Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Effect of Farmers – Herdsmen Crisis on Yam Production in Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
No full textThe study analyzed effect of crisis on yam production in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; determine the effect of socio-economic variables on yam production, determine the factors affecting yam production, and to compare the gross margin of yam production before and after crisis in the study area. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for this study and a total of sixty (60) respondents were sampled for this study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics which involves use frequency, percentages and the gross margin analysis. The study revealed that before the conflict the total variable cost was 233,288.4 while after the conflict, the total variable cost was 172310. The study conclude that price of fertilizer was doubled after conflict thereby reducing production. The result shows that 17.6% of the respondent’s stopped producing yam because of the fear of conflict. And also, there was a reduction in food production between the period of the conflicts and peaceful disposition. The study therefore recommend that government should develop policies and strategies to curtail future occurrence of crisis among farmers and herdsmen, and focus more on giving incentives to farmers and subsidy on farm inputs such as fertilizer, improved varieties, chemicals among others to boost food crop production, farmers income level and to ensure maximum security on lives and properties of prospective citizens and farmers
Aboveground Net Primary Production at Acacia mangium Plantation in Northern Vietnam
No full textNet primary production (NPP) is an important index for understanding carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. In this study, aboveground NPP at Acacia mangium plantation was estimated basing on allometry for aboveground biomass increment (ΔM) and litter trap technique for litterfall (Lf). The experiment was conducted in two plots of 300 m2 each (15 × 20 m), established at a 21-month old plantation. Data were collected five times of 3-month intervals in a total duration of 357 days. The results indicated that Lf and ΔM were seasonal-dependent. Litterfall was highest (4.06 g m-1 day-1) during Sep-Jan (late rainy season, early winter) and lowest (1.10 g m-1 day-1) during Mar-Jun (early rainy season, early summer). While, ΔM was highest (13.51 g m-1 day-1) during Jun-Sep (rainy season, summer) and lowest (3.10 g m-1 day-1) during Jan-Mar (dry season, winter). Total Lf in a duration of 357 days was 9.69 tons ha-1 and ΔM was 27.71 tons ha-1, leading to total aboveground NPP of the present study plantation of 37.40 tons ha-1. It is concluded that aboveground NPP of acacia plantation was much higher than other forests of different types and ages around the world. Such difference indicates the importance of acacia plantation in soil nutrient cycling through litterfall decomposition and carbon sequestration through aboveground biomass increment
Effect of Planting Method and Density on Initial Growth of Carya tonkinensis – a Multipurpose Tree
No full textCarya tonkinensis Lecomte is a multipurpose tree species, naturally distributing in India, China, and Vietnam. Extract from leaves of C. tonkinensis contains pinostrobin acting as anti-bacteria and anti-infection. It is used as traditional medicine. Seeds are edible and contain oil. In addition, seed cover can be used to produce activated charcoal. Therefore, growing C. tonkinensis may contribute to poverty reduction in mountainous areas. This study aims to analyze suitable planting method and density for growing C. tonkinensis in Son La province, Northwestern Vietnam. Three treatments in planting method were considered: mixed planting of C. tonkinensis and Chukrasia tabularis, pure planting and scattered planting. Four treatments in planting density were considered: 625 plants/ha, 830 plants/ha, 1,000 plants/ha and 1,100 plants/ha. Stem height and stump diameter (Do) were measured at one year after planting, and death trees were counted for survival rate. The results indicated that scattered planting is the most suitable for C. tonkinensis and pure planting could also be applied. Meanwhile, planting density of 625 plants/ha (spacing of 4 × 4 m) and 830 plants/ha (spacing of 3 × 4 m) achieved the best performance. In both planting densities, the survival rate of the plants achieved >90%, their growths were >80 cm in height and >0.8 cm in Do after planting one year. It is recommended that site preparation should be conducted by cutting bands of 2 m width and un-cutting bands of 2 m. In addition, seedlings of >1-year old, which are taller than 0.6 m, should be used to ensure higher survival and growths of plants
Farm Level Indicators of Sustainable Land Management: Effect on Agricultural Production in Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textFarmland sustainability and increased agricultural production have been a major concern of average farmers in Nigeria especially in South Western part of the Country. The study examines the farm level indicators and their effects on agricultural production among rural farmers. Multi-stage methods of sampling technique were used to select fifty respondents for this study using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed by the use of descriptive such as means, percentage, standard deviation and fuzzy logic analysis. The result shows that average age of farmer, farm size, household size and farming experience are 52.28 years, 2.072 hectare, 6.80 and 29.42 years of farming experience respectively. The fuzzy logic method was used to compute the composite indicator of sustainable land use (ISLU) which was 0.2843 indicating that farmers' land management practices in the study area are generally sustainable with the current application of the indicators. Land fallowing, trends of vegetative cover, irrigation, pesticide used among others contributed a higher percentage of land use sustainability with about 3.8% each, while minimum tillage, cover crops, crop rotation and cassava cutting use had no contribution to land use sustainability. The study recommends that rural water should be made available and that informal training through extension services should be conducted to educate farmers on sustainable land management (SLM) practices in order to have a better environment and improve production in the study area
Vegetative Propagation of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. by Air Layering under Sahelian Climate in Niger
No full textBalanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. is a fruit species from the Sahelian and Sudano-sahelian zones, highly appreciated by the population. It provides a source of income for the rural population and its various parts are used for human and animal food, handicrafts and traditional medicine. However, the lack of data on propagation techniques of the species is a significant limitation to its domestication. This study aims to evaluate the vegetative propagation capacity of Balanites aegyptiaca by air layering. The trials were conducted in the Arboretum of Sahara Sahel Foods in Zinder, Niger. The layers were placed on orthotropic branches. The variables selected were the diameter class (1-2 cm, 2-3 cm and 3-4 cm) and the substrates (sand+manure, sand+sawdust and sand). A total of 116 layers were made. The results show that 93.1% of the layers have taken root two months after realization. The diameter classes and the three substrates have no significant influence on the number of roots. In contrast, root length varied significantly with substrates (P = 0.000) and branch diameter classes (P = 0.031). As for the diameter of the newly formed roots, a significant difference was observed between the diameter classes and the substrates have no significant effect on this parameter. One month after weaning of layers, an average survival rate of 68.5% was obtained. The seedlings of the diameter class 2-3 cm have the highest survival rate (83.1%). These results suggest that it is possible to produce Balanites aegyptiaca plants by air layering, and could contribute to the development of strategies adapted to its domestication
Effect of Deforestation on Rural Household Income in Selected Forest Dependent Commuinities in Odeda Local Council Area of Ogun State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was carried out to examine deforestation and rural household income with a view to ensuring conservation. A multistage sampling procedure with a 3-stage design was used for this study. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from 120 respondents in Odeda local council area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke indices of poverty metrics was used to determine the poverty line of households. Smith’s saliency was used to determine the livelihood activities in selected communities. The result showed that respondents were gender sensitive, majority (58.3%) were male and (41.7%) female. On age, 41 – 50 (45.8%) years recorded the highest. The mean age was 50 years. Most of the respondents were married (68.6%) while majority, (52.5%) have low literacy level attaining only secondary education. Household size 1 - 5 recorded the highest, (76.7%) of the total population. Mean household size was 5. The study area was dominated by Yoruba (77.5%). Major occupation income recorded a mean of N17, 000 Naira while minor occupation income recorded a mean of N4308.37 Naira. Poverty line of N122, 700 Naira was determined with poverty incidence (P0) of (21.67%). The poverty gap (P1), (5.09%) indicating that an average respondent requires N6, 245.43 Naira to reach the poverty line. The poverty severity (P2) was (0.02) showing that the respondents were not poor because the value is far from 1. Socio economic factors promoting deforestation were identified among the respondents with marital status as the only significant variable (P<0.05) and a negatively coefficient value of -2.281. Conclusively, deforestation was identified with livelihood activities of the people such as hunting, farming and trading of forest products. Therefore, it is recommended that forestry extension programmes should be intensified in rural communities to minimize deforestation activities and promote eco-consciousness among the local people
Tree Species Diversity of Ikogosi Warm Spring and Arinta Waterfall Watersheds, Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Ecotourism
No full textAn in-depth knowledge of the richness, diversity and species composition of plant community is vital for providing information for planning and sustainable utilization. This study assesses the diversity of tree species of Ikogosi warm spring and Arinta waterfall watersheds in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Direct observation and vegetation assessment were used for data collection in two hectares (ha) of land divided into four plots of 50 m by 50 m in each of the two study sites (Ikogosi warm spring and Arinta waterfall). Two plots were diagonally selected within each hectare. All living trees of basal diameter ≥10 cm were identified and classified into families. Shannon-Weiner diversity index, species evenness, relative density (RD), relative dominance (RD0) and importance value index (IVI) were used to assess and compare tree species diversity and abundance. Sorenson’s coefficient was used to compare sites for overlapping of similarity. The results revealed that seventy eight (78) species and 25 families were recorded in both watersheds with family Malvaceae having the highest species density (15). Malacantha alnifolia (5) and Voacanga africana (5) were the species most frequently encountered. Species diversity indices revealed vegetation with very high tree species diversity and abundance in the two study sites. Species evenness value revealed even distribution in Arinta waterfall than in Ikogosi warm spring. Diameter and height distribution of trees at the two watersheds indicates a forest structure that is immature and still expanding. Anthocleista vogelii, has the highest value of RD0 (15.63) and IVI (10.6) respectively. The study revealed that some species such as Anthonotha macrophylla, Aningeria robusta, Bridelia atroviridis, among others are threatened and endangered. Consequently, it was recommended that management strategies should be put in place to improve status of the watersheds while conservation efforts should be stepped up for species with rarity index value to prevent them from going into extinction
Impact of Homestead Agroforestry on Socio-economic Condition of the Respondents at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh
No full textThis study was conducted at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh during January to September 2015 to explore the impact of homestead agroforestry on the socio economic condition of the respondents and to explore their relationships with the selected characteristics of the respondents. Face to face interview was performed with 135 respondents to collect the data with the help of questionnaire. Eight different characteristics of the farmers namely; educations, farm size, homestead size, annual income, annual expenditure, savings, knowledge on homestead agroforestry, socio-economic class of the respondents showed significant positive relationships with the numbers of diversified plant species, while negative relationship of diversified plant species was observed with age and family size. Agro forestry based practices plays a vital role to uplift the socio-economic classes of the respondents. For uses of agroforestry products, annual savings and expenditures the highest decisions comes from females 45% and 41% followed by male 38% and 39% respectively. In other cases also female participation is greater than male respondents. Results conclude that homestead agroforestry is a unique area for maintaining both plant diversity and productivity for farmers’ livelihood in the studied area
Effects of Boiled Water Pre-Sowing Treatment on the Germination and Early Growth Performance of Faidherbia albida in Three Ecological Zones of Ghana
No full textAims: To identify an appropriate boiled water pre-sowing treatment regime for improved germination, survival and early growth performance of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., in three ecological zones of Ghana.
Study Design: The design was a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates, where the three different ecological zones were considered as blocks.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bolgatanga (Guinea Savannah Zone), Abofuor (Forest-Savannah Transitional Zone), and Kumasi-Mesewam (Moist Semi-deciduous Forest Zone) between April 2017 and April 2018.
Methodology: Matured seeds of F. albida were harvested, dried and cleaned. For each treatment replicate, one hundred F. albida seeds were immersed in boiled water (100ºC) for 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 seconds and then, soaked in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Seeds were then sown in drills on well prepared seed beds, and then observed for germination. Watering was done to keep the soil moist until the onset of germination.
Results: There were significant interactive effects between ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments with respect to Final germination percentage (P<0.001), Germination rates (P<0.001) and Survival percentage (P=0.007). Root length (P=0.040), total plant length (P=0.040) and Number of leaves (P<0.001) also exhibited significant interactive effects due to ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments. Roots were significantly longer in the GSZ than in the more humid ecological zones whereas stems were significantly longer in the MSFZ than in the drier GSZ.
Conclusion: Different durations of F. albida seeds in boiled water had different effects on germination and growth in the different ecological zones
Community Dependency and Conservation Practices in Khagrachari, Bangladesh: A Study on Management of Village Common Forests (VCFs)
No full textForest is one of the main sources of different resources where indigenous communities are mostly dependent on the forest for their sustainable management of life. Following the dependency of indigenous communities on natural resources and their conservation practices and development of Village Common Forest (VCF) in Chittagong hill tracts. Present study was conducted at Haduk Para and Hridoy Member Para VCF’s in Khagrachari, Bangladesh to understand the dependency and practices of villagers on the VCF for their livelihood and other resources. Among different types of products extracted from Haduk Para and Hridoy Member Para, the monetary value was highest (14700 BDT and 22400 BDT, respectively) for timber but fuelwood is the most extracted product (1930 Kg HH-1Yr-1 and 2470 Kg HH-1Yr-1, respectively) they have collected from VCF. Besides, to fulfill daily personal needs different plant edible products, fauna, and medicinal plants have been collected by the community people from both VCFs. In case of conservation purpose, Hridoy Member Para giving more priority for protecting the source of water resources where the majority from Haduk Para community replied that their priority was to avert natural calamities. However, both the VCFs community have taken some initiatives to reduce the pressure from the forest floor like enrichment planting, non-wood forest products cultivation, regional training for handicraft manufacturing and alternative income generation activities for the villagers. Therefore, safeguarding forest and biodiversity resources and at the same time improving the livelihood security for the indigenous communities, nowadays is mandatory to protect and manage these VCFs from being degraded