Inventory of Some Environmental Components in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems of the Integrated Waste Treatment Facility Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

A survey of some environmental components in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Integrated Waste Treatment Facility in Makurdi was carried out to obtain baseline information on the area. Inventory, semi-structured interviews and field observations/walks were carried out to obtain information on useful plants, their abundance and distribution within the facility. The micro and macro flora of the facility was sampled and analyzed using the serial dilution method. 77 plant species consisting of 23 species of trees, 6 shrubs, 34 herbs, 3 woody climbers, 3 climbers, 2 woody herbs, bryophytes, mushrooms and lichens were identified and recorded. 17 animal species consisting of 9 mammals, 4 rodents and 4 fish species have being seen and caught within the facility and in Jamo stream. The microbial status of the water indicated that total coliforms ranged from 3.50 x 105 to 9.00 x 105 cfu/ml faecal coliforms ranged between 4.5 x 104 to 2.75 x 105 cfu/ml. These indicate a high level of contamination of the water from animal and organic matter and may harbour human pathogenic microorganisms. The organisms identified were Escherichia coli, Aerobacter aeroginesa, Faecal streptococcus, Bacillus aureus. Others were Escherichia ferundii, Salmonella typhosa, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, Aspergillus spp,Penicillium spp and yeasts

Forest structure analysis of Akopi Forest in Benue State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the structure of Akopi forest to facilitate its sustainable management. Data was collected from seven 0.25 ha sample plots in the  forest stand using the systematic line plot sampling design. All trees in the sample plots with stem diameter at breast height of ≥ 5 cm were identified and measurements taken for stand structural attributes which include tree stem diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree height (THT), tree crown diameter (CD) and tree crown height (CH). Forest structure was analyzed based on tree density (tress/ha), size class distributions and diversity indices (Shanon-Weiner index, Pielou evenness idex and mean structural diversity index). The results of the analysis produced low Shanon-Weiner index values (1.185 to 1.521) for all the structural attributes indicating low structural diversity. Pielou evenness (0.661 to 0.761) for all structural attributes and the Mean structural diversity (1.354) for the forest stand also revealed low structural diversity. The results of this study suggest Akopi forest is undergoing deforestation. Sustainable management measures that will enhance structural diversity should be considered  and implemented. Keywords: structural diversity, diversity indices, forest structure, tree size distribution, forest density

Local Perception and Proximate Analysis of some Edible Forest Plants Around University of Agriculture Wildlife Park, Benue State, Nigeria

Local perception and proximate analysis of some edible forest plants around the University of Agriculture Makurdi Wildlife Park were investigated. The selected plants were Anona senegalensis, Cissus populnea, Tacca leontopetaloides and Vitex doniana. The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique was employed to obtain information from local residents in four bordering communities around the park. Results obtained from FGDs showed that the villagers used these wild plants mainly for food and medicine. Proximate analysis of the selected plants showed varying composition of micronutrients. moisture content was highest in Vitex doniana (45.2 ± 0.1) and lowest in Tacca leontopetaloides (7.9 ± 3.4). Annona senegalensis had the highest protein and fat content (8.78 ± 0.02 and 24.17 ± 0.33) which were both considerably low in Tacca leontopetaloides (0.3 ± 0 and 0.1 ± 0) and Cissus populnea (0.3 ± 0 and 0.13 ± 0.07), fibre and ash content were highest in Cissus populnea (29.37 ± 0.41 and 12.97 ± 0.34) and least in Tacca leontopetaloides (3.07 ± 0 and 1.08± 0) and Tacca leontopetaloides had higher carbohydrate value (84.22± 0.03). The results showed that the selected edible wild plants were rich in essential nutrients and could serve as good sources of dietary supplements for growth and body maintenance. Further research is recommended especially in the propagation and domestication of the species to ensure sustained availability of the plants.Keywords: Local Perception, Proximate Analysis, Edible Forest Plants, Focused Group Discussions

Comparative Analysis of Calorific Value of Briquettes Produced From Sawdust Particles of Daniella oliveriand Afzelia africana Combination at Binary and Tertiary Levels with Rice Husk

Comparative performance in calorific value was determined from the binary and tertiary combination of briquettes produced from biomass materials (sawdust) of Afzelia africana, Daniella oliveri and Rice husk at 20% 30%, and 40% starch binder levels. From the proximate analysis of the samples, it was observed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the densities, Percentage Ash content, Percentage Volatile matter and Percentage Fixed carbon of the samples. A progressive increase in heating value was observed among briquettes produced as the starch level increased. Briquettes produced at the tertiary combination of Afzelia africana + Daniella oliveri + Rice husk biomass recorded the highest heating value of 4827.20kcal/kg at 40% starch level while Daniella oliveri + Rice husk briquettes at binary level recorded the least heating value of 4586.72kcal/kg at 20% starch level. Among the various starch levels the tertiary combination had the least Ash content of 4.30% at 40% starch level while Daniella oliveri + Rice husk briquettes at 20% starch level had the highest Ash content of 9.29%. It is therefore recommended that 40% starch level be used for briquettes production at binary and tertiary combinations using Afzelia africana, Daniella oliveri and Rice husk biomass.Key Words: Briquettes, Rice husk, Daniella oliveri, Afzelia Africana, starc

Ethnobotanical Survey of Edible Wild Plants in Tiv Communities of Benue State, Nigeria

Many people in rural communities of developing countries rely on wild edible plants for food especially during crop failures, famine or periods just before new harvests when many families run out of foodstuff. Documenting wild edible plants of indigenous groups can provide information for planning, conservation and further research especially in propagation, domestication and evaluation of nutritional profiles to obtain nutrient composition. In Tiv communities of Benue State, there is no documented quantitative or qualitative information on available wild edible plants. The aim of the research was to identify wild edible plants consumed in Tiv communities of Benue State and also obtain their uses/use categories. Ethnobotanical data was obtained through field walks and semi-structured interviews with active users made up of adults and young people. Through the free listing method, each community provided information on wild edible plants utilized and collections were made and preserved for future study. A total of 42 wild plants species in 27 families were identified as edible plants utilized by the local people and ruminants. The plants were eaten as vegetables/soup, fruits and animal food while others had multiple edible uses.  The development of these plant species through determination of nutritional profiles will enhance nutrition and food security. Conservation practices and domestication programmes are also required for sustained availability and increase in dietary diversity. Keywords:Ethnobotanical survey, Edible wild plants, Use categories, Browse plants, Tiv communitie

Totemic Beliefs and Biodiversity Conservation among the Tiv People of Benue State, Nigeria.

Biodiversity depletion has been a major problem in many communities of the world including Benue State, Nigeria. The use of indigenous beliefs by some communities has been reported to assist in the conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying such beliefs that have been used or are still being used as tools for biodiversity conservation by the Tiv tribe of Central Nigeria. Both in-depth interview with key informants (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) methods were used. In the case of IDI, traditional rulers as custodians of the peoples’ culture were purposively chosen while in FGD, elders among households were chosen. It was found that 18 totems which included animal, plants and shrines/deities exert significant influence in the conservation of biodiversity in the study area. Therefore Totemism should be used pari-pasu with other conventional methods to conserve biodiversity. Key words: Totem, biodiversity depletion, indigenous beliefs, conservation

The Consumption of Wild Edible Plants

Wild edible plants are of great importance in both former and current human societies. Their use embodies evolutionary trends, continuing interactions between men and nature, relevant traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. A conceptual approach to wild edible plants, including the contribution of such species to people's diets and daily lives, focusing on nutritional and cultural value, food sovereignty and security, as well as the huge legacy for future generations, leads to a general overview of new tendencies and availability of wild plant resources according to geographic regions. The potential benefits and the continual need for conservation strategies of plants, habitats, and associated knowledge are also discussed, enhancing biodiversity and biocultural patrimony. Finally, some examples of culturally significant edible wild plants are described, emphasizing the importance of knowledge transmission and sustainable uses in a changing world.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of African Nauclea species: A review

International audienceEthnopharmacological relevance: The genus Nauclea in Africa comprises seven species. Among them, N. latifolia, N. diderrichii and N. pobeguinii are widely used by local population as traditional remedies. Preparation of various parts of plants (e.g. roots, bark, leaves) are indicated by traditional healers for a wide range of diseases including malaria, pain, digestive ailments or metabolic diseases. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted on African species of the genus Nauclea using scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed or SciFinder. Ever