ERI=63.74) followed by treatment 3 (ERI=59.37), treatment 6 (ERI=57.22) and treatment 2 (ERI=53.81) at the lowest continuum. Substrates containing 50% soil and 50% medium coarse sawdust are regarded as better sowing media for O. lagopus seedlings
An Overview on the Current Status and Conservation Practices of Forest Land and Plant Diversity of Bangladesh
No full textThe study is based on intensive survey of relevant literature which reviews the present status, threats, conservation initiatives and major legislation related to conservation of forest ecosystems and plant diversity. The three natural forests (Hill, Sal and mangrove forest) are the key habitats of plant diversity and cover about 2 million hectares of land. Despite a flora diversity rich country, the existence of many plant species is currently under threat as evident by continuous degradation of natural forest in Bangladesh. There is an increasing pressure on the biodiversity of this country to meet the needs of the increasing population of Bangladesh. As a result, many plant species are gradually declining and are facing extinction. Over exploitation of natural ecosystems, land use changes, permanent infrastructures in natural ecosystems, illegal logging, natural disasters, climate change effects and limited forest protected areas (FPAs) are key threats to plant diversity. Government has made some initiative to conserve the remaining plant diversity including declaration of FPAs, national conservation strategies and establishment of environment related acts. At present 47 FPAs are established as in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches to preserve plant diversity. Several preservation plots, clone banks and arboreta are also functioning as conservation approaches. The country has several laws that address forest and biodiversity conservation, several of which has been amended in last decade. Recently the country has taken some policies and projects in small scale to ensure effective conservation of plant diversity through sustainable management practices. Although co-management by FPAs authority and local participant has some advantageous effects, the existing conservation practices are still poor to effective conservation of flora diversity
Domestication of Wild Fruit Trees in Communities of Mayo-Belwa LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria
No full textThe study was carried out to assess the domestication of wild fruit trees in communities of Mayo-Belwa LGA of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Seven wards within the LGA (Tola, Mayo-Fareng, Binyeri, Gangfada, Gorobi, Gangwaso and Nasarawo Jereng) were selected for Agroforestry. 14 farms from each of the selected wards were randomly sampled and surveyed for observation and recording of indigenous fruit trees on the farms and also by ocular inspecting the proportion of farm land under fruit trees cultivation. Results shows that preference matrix ranking was used to generate a species priority list of indigenous fruit trees preferred by the local people through the use of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as table, frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data obtained which includes, proportion of indigenous fruit trees DBH ranging (10.1-45.1), basal area ranging (80.1-1597.8), agricultural crops grown alongside fruit trees, local people towards wild fruit trees domestication, socio-economic variables of the respondents, and opportunities and constraints to on-farm cultivation of indigenous fruit trees. The result of the findings indicated that indigenous fruit trees species on-farm was relatively moderate:- The average proportion of farmland under indigenous fruit trees DBH was however low in Gorobi ward and higher in Binyeri ward. Some of the preferred indigenous wild fruit trees were Vitallaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica among others. The study recommended that in order for indigenous fruit trees to meaningfully contribute to household food security and incomes, there is need to: Formulate clear policies and by-laws on conservation of indigenous tree resources. Trees are assets, which contribute to the well-being of the rural community and through their longevity, serve as a cultural linking element throughout generations. Policy-makers and decision-makers also need to be kept informed of the latest advances in domestication and commercialization
Influence of Pre-sowing Treatments on the Germination of Prosopis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. Seeds
No full textAims: The application of pre-sowing treatment has greatly improved the germination of seeds of tree species used in afforestation programmes all over the world. This study aimed to determine the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Prosopis africana seeds.
Study Design: The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from 11th November to 30th December 2019atthe Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Ten seeds each were soaked in ten treatments: tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) for 10, 20 and 30 minutes; hot water for 6, 12 and 24 hours; and cold water for 3, 5 and 7 days. Ten seeds from each of the treatments were sown in a germination box containing sterilized river bank sand and each replicated five (5) times. Percentage germinations for each treatment were arcsine transformed, subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% probability level.
Results: The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in germination. The seeds treated with acid for 30 minutes had the highest mean (51.405) and standard deviation (8.983), seeds soaked in cold water for 3 days and 7 days had no germination.
Conclusion: The study concluded that soaking Prosopis africana seeds for 30 minutes in H2SO4 breaks its dormancy, hence, was recommended for improved seed germination
Sensitivity of Genotype by Environment Interaction Models to Outlying Observations
No full textPlant breeding program depends on its ability to provide farmers with genotypes with guaranteed superior performance (phenotype) in terms of yield and/or quality across a range of environmental conditions. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to have an understanding of the model suitable for or leading to a good phenotype. In this study, two cases of scenarios were considered to have a clearer view of the performance of Genotype by Environment Interaction on the following four models; Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Finlay Wilkinson (FW), Genotype and Genotype by Environment Interaction (GGE) and Mixed Model. We experiment the inference behind the violation of the assumption of normal distribution by observing the data contamination of two case scenarios (Lowest and Highest outlying observations). It was observed on the two data Types of Balance and Unbalance designs with different Levels of generations. We achieved that by comparative performance of the data contamination techniques under the two case scenarios; Case I scenario was done for Lowest Outlying Observations where 50%, 100% and 500% data contamination on the First Quarter (P1), Mid quarter (P2) and Last Quarter (P3). We then deduced from the result of the model evaluation that, at each levels of data contamination for Balance and Unbalance design, Mixed model was the ideal model for interaction. Case II scenario was done for Highest Outlying Observations where 50%, 100% and 500% data contamination on the First Quarter (P1), Mid quarter (P2) and Last Quarter (P3) were examined on each levels of generations. We then observed from the result of the model evaluation that, at each levels of data contamination for Balance and Unbalance design, Mixed model also outperformed the other three models
Forest Dependency and Conservation Attitude of Indigenous Communities: Lessons from Komolchari Village Common Forest of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
No full textAims: The study explored the role of Komolchari Village Common Forest (VCF) of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh in the development of the socio-economic condition of the local communities and their perceptions about VCF conservation and management.
Study Design: The research is conducted through rigorous literature review and semi-structured household interview of the associated communities of the study area.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in three villages around Komolchari VCF from February 2014 to January 2015. It is located in sadar upazila of Khagrachhari hilly district.
Methodology: We selected the households through simple random sampling. The households were categorized into three groups based on their socio-economic status. Results were presented together as there were no significant differences between datasets obtained from the three villages.
Results: Agriculture is the major occupation of the poor, whereas medium and rich peoples were doing business and service. Forest products i.e. fuel-wood, pole, bamboo, wild fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants are regularly collected by the poor in a higher amount than that of medium and rich socio-economic groups. The study indicated 74% of the poor households extracted their necessary fuel wood from the VCF. Forest dependency showed that 31% households receive more than 40% of total annual income from the VCF. Traditionally, the VCF has been managed by the communities, but presently they formed a organization for management. Interventions of government and non-government organizations rose mass awareness about forest, biodiversity, and environment, which made them feel responsible for VCF management and conservation. Thus, 85% people expressed their interest to participate in the conservation initiatives.
Conclusion: Poor dwellers are more dependent on the Komolchari VCF as they extract more forest resources than the higher income groups. Thus, poor might be the major target group for further development to reduce their forest dependency
Profitability of Trade in Moringa oleifera (LAM) Fresh Leaves in Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigates the profitability of trade in Moringa oleifera (Lam) Fresh Leaves and also examine the Socio-economic characteristics of Traders in Taraba State, between June, 2018 and May, 2019. Applying a multistage Sampling approach, 342 and 97 traders were randomly selected and administered with questionnaire in the wet and dry seasons respectively, to elicit data, which were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results on the socio-economic variables showed that female traders (94.7%), age class 31-40 (36.3%), Married (65.5%), Household size of 8 members and above (69.6%) and non-formal education (51.8%) featured dominantly in moringa fresh leaves trade. Furthermore, Gross Margin (GM) analysis showed that the monthly income from Moringa oleifera (Lam) fresh leaves was highest (N372.50 ± 125.15) in Ibi Local Government Area (LGA), while Bali LGA had the least GM of (N 88.83 ± 91.40) in the wet season. In the dry season, Gashaka LGA had the highest GM of N 228.00 (± 78.55), while Jalingo LGA was the least with GM of N 57.50 (± 86.68). The comparison of GM and Quantity of leaves sold (QLS) in the dry and rainy seasons were not significantly different. The Rate of Returns on Investment (RORI), Gross Margin Index (GMI) and Unit Price (UP) in the rainy and dry seasons were significantly at 0.05 level of probability. It is therefore recommended that Government and Non-government organisations (NGOs) should educate the traders on the marketing of Moringa oleifera leaves; Government and NGOs should also make loans available at one-digit rate; Government should put in place a security outfit to curtail the incessant crisis in Taraba; and traders should form cooperative society to access loans with the Bank of Industry through the Anchor Borrower scheme
Factors Affecting Timber Production in Akwa Ibom State (Nigeria) and the Way Forward
No full textIn Akwa Ibom State, timber is used for building, construction, furniture making, transmission pole, pulp and paper, and chemicals. Timber harvesting, processing and utilization had remained a big business to quite a number of people with its attendant forest destruction and deforestation. The State was richly endowed with forest resources, which are of great benefit to man but the high demand and continuous harvesting of timber products in the State ecosystems without any deliberate sustainable management programmes has resulted in the over-harvesting and complete devastation of the standing stock of indigenous wood species. In addition, indiscriminate exploitation of these resources has caused depletion of forest leading to serious timber deficit. This work has discussed factors affecting timber production in Akwa Ibom State and the way forward. The paper has identified deforestation and ‘dereservation’, overexploitation of forest resources, revenues target by government, population growth and infrastructure expansion, non-participation of the private sector in forest development, amongst others, as factors responsible for the decline of timber resources in the state. The paper recommends that reforestation and afforestation programmes, conservation of natural forests, private sector participation in forest management, adoption of agroforestry system and sustainable management of natural resources can improve timber production in the State
Relationship Underlying Seedlings Composition and Abundance of Mature Tree Species at Coral Rag Forest of Mnarani Ruins
No full textThe tropical regions have a rich diversity of tree species which provide the basis for a number of different forms and scales of economic activity. This study therefore was conducted with an aim of enhancing the knowledge of tree species diversity (seedlings and mature trees), and their relationship at the site. The experiment was laid out in three transects and quadrants in the forest: for mature trees the transects measured 100 m by 20 m, whereas for the seedlings quadrants measured 5 m by 5 m. That is along the ocean (T1), along human settlement (T2) and along the forest path (T3). Data was collected by counting mature trees species and seedlings. Data was analysed using R software 3.4.4 and results showed that a total of 22 tree species were recorded in the forest. In T1, the highest (22) species richness was recorded with 4 tree species restricted to the site (Bourellia nemoralis, Flueggia virosa, Turraea wakefieldii and Eryithrinia abyssinica). Combretum schumanii was most abundant in mature trees (89) followed by Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius (36), Ochna thomasiana (21) and Adansonia digitata (14). All the above abundant species except Adanosnia digitata (2) were also abundant in seedlings with (189), (11) and (21) seedlings respectively. In T2, 9 tree species were recorded. Azadirachta indica was the most dominant in both mature trees (40) and seedlings (261) while Sterculia appendiculata recorded the lowest (1) and (0) respectively. T3 was rich with three exotic tree species namely Delonyx regia, Azadirachta digitata and Lannea schweinfurthii. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius was the most common with (35) followed by Combretum schumanii (11). While the seedlings were (23) and (67) respectively. In conclusion, it was evident that anthropogenic factors reduced species richness and the corag rag forest had more indeginous tree species and good seed recruitment