Evaluation of the contributions of vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn and parkia biglobosa (jacq.) Benth to rural livelihood in Oyo state, Nigeria

Upsurge in population has resulted in pressure on many tree species including Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. and Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. These species are highly valued for their socio economic potentials. The study therefore assessed the contribution of V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa to rural livelihood in Oyo State, Nigeria with a view to generating information on the socio-economic values of the species to the rural communities. Stratified sampling technique was used to divide the study area into three based on ecological zones where twenty percent of each ecological zone was selected. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in collecting data on socio-economic importance of the two species using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross tabulation and chi-square. The result of chi-square analysis revealed that degree of contributions of the species to daily income of processors, marketers and harvesters were significant (P < 0.05) in dry woodland and moist woodland but not significant in the rainforest zone. The degree of contribution of V. paradoxa to household food consumption was not significant in moist woodland and rainforest but significant in dry woodland (P < 0.05). It is recommended that domestication and plantation establishment of the two species should be encouraged by the forestry stakeholders in order to sustain the contribution of the species to the livelihoods of rural household. Keywords: Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Livelihood, Socio-economics

Potentials of tamarindus indica (Linn) in jam production

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of tamarind fruits in jam production with a view to improving utilization efficiency of the fruits thereby adding value to the tree and encouraging its cultivation and sustainable management. The fruits for the study were collected from Bishop Ajayi Crowther University, in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo town, Oyo State and Taironi Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The jam was prepared using variable proportions of pulp and sugar. Chemical and microbial analyses were carried out on the jam. Heavy metal contents were determined and sensory evaluation was carried out. Physical and chemical properties of jams produced from the fruits of the two locations were compared. Data generated was analyzed using students t-test. There is no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the moisture contents of the jams produced from the fruits from both locations. Some essential elements including Zn (0.74mg), Mg (0.68mg), Cd (0.26mg), Mn (0.94mg), Pb (0.55mg), Fe (0.29mg), Cr (0.67mg), and Cu (0.17mg) were contained in the jam. The levels of heavy metals found in the jam are significantly lower than the UN/WHO allowable standard for human consumption while some of the other metals are actually of high nutritional values. There are indications that the jam could keep well at room temperature. Oyo State sample is higher in mineral element than that of Kano State. The ascorbic acid content is low in both Kano and Oyo samples. Pulp and sugar were rated most acceptable by a panel of judges on a nine point hedonic scale. Tamarind possesses great potentials for jam making and is safe for human consumption and well accepted by consumers. Further development of the jam to an industrial status was recommended.Key words: Non-Timber forest Products, Value addition, Tamarindus indica (Linn), Ja

Appraisal of Taungya Farming as a Sustainable Land-Use Option in Vandeikya Local Government of Benue State, Nigeria

This study appraises taungya farming as a sustainable land -use option in Vandeikya Local Government (VLG) forest estates, Variations in the yield of agricultural crops over time (years), incidences of annual forest fires, forest offences as well as changes in forest area between 1955 and 2000 were assessed. Six out of 12 council wards in VLG were randomly selected for the survey through multi-stage random sampling. A total of 200 farmer respondents were sampled out of a taungya farmer population of 562 in the selected wards. All the 16 members of staff of the VLG forestry service were interviewed. The two categories of respondents were then interviewed using the same type of semi-structured questionnaire. This was to check and corroborate the responses of both groups of respondents. Data collected was subjected to descriptive statistics (like percentages) and inferential statistics [such as analysis of variances (ANOVA)]. The mean yields of yam, cassava, sweet potatoes, rice, maize, groundnuts, soybeans, guinea corn, beans, pepper and melon on taungya plots ranged from 306.67kg/ha for melon to 1698.33kg/ha for cassava. The corresponding yields of melon and cassava on non-taungya plots were 250.00kg/ha and 1372.67kg/ha, respectively. Crop yields were significantly higher on most taungya plots except that of melon (p>0.05).The total forest area declined from 312.9ha in1995 to 83.5ha in 2000. Reforestation with indigenous tree species, establishment of seed and clonal banks, adoption of socially and ecologically acceptable taungya practices, review of land tenure laws and sensitization of farmers on sustainable taungya practices are advocated

Agricultural productivity under taungya and non-taungya land-use options: A case study of Vandeikya Local Government area, Benue State, Nigeria

Taungya farming is a special arrangement between the forestry department and farmers, which combines the production of both arable and forest tree crops simultaneously on a piece of land. The practice was adopted in Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State Nigeria, in mid 1950s up to 2000. This study evaluated the method as an option for food and fiber production compared to the traditional farming and forest management practices. Using Stratified random sampling, two sets of questionnaire were used to appraise the productivity of some arable crops and forest regeneration under taungya and non-taungya cultural practices. The yields of arable crops were significantly higher under taungya farming that in non-taungya plots in the study area. There was however no significant difference in the total forest area regenerated under the two landuse systems. The apparent land hunger among farmers is a favourable factor for adoption of taungya as a land use option in the study area. There is need to adopt multi-species planting approach in future programmes. Also, the land tenure system which limits access to land by strangers needs to be reviewed and greater awareness on the programme needs to be generated among the farmers and forestry staff alike.Keywords: Taungya, agroforestry, arable crop, productivity, fores

Deforestation Trends in Forest Estates of Vandeikya Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria

The variation in total forest area over time (years), the number of forest offences and annual forest fires was appraised in Vandeikya Local Government (VLG) Area, Benue State, Nigeria. Six wards were randomly selected from the twelve wards making up the Local Government. These wards were: Mbadede, Mbagbera, Mbaakaange, Mbaityough, Ningev and Tsambe. All the sixteen staff members of the VLG Forestry Service were interviewed. Secondary data was also obtained from VLG Department of Agriculture on forest areas, forest offences and annual fires .The study compares data for any observed variations that may have occurred in subject parameters at five year intervals between 1955 and 2000. A total of 1642 forest offences were recorded within the period. The total forest area for the six sampled wards was 312.9ha in 1955. This area declined to 193.5ha in 1980 and to 83.5ha in 2000. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the number of forest offences between the years though differences between the following pairs of wards were significant (P<0.05): Mbadede and Mbakaange, Mbagbera and Mbakaange, Mbagbera and Mbaityough, Mbagbera and Ningev, Mbakaange and Ningev as well as Mbakaange and Tsambe. Forest fires recorded within the same period totalled 192. There were significant differences in the number of forest fires reported between the wards such as Mbadede and Mbagbera, as well as Mbadede and Ningev (P<0.05), however, the number of forest fires were not significantly different over the years (P>0.05). Among other measures, increased reforestation efforts involving the rural communities using both indigenous and exotic tree species is suggested. Also, there is need to sensitise members of the public on sustainable forest management and its merits

Effects of teak canopy cover and npk fertilizer application on growth of ginger in agroforestry trial, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Non-timber forest products issues are of global interest due to their importance among rural and urban dwellers for income, healthcare and food security. This study investigates the effects of Tectona grandis canopy cover and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizer (15:15:15) application on growth parameters of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) in Ile-Ife, south-western Nigeria. Twelve replicates of ginger plots (6m²each) were laid in a completely randomised block design within and outside Teak plantations. Six replicates were treated with NPK (15:15:15) in a split dose at two and 6 weeks old, while others serve as control. Growth indices such as foliage, tiller numbers, and plant height per plot were obtained for two cropping seasons. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Tiller formation in ginger was significantly inhibited by Teak canopy with or without NPK fertilizer (0.000 and 0.033, ρ ≤ 0.05). Ginger heights were not significantly different within Teak plantation with or without NPK (0.647); however, there were significant differences between heights of ginger grown within and outside Teak plantations, (0.000 and 0.011, ρ ≤ 0.05). Foliage production in ginger was higher outside teak plantation, (0.000 and 0.007, ρ ≤ 0.05), while NPK also enhanced foliage production in ginger significantly, (0.000, ρ ≤ 0.05). The study concluded that incorporation of Ginger in plantations such as Teak and other fast growing indigenous species can enhance plantation benefits in terms of biomass yield. Further research in this area is recommended in agroforestry systems.Keywords: Ginger, Teak canopy, tiller formation, leaf production, agroforestry

Crown ratio models for tropical rainforests species in Oban division of the cross river national park, Nigeria

Crown ratio (CR) is a characteristic used to describe the crown size, which is an important element of forest growth and yield. It is often used as an important predictor variable for tree-level growth equations. It indicates tree vigour and is an important habitat variable. It is often estimated using allometry. Modified versions of Logistics, Richards, Weibull and Exponential functions were used to predict CR for tree species in the Oban Division of the Cross River National Park. Systematic sampling technique was adopted in the three study sites (Aking; Ekang and Old-Netim) for plot locations. Two transects of 2km long with a distance of 600m apart were cut in each of the study sites. Four sample plots of 50m×50m were then laid alternately along each transect at 500m intervals. This procedure was repeated in the close-canopy and secondary forests in the three study sites. Forty-eight sample plots were used for the study. Tree variables (Dbh; diameter at the middle and merchantable top; crown diameter; total height; merchantable height; stem quality and crown length were measured on all the trees with Dbh>10cm. The canopy layer to which each tree belongs was noted. All the measured trees were identified. The Weibull and Exponential functions gave consistent and accurate results in almost all the canopy layers in the two forest types with R2; SEE values of 0.72; 0.068 and 0.72; 0.067 respectively for the dominant canopy, 0.75; 0.075 and 0.75; 0.074 respectively for the co-dominant canopy. Exponential function produced the best fit models in the study except under intermediate canopy layer, where it was not found suitable for crown ratio predictions. However, the difference in results produced by the two functions is negligible. They are therefore recommended for crown ratio prediction studies in Oban Division of the Cross River National.Keywords: Tree-crown, predictions, functions, tree variables, canopy-layer

Marketing System of Non-Timber Forest Products:-The Case of Palmyra Palm in North-Eastern Nigeria

This study investigated the marketing system of Palmyra Palm products in North-eastern Nigeria to; identify its marketable products, channels of distribution and roles of market participants, and also assess its marketing facilities in North-eastern Nigeria. Data were generated through market surveys and interviews on 203 respondents selected randomly from Adamawa, Bauchi and Yobe markets. The generated data were analysed using descriptive statistics where appropriate. Marketing system focusing market organization was analyzed qualitatively by observing the marketing channels, roles of market participants and marketing facilities. The results revealed that exchange and ownership of title to products occurred at the local markets (54.0%), farmers' homes (37.7%), and farmers' farms (6.2%), and inter-states' markets (2.1%). The marketing channel of Palmyra palm was highly decentralised and thus the marketing system was expected to be operationally efficient. However, because of poor road network, high transportation cost and poor marketing facilities, the marketing system was adjudged operationally inefficient. Market participants introduced flaws in the marketing system; farm-gate middlemen dominated marketing operations, commissioned buying agents over-depended on wholesalers for capital, and there was collusion in price determination. Marketing facilities namely market places, storage, processing, transportation and packaging were crude and inadequate, while credit facilities were virtually absent. To address these inadequacies, the study recommended provision of improved marketing facilities and communication gadgets, formation of consumer co-operative organizations to check the excesses of the middlemen in the market and more research into the marketing of Non-timber forest resources.&#160

Analysis of the drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession: academia and students' perspectives

Purpose – Building information modeling (BIM) inclusion in education pedagogy is crucial in preparing skilled graduates for employment in the construction industry. Against this backdrop, studies on BIM education abound in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) programmes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). However, there is limited empirical studies on BIM potentials in the quantity surveying (QS) profession in HEIs, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession using an empirical approach. Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the BIM drivers and benefits in relation to the QS profession, which was employed to design a questionnaire. In order to capture a broad perception, a questionnaire survey was carried out which targeted the academia and final year undergraduate students from two selected universities offering QS honour degree programmes in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, and Mann-Whitney test. Findings – The study identified 12 BIM drivers in relation to the QS profession and the analysis of the ranking revealed that almost all the identified BIM drivers are considered by respondents as important. The study further identified 14 BIM benefits and the analysis of the ranking indicated that all the identified BIM benefits are considered as important. The results of the Mann-Whitney test indicated a very slight statistically significant difference, particularly in one of the selected universities on the ranking of the BIM drivers and benefits as important to the QS profession. Practical implication – The findings of the study provide empirical evidence on the current perceptions of the drivers and benefits of BIM to QS academia and students as they explore the concept for the advancement of QS profession. Originality/value – This study would provide practical insights to utilize BIM for QS practice. Also, this study would contribute to improving the QS graduates and professional quantity surveyors understanding of the BIM knowledge applicable to QS profession. Keywords: BIM, drivers, higher education institutions, quantity surveying, Nigeri

Quality of primary care physicians’ communication of diabetes self-management during medical encounters with persons with diabetes mellitus in a resource-poor country

Background: Most of the Nigerian studies on the determinants of diabetes self-management have focused on patient-related factors. There is no previous local study that examined the quality of diabetes self- management education provided by primary care physicians to people with diabetes mellitus.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 primary care physicians during a workshop. The quality of diabetes self-management education provided by the physicians was assessed using a self-designed scale of 39 Likert questions derived from American  Association of Diabetes Educators seven domains of diabetes self-management. Cronbach’s reliability coefficient of each domain/subscale was ≥ 0.7. The data was analysed using the independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA.Results: Over half of the physicians provided ‘inadequate quality’ diabetes self-management education in all the domains. Physicians had the highest mean score in the ‘taking medication’ domain (4.35 ± 0.59). The mean scores in the ‘problemsolving domain’ (3.63 ± 0.74) and the ‘being active domain’ (3.57 ± 0.71) were low. The quality of diabetes self-managementeducation provided by the physicians was not associated with any of the physician characteristics.Conclusion: The quality of physicians’ communication of diabetes self-management was suboptimal in this study. The majority of the adequately communicated diabetes self-management behaviours were risk factors reduction related and disease-centred. Thus, training of primary care physicians on diabetes self-management education is recommended because of the key role these physicians play in diabetes management in resource-poor countries.Keywords: diabetes self-management, patient–physician communication, primary care physicians, resource-poor countries, Nigeri