Potentials of Treculia Africana Decne – An endangered species of Southern Nigeria

Treculia africana Decne is an important multipurpose indigenous tree species in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The species is best known for the edible seeds and oil it produces. In addition, it has numerous environmental, socio-economic, traditional and industrial uses. However, the species is declining at an alarming rate and thus, needs priority conservation. This decline is due to a number of factors of which are high rate of deforestation, increased population pressure, non-improvement and non-cultivation of the species. Urgent conservation measures are required to save the species. The conservation strategies could include; mass propagation and plantation establishment of the species, development of early-maturing and dwarf varieties as well as introduction of ‘Ukwa’ trade fair

Utilization of allanblackia floribunda for rural livelihood sustenance in rivers state, Nigeria

Allanblackia floribundaOliv. (Clusiaceae) is valued for food, medicine, timber and soap making across tropical African regions. This study was carried out in five local government areas in Rivers State; Eleme, Emohua, ObioAkpor, Ndoni and Oyigbo to evaluate indigenous uses of the plant. The five local government areas were selected using random sampling technique. One community was randomly selected in each local government area; Eneka, Ebubu, Obukegi, Ubimini and Mgboji. Also, 20 households were randomly selected further in each community. The results showed that A. floribunda is used as food [oil (26.90%), condiment (15.97%)], medicine for treating [malaria (17.30%), stomach ache (65.65%), head ache (1.60%), body pain (4.00%) and infertility (4.13%)], timber [construction (13.35%), building (52.65%), pole (13.35%)]. It was also observed that there are some factors that predispose the species to endangeredness/extinction such as urbanization (19.18%), shifting cultivation (8.80%), logging (33.26%), bush burning (21.10%), oil spillage (7.82%). The respondents expressed willingness to support conservation strategies for A. floribunda such as seedling provision by agencies/government, domestication of seedlings and appropriate policy with adequate implementation by government. If the strategies listed above are adopted the species will be preserved and prevented from being extinct.Keywords: Allanblanchia, Conservation, Ethnobotany, Rural dwellers, Rivers Stat

The Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products in Tackling Poverty and Hunger

There is the need to utilize non-timber forest products from farms and forests in order to enhance rural livelihoods through income generation and provision of food resources, especially for rural dwellers. The sustainable utilization and management of NTFPs will go a long way in tackling the problem of poverty, unemployment, malnutrition and diseases especially among the rural populace. This paper discusses the importance of non-timber forest product in tackling rural poverty and hunger is discussed