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.
SHOMKEGH, S (2024). Ethnobotanical Survey And Relative Abundance Of Nontimber Forest Products In Tiv Communities Of Benue State, Nigeria:- Shomkegh, Simon A.. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Sep 07, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/ethnobotanical-survey-and-relative-abundance-of-nontimber-forest-products-in-tiv-communities-of-benue-state-nigeria-shomkegh-simon-a-7-2
SHOMKEGH, SHOMKEGH. "Ethnobotanical Survey And Relative Abundance Of Nontimber Forest Products In Tiv Communities Of Benue State, Nigeria:- Shomkegh, Simon A." Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 13 May. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/ethnobotanical-survey-and-relative-abundance-of-nontimber-forest-products-in-tiv-communities-of-benue-state-nigeria-shomkegh-simon-a-7-2. Accessed 07 Sep. 2024.
SHOMKEGH, SHOMKEGH. "Ethnobotanical Survey And Relative Abundance Of Nontimber Forest Products In Tiv Communities Of Benue State, Nigeria:- Shomkegh, Simon A.". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 13 May. 2024. Web. 07 Sep. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/ethnobotanical-survey-and-relative-abundance-of-nontimber-forest-products-in-tiv-communities-of-benue-state-nigeria-shomkegh-simon-a-7-2 >.
SHOMKEGH, SHOMKEGH. "Ethnobotanical Survey And Relative Abundance Of Nontimber Forest Products In Tiv Communities Of Benue State, Nigeria:- Shomkegh, Simon A." Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 07 Sep. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/ethnobotanical-survey-and-relative-abundance-of-nontimber-forest-products-in-tiv-communities-of-benue-state-nigeria-shomkegh-simon-a-7-2