ABSTRACT

 An Ethnobotanical survey of minor and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Tiv communities of Benue State was carried out to identify and document NTFPs used, their use- categories and obtain information on economic benefit of the species sold. The study also sought to establish the relative abundance of Non-Timbcr Forest Products species in forestlands, fallowlands and farmlands in the area. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were purposely selected to reflect the vegetation characteristics within the Tiv communities of the State with Guma in the extreme north (guinea savannah), Gboko (midway) and Kwande in the south, having relics of the rainforest zone. Multi-stage random sampling strategy was used in selecting the sub-tribes, sub-sub tribes and study communities within the ethnic group where the users/user-groups were engaged to obtain information on the uses, economic value and the status of the species. Semi-structured interviews, market surveys and species inventory techniques were used to collect data in the randomly selected study communities. Data obtained were collated and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results showed that 43 species in 23 families were eaten by the people and animals. Thirty-five (35) species were utilized as edible plants in Guma LGA, 28 species in Gboko LGA while 38 species were eaten in Kwande LGA mainly as vegetables/soup and fruits. In craft making, 26 species were utilized in Guma, 13 in Gboko < and 22 in Kwande as hand tools, mortar/pestle and canoes. Ten (10) species were utilized in Guma for local construction, 9 species in Gboko and 15 in Kwande, mainly as local bridges/culverts, rafters in huts and local rest rooms. Twenty-two (22) ailments were treated with Non-Timber Forest Product species in Guma, 23 each in Gboko and Kwande LGAs. xii A few ailments treated were followed up and over 80% of beneficiaries attested cured. Some plants were used as fish and arrow poisoning, while others were used for social and environmental purposes. The results also show that NTFl’s can add economic value to local residents and vendors with good return on investments. The relative abundance ofthe species encountered in the study area showed that 27, 12 and 57 species were found in fallowlands of Guma, Gboko and Kwande LGAs respectively. In Guma, Stereospermum kunthianum was dominant (26.1%) while in Gboko, Daniellia oliveri was most abundant (24.8%). The forestlands were more diverse, 26 species in Guma with Syzygiuni giiineeii.se being dominant (30.1%). In Gboko, 17 species were found and Isoberlinia doka was dominant (34.3%), 33 species in Kwande with Tephrosia bracteolate as the dominant species (14.8%). In farmlands, 21 species were recorded in Guma where Borassus aethiopum, Acacia nilotica and Vitex doniana were preferred for matured trees in farms. In Gboko, 10 species were found and Parkia biglobosa was preferred while Parkia biglobosa and Daniellia oliveri were more abundant (18.8%). 9 species were identified in Kwande with Parkia biglobosa and Daniellia oliveri as the dominant species. Wise utilization and development of these valuable plant species will ensure sustained availability and benefits especially to the local people and general populace.