Ensuring
people's participation in social forestry
F.
O. Idumah, J. E. Abu and A. Yahaya
Forestry
Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 5054, Ibadan. Nigeria.
Abstract:
This
paper examines the important role of social forestry in the reduction
or alleviation of rural poverty in Nigeria. Apart from involving the
local communities in the fight against environmental problems like
soil erosion, deforestation, pollution, it is also a veritable way of
providing food for the rural people.
There
are however factors militating against this concepts; these include
poverty, and hunger, land tenure system and food production without a
corresponding appreciation of the full prospects of tree growing.
To
be able to reap the full benefits of social forestry, there is need to
streamline and strengthen the information link between the local
communities and the foresters so as to ensure the full participation
of the rural people. Any pattern of social forestry introduced in any
area must take into consideration the bio-physical and environmental
conditions of the community. The existing land tenure system that does
not favour the generality of the people should be reviewed.
Social
forestry is people oriented programme and for it to succeed and be
meaningful, people's participation is the very key factor and should
be solicited.
Key
words: people's
participation, social forestry, tree planting.
Bridging
the gap between forestry education and sustainable forestry
development in Nigeria
Ogar,
D. A. Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar,
Nigeria
and
Angba,
A. O. Department of Agric. Econs/Ext. University of Calabar. Nigeria.
Abstract:
Forestry
education is one of the vital factors that can contribute to the
sustainable development of forestry sub-sector in any country. In
Nigeria, there is a big gap between forestry education and sustainable
forestry development. The paper examines the development of forestry
education and deforestation in the country. Also, it examines how non-
availability of land, political factor, inadequate funding, poverty
etc. hinders sustainable forestry development in the country. The
paper concluded by suggesting that forestry education should evolve
from the colonial forestry curricula to enable forestry institutions
in Nigeria handle contemporary forestry issues in the country.
Environmental
effects of oil spillage on ruralcommunities in Ughelli South local
government area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Z.
O. Opafunso
Department
of Mining Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Nigeria.
and
G.
A. Apena
Department
of Petroleum Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
The
study of the environmental effects of oil spillage was carried out in
Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State over a 6 months
period (Jan - June, 2000). Well-structured questionnaires, field
survey and personal interviews were used to collect field data for the
purpose of the study. Our findings show that despite the phenomenal
growth of Nigeria's petroleum industries, which has resulted in a
considerable social and economic growth in the country, this sector of
the economy has also generated several environmental problems in the
oil producing communities. The study shows that the oil producing
communities of Ekakpamre, Ekrejegbe and Iwhereka have been seriously
devastated by oil pollution. The areas that suffered notable effects
were farmlands, fishing sites, drinking water, domestic animals/pets
and living houses, in order of magnitude.
Key
words:
Environmental, Spillage, Pollution, Crude, Petroleum, population,
Sample
Issues
in sustainable land use and management in the rain forest belt of
Sub-Saharan Africa
E.
J. Udoh
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension. University of Uyo, Uyo. Akwa
Ibom State. Nigeria.
and
I.
C. Idiong and G. N. Odok
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension. University of Calabar,
Calabar, Cross River State.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
The
practise of agriculture depends on land-use and resource allocation.
For the subsistence farmer resource endowment and management capacity
are low, the framework of land-use is viewed therefore, to have a
short-term planning horizon as little attention is paid to the status
and management of their agricultural land. However, allocation, use
and management of a resource like land requires quality maintenance
and resource-use efficiency, which is a pivot of sustainability, built
within the paradigm of social, economical, cultural and environmental
dimensions. This paper therefore, seeks to elucidate relevant issues
in sustainable agricultural land-use and management with a view to
creating better awareness to Sub-Saharan African peasant farmers.
Considerations
for sound policy on investment in the forestry sector: a case study of
Osun and Oyo States, Nigeria.
B.
O. Agbeja
Department
of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
Abstract:
This
paper examines the amount of real capital produced in terms of
standing trees during some periods in the forestry sector of Osun and
Oyo states with a view to considering sound policy on investment.
Information
were gathered through the use of primary and secondary data. The
information obtained were analyzed using bar charts and simple
percentages.
The
results indicate that inadequate and epileptic investment strategy is
continually experienced in the forestry sector despite the fact that
the sector is one of the major revenue generating sectors in Osun and
Oyo states. Lack of engagement in exploitation, marketing and haulage
of forest produce; improper application of Forestry Trust Fund; and
lack of partnership involvement in the management of forestry sector
in the two states impacts negatively on the forestry sector.
It
is recommended that government should of necessity accord forestry
department its fair share of funding rather than system of budgeting
based on annual appropriation from general revenue and on direct
control from the treasury. The policy that recognizes the need to
reserve in perpetuity the existing forests and wherever possible add
to them should be promoted, there is need for autonomous ministry and
community participation in forest management be promoted.
Availability
of water for domestic, agricultural industrial uses and implications
for sustainable development.
M.
A. Oladoja and B. O. Adisa
Department
of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo
University. Ago- Iwoye, Nigeria.
Abstract:
This
paper examines that the water sources in the country needs protection
so as to safeguard the many lives that depend on them and avoid
leaving unhealthy legacy for our future generation. Urgent recording
is therefore required in the water quality and environmental
monitoring so as to forestall disaster. However, it is necessary that
sustainable development of the nation's water resources be fitted into
a general scheme of environmental conservation. It must include
adequate attention to proper land conservation in the watershed areas.
In
addition, the poor manpower situation of the water agencies can be
addressed through a review of government policy and regulation that
puts water in the social sector of the economy. This will give the
water agencies greater freedom in commercializing vital aspects of
their operations and services and thus ensure sustainable use of water
sources.
The
human dimension of environmental degradation and conservation in
north-western Nigeria
K.
M. Baba
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Usmanu Danfodiyo University,
P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract:
Lying
on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, north-western Nigeria is
threatened both by desertification and desert encroachment. To check
these threats, several environmental protection strategies have been
adopted, but with little success. This is probably because sufficient
attention has not been paid to the human aspect of environmental
conservation. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate why the
human dimension of environmental conservation is crucial and to
suggest strategies for mobilising local people for participation in
environmental conservation. It is argued that the cause of
environmental degradation is largely human and that it is affected by
economic, socio-cultural, policy and institutional circumstances of
the people. Consequently, for any strategy to achieve the goal of
sustainable environmental conservation, it must address these
circumstances. Local people's full participation in all stages of
environmental conservation strategies or projects is suggested, in
order to gain good understanding of their circumstances and 'to ensure
sustainability of the strategies. To mobilise the people for
participation, organising them into associations or discussion forums,
empowering them to manage natural resources and ensuring equitable
access to these resources, are suggested. Furthermore, strategies
introduced should be cost-effective and should promote the use of
indigenous knowledge. It is concluded that, due to the link between
poverty and environmental degradation, poverty alleviation should be
treated as an integral part of any environmental conservation
strategy.
Rural
women occupations: implication for conservation in Osun State
Adetoro,
A.O. and Ayodele, I. A.
Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
This
study examined the involvement of women in wildlife resources related
occupations in Osun State, Nigeria. Wildlife conservation efforts have
always been directed at men especially in the rural areas. This
inadvertently leaves out women, a significant population that
contributes to challenges in wildlife and forestry management.
Using
structured and unstructured instruments, 115 women were interviewed in
three LGAs (Ayedire, lfe South and Odo-Otin) of the state. Over 90% of
them are engaged in forest related activities as their primary or
secondary occupations. They were engaged in jobs common in most rural
areas of the nation such as farming (56%), trading (50%), livestock
productions (43%), collection of non-timber forest products and
processing of palm products (23%) and selling of games (22%). They
coned medicinal plants, chewing sticks and ropes/sponges and many were
involved in fishing, killing of small games, using traps/snares and
snails collection. The study concludes that these occupational
engagements of rural Yoruba women do contribute to the human related
problems facing conservation efforts.
It
is recommended that policies that will directly include women in
conservation activities should be formulated with the provision of
rural jobs for them, some of which were suggested.
The
impact of agriculture on environmental health in Nigeria.
Mohammed
Kuta Yahaya.
Department
of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan.
Ibadan. Nigeria.
and
Razak
B. Olajide
Centre
for Communication and Reproductive Health Services, Bida, Niger State.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
The
paper assessed the impact of agriculture on environmental health in
Nigeria. The paper reviewed sources of environmental degradation as a
result of agriculture practices that has direct link with soil
erosion, desert encroachment and unabated deforestation as well as
poor soil conservation methods. Evidences from various sites reveal
that the use of antibiotics in animal farming and insecticides
accounts for high incidences of food poisoning and deaths of
unsuspecting consumers especially the non-literate farmers in rural
areas. This is particularly common in aquaculture where such chemicals
have been used extensively to catch fish.
The
situation is further worsened due to administrative and poor
regulatory and enforcement system. Both the terrestrial and adequate
habitats have been endangered by crops in agriculture enterprise which
had degraded the environment via soil exhaustion and unregulated use
of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, which is
further complicated by the unguarded pattern of food processing. Land
denudation, aquatic toxicity; leaching, run off and lifetime health
equivalent are some of the complicated environmental hazard and health
menace that both agricultural activities and food processing can cause
the environment and the occupants. Consequently, pragmatic suggestions
are made on how to avert the imminent environmental catastrophe
through comprehensive environmental extension education, mass
awareness and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Key
words:
Agriculture, environment, health and extension
Role
of women in wildlife development in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Lameed,
G.A.
Department
of Wildlife & Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
This
study was carried out in some selected communities nearer to natural
resources and protected areas in Oyo State. These are Sepeteri and
Igboho that shared boundaries with Old Oyo National Park; Asejire and
Oranyan markets nearer to Olokemeji forest via Ibadan. The activities
considered are general information on occupation, income generation,
cooperatives, association, societies, and general awareness with
respect to wildlife in natural protected areas. The study revealed
that there are significant (P<0.05) relationship in variables with
respect to conservation) and resource utilization in the areas. While
demographic relationships (religion, age and occupation) were not
significant (P>0.05) to resource utilization; and there are strong
awareness (76%) about wildlife protection among women in the state.
It
was therefore deduced from the aforementioned that women involvement
in wildlife conservation, and their contribution to the development
has useful impact in terms of culture, norms, occupation, awareness,
and organizational structure of the communities considered. In
conclusion, it was suggested that government should involve community
women in rural community participation, provide infrastructural
facilities and set up awareness programme which would convince them to
use natural resources justifiably.
Key
words: Natural
resources, wildlife, development, women, conservation.
The
expected environmental impact and mitigation studies of organised
mining of rare metal (Ta- Sn - Nb) pegmatites around Keffi area, north
central Nigeria
Olugbenga
A. Okunlola
Department
of Geology, University of Ibadan. Nigeria.
and
O.
O. Ocan
Department
of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria.
Abstract:
Rare
metal (Ta-Sn-Nb) pegmatite which occur in the Keffi study area as
horizontal or near vertical dykes are presently been mined. Because of
the enormous economic potential of this mineral deposit, attention is
shifting towards modern, systematic exploitation of the resources.
This will involve disruption in the present environment setting of the
area.
This
study therefore focuses on the impacts on the environment of Keffi
area as a result of modern mining. The physical environment,( the
geology, topography, soils and climate) the biological environment,
(vegetation, water land use and air) the social environment,( peoples,
settlement pattern and communal relations) constitute the baseline of
the environment.
Present
and expected impact of mining on these are both negative and positive.
This includes topographic degradation, vegetal fauna removal,
pollution of surface and ground water, disruption of land aesthetics,
removal of useful agricultural soils, higher accident risks and
possible security problems and communal strains. However positively,
more water from impoundments will be made available for both domestic
and agricultural use, there will be increased human population, and
thus higher level of economic activities and possible infrastructure
and social service~ provisions. Mitigation plans are suggested within
a larger environmental management plan (E.M.P) frame work.
Influence
of environmental factors on fish production in Ogun-State, Nigeria.
Adeokun,
O. A. and A. Agbelemoge
Department
of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo
University, Ago-Iwoye. Nigeria.
Abstract:
The
study investigated environmental factors influencing fish farming in
Ijebu - Ode Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun-state, Nigeria. Data
were obtained from 50 respondents selected from 10 ponds in the area
of study. Respondents were selected for the study using random
sampling technique while the ponds observed for the study were
purposively selected based on pronounced fisheries activities there.
Information was received from the respondents through structured
interview schedule which was earlier subjected to face validity and
reliability tests (r =0.83). The results revealed that environmental
factors affecting fish farming in the area of study included climatic
factors (85%); nature of bottom soil (80%),water medium factors; feed
and feeding procedure (60%); stocking of pond (24%), nature of
physical environment (36%) and cultural environment (84%). The
Chi-square test of relationship between demographic characteristics
and perception of environmental factors revealed significant
relationship between χ2 = 16; p<0.05). Marital
status and age gave no significant relationship (Age χ2
= 8.40, p> 0.05; Marital Status χ2 = 10.32;
p>0.05).
Household
food security and environmental management practices within settled
Fulani agro-pastoral households in Ogun State
Oyesola,
O. B. and J. O. Oladeji
Department
of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of
Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
Abstract:
Many
approaches had been applied to increase the level of food production
in developing countries as the population increases but which do not
show any appreciable increase, but decline. And the Fulanis have
become increasingly more settled in the southern parts of Nigeria. In
adjusting to the different agro-ecological and socio-cultural
background, some household food security and environmental management
systems are likely to have emerged. This assumption found the basis
for this study focusing on Household Food Security and Environmental
Management Systems in Ogun State. Systematic random sampling technique
was used in the selection of 150 agropastoral households, from the
five local government areas of Ogun State, which were identified as
areas where Fulani pastoralists had settled in the state.
The
result showed that majority of the respondents are between the ages of
31-40 years (47.5%), have more than one wife (76.0%), had no formal
education (45.5%) and has less than 4 acres farm land that are
scattered. A significant percentage of the respondents are fully
engaged in the production of fresh and processed milk, poultry,
cattle, sheep, goat, cassava, yam, sorghum, maize and groundnut as
means of ensuring household food security. While they practise bush
fallowing, planting of legumes, mulching, manure, crop rotation and
taungya to ensure continuous fertility of the soil on their various
farms.
Therefore
agropastoral households in Ogun-state require extension messages for
improving their productivity in these crop and livestock activities.
The policy implication of this for extension in Nigeria is the
need to design locality specific extension programmes and messages.
Sustainable
soil management practices of crop farmers in Mkpat-Enin local
government area of Akwa-Ibom State.
Ekanem,
G. T.; L.A. Akinbile and T.O. Yekinni.
Department
of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Sustainability
which is the successful management of resources for agriculture to
satisfy the changing human needs and the capacity to remain productive
and at the same time conserving the resource base, is the focus of
this study. Therefore, the various conventional methods of managing
soil, which are commonly being practiced by crop farmers were
considered.
The
study examines the sustainable soil management practices of crop
farmers in Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa- Ibom state. A
sample of 150 farmers were selected through multi-stage random
sampling technique.
Results
show that majority of the crop farmers were females in their working
population with educational status of less than secondary education.
It shows that there is no significant relationship between the
demographic characteristics of crop farmers and their use of
sustainable soil management practices. The result also revealed the
level of use of sustainable soil management practices. The result
shows that there is no significant relationship between sustainable
soil management practices used and yield of crops (r = -0.0162, p=
-0.8450). It also shows that productivity of farmers is significantly
related to the sustainable soil management practices used (r =0.2602,
p = 0.001) and there is significant relationship between farmers
yields and farm size (r = 0.9905; p = 0.001) while productivity also
showed significant relationship with farm size
(r = 0.9947, p = 0.000). There is therefore, the need to
encourage farmers to use sustainable soil management practices through
removing the constraints they encounter.
Compound
farmers utilization of soil management and improvement practices in
the Niger delta area of Nigeria
Adesope,
O. M.
Department
of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri,
Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
The
study investigated compound farmers utilization of soil management and
improvement practices in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. One hundred
and eight respondents who were selected using systematic sampling
technique were involved in the study. Structured questionnaire and
interview schedule were used to collect data from respondents. Data
analysis was by the use of frequency, percentage and ordinary least
square multiple regression. It was found that majority of the
respondents practice mixed cropping slash and burn, combined
fertilizer application as soil improvement measures. Significant and
positive relationships were found between age, indigene, farming
experience, source of information and utilization of soil management
and improvement practices, while a negative though significant
relationship was found between education and utilization of soil
improvement practices.
Key
words: Compound
farmers
Some
aspects of socio-economic activities that affect biodiversity of
coastal wetlands in Lagos State, Nigeria
Adetola
Jenyo-Oni and I. A. Ayodele
Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan. Ibadan.
Nigeria.
Abstract:
This
paper examines the socio-economic activities of man along the coastal
wetlands of Lagos State with a view of assessing the resultant effect
on the Biodiversity of the area. For the benefit of this study, the
area was divided into three zones.
The procedures adopted were preliminary interview, market
survey and structural questionnaire
administration. The study revealed that direct exploitation of
the wetland, such as fishing, sand
mining, agriculture, logging were common in all the zones and also
that majority of the inhabitants
of the wetlands depend on it for
their livelihood. Shore erosion, fish depletion,
water pollution, extinction of wetland dependent
animals and Biodiversity and productivity of this wetland will continue to decline and
eventually destroyed.
Keywords:
Socio - economic, Biodiversity, Coastal
wetlands, Lagos State.
A
time series analysis of agroclimatic influence on cassava production
in Nigeria
J.
O. Akintola
Department
Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
Abstract:
Cassava
is one of the most important crops especially in the Southern part of
the country. It is increasingly assuming the status of an emerging
"cash crop". One major attribute of agricultural production
is that yield varies from period to period. Food production in any
given year is affected most directly by the values of the critical
climatic elements (rainfall, humidity, temperature, sunshine etc). the
stability of available food supplies is governed by the interannual
interactions aid variability of these elements.
The
objective of this paper was to determine the trend of the influence of
the aforementioned agroclimatic variables on cassava output in
Nigeria. Secondary data were collected from various sources including
FAO, IITA, and FOS. Simpler regression and diagrams were used for the
analysis.
The
results indicated that the steady increase in cassava output 1961-2000
which attributable to its increased cultivation by farm families who
regarded the crop as an emerging "cash crop" would continue
for the next decade. Also, agroclimatic variables would continue to
exert sometimes positive, sometimes negative and sometimes indifferent
influences on cassava output.