Publications and Abstract of Research

Forestry and Wildlife Department (2017-2018)

List of 2017-2018 Publications and Abstract of Research from Forestry and Wildlife Department

School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

S/NAuthor's Name & year of publicationTitle of workAbstractJournal NameJournal Vol./Number
61Edet, D.I., Nchor, A.A. and Adim, I.J. Nutritional and Physical Properties of Honey from Selected Locations in Owerri-West Local Government Area, Imo State, This study evaluated the nutritional and physical properties of honey harvested from selected locations (FUTO, Nekede, Avu and Umuguma) in Owerri-West L.G.A. of Imo State. Samples were analysed for their proximate, mineral, vitamins and physical properties at SAAT Laboratory, FUTO, Owerri. Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and LSD at α = 0.05. Moisture content of honey samples had a rating of 16.83±0.09 % (Nekede) < 20.17±0.45 % (Umuguma) < 21.33±0.64 % (Avu) < 22.20±0.74 % (FUTO); protein rating of 2.83±0.08 % (Nekede) > 1.52±0.05 % (Umuguma) > 1.25±0.16 % (Avu) > (1.08±0.06 % (FUTO) and Brix rating of 82.33±1.45 % (Nekede) > 78.67±1.86 % (Umuguma) > 77.33±1.76 % (FUTO) > 72.67±1.45 % (Avu). Mineral content showed that Avu had the highest mean values of 74.03±0.38ppm, 86.38±0.58 ppm and 22.80±0.97 ppm for Ca, Mg and P respectively. Umuguma had the highest ratings for K (264.63±3.40 ppm) and Cu (0.13±0.01 ppm).Vitamin A had rating of 14.09±0.05 mg/100g (Umuguma) > 14.03±0.03 mg/100g (Nekede) > 13.83±0.09 mg/100g (Avu) > 13.50±0.29 mg/100g (FUTO) and vitamin C values of 22.53±0.15 mg/100g (Avu) > 21.72±0.21 mg/100g (FUTO) >21.63±0.23 mg/100g (Nekede) > 19.40±0.23 mg/100g (Umuguma). For viscosity, FUTO had the highest mean value (1553.33±58.40 cP) while Umuguma recorded the lowest (1460.33±30.18 cP). Mean density values range from 1.57±0.07 g/ml (Avu) to 1.40±0.06 g/ml (Umuguma). Analyses showed that the honey samples were significantly different (p<0.05) in proximate compositions but there is no significantly different (p>0.05) in minerals, vitamins and physical properties. More studies should be conducted to ascertain the variations in proximate composition among the major agro-ecological zones of Imo FUTO Journal Series (FUTOJNLS) Volume-4, Issue-2, pp – 159 - 167
62Daniel I. Edet and Abiodun F. Akinyemi Evaluation of human encroachment in AFI mountain Wildlife sanctuary, cross river state, Nigeria Encroachments in protected areas have been a bane in wildlife resources management in recent times. The study investigated human encroachment in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) in Southern Nigeria. Data on a number of farms and indices of poaching were evaluated by direct observation with the assistance of protection staff while information on the number of arrests was obtained from AMWS Field Office. Means with their standard errors and bar charts were used in presenting data generated. A total of 117 farms were found within the confines of the sanctuary, with a total farm and mean farm size of 9.3480km2 and 0.080±0.01 km2 respectively. The highest number (39) of farms was recorded at the Western Block with a total farm size of 3.1119 km2 while the lowest (7) was recorded at the Southern Block with a total farm size of 0.6882 km2. An average of 5.45 empty cartridges / km2, 6.17 wire snares / km2 and 0.24 hunting camps / km2 were estimated as poaching indices for the period. Apart from the number (7.40) of empty cartridges / km2, the Northern Block had the highest number of other poaching indices (10.59 wire snares / km2 and 0.45 hunting camps / km2) while the Southern Block recorded the lowest poaching indices (2.50 empty cartridges / km2, 0.56 wire snares / km2 and 0.00 / km2 hunting camp). All the months of the year were hunting periods, and December often has the highest number of poaching arrests. There are noticeable indices of encroachment, and these should be quickly addressed so as to achieve the desired goals of conservation in AMWS. Nigerian Journal of Forestry 46 (1) 8- 12
63Faruwa, F.A. And Ekwugha, U.E. Operational efficiency of selected sawmills in Akure metropolis, Ondo State. Performance evaluation of selected sawmills was conducted for sawmills in Akure metropolis. The design was a completely randomized design. Ten (10) sawmills were purposely sampled within Akure metropolis for the study. The volume of each log was computed using Somalian‟s formula. Structured questionnaires were administered to sawmill owners and other stakeholders involved in sawmill industries. Results from the study area showed that 90% of selected sawmills use cd-6 band-saw machine and are poorly maintained. The poor machine maintenance often led to poor performances of the machine thereby contributing to the percentage volume of waste generated. Most of the logs processed in sawmills were sourced from the free area. The volume of logs from the selected sawmills ranged from 12.29 m3 to 29.19 m3, while the percentage of residue generated during the conversion process varied between 41.97 % and 43.53% of total log volume. Wood wastes generated in sawmills in Akure metropolis include sawdust, shavings, slabs and off-cuts, sawdust being the most dominant. The different methods of disposing of wood residues in sawmills in Akure metropolis include burning, selling and free collection, with burning being the most widely used. A large percentage (47.8%) of sawmill industries dispose of their wood wastes on a quarterly basis, while 28% disposed on a daily basis. The high percentage volume of wastes generated in sawmills can be attributed to the use of cd-6 machines for conversion. Since logs from the Nigerian forests are increasingly becoming small dimension logs, the current sawmill technology being used in the study area may not be appropriate for processing products from the forests. It is therefore recommended that sawmills should upgrade their machine to types that have higher efficiency for smaller diameter logs for optimum output. Journal of sustainable environmental management Vol. 9, 67-83, 2017. ISSN: 2141-0267
64F. A. Faruwa and E. A. Iyiola 2018 Sorption behaviour of thermally and chemically Modified selected wood species This study investigates the sorption behaviour of thermally and chemically modified selected wood species. Wood samples of dimensions 20 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm were used in this study. The samples were oven-dried and thermally treated at temperatures of 160°c, 180°c and 200°c for 30 minutes. Another set of wood samples were prepared for chemical treatment (acetylation) inside an oven at 80oc for 180 min. The colour varied from light cream to slightly brown at 160°c and very brown at 200°c for thermally modified wood. The colour of the chemical modified wood changes from being yellowish of the untreated wood to pale yellow in colour. The percentage of weight loss increases with temperature from 22.62% at 160°c to 26.46% at 180°c and 20.8% for percentage weight gain (pwg). The average value of water absorption ranged from 8.60 to 16 %; 26 to 40.78 %; 35 to 50.35 % and 42.88 to 57.53 % for 1 hour to 78 hrs respectively. The value for the chemically modified wood ranged between 5.22 and 5.59 %, with RH of 97% and 7% having the lowest and highest value respectively. The study revealed that there was a reduction in the weight and density of thermally treated wood as a result of thermolysis and weight was gained after chemical modification. Tropical plant research 5(3): 343–348, 2018
65Egbuche Christian Toochi 2018 Carbon sequestration: how much can forestry sequester CO2? This mini-paper reviewed key principles of carbon sequestration in the concept and quest to understand that land and forests have been accounted huge potential source of storing and referred to as natural scrubbers or natures “carbon sinks”. Generally, in scientific term, one way of reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is to store carbon or CO2 in any medium other than the atmosphere. This paper outlines the main definition and estimates of the amount of CO sequestered annually by plants while determining the total (green) weight of the tree, determine the weight of carbon in the tree and the weight of carbon dioxide sequestered in the tree. Prominent evaluation examples involve maple–beech–birch forests and white and red pine forests (25 and 120 years) while reflecting world agroforestry sequestration calculation. Furthermore, the paper discusses the key process of trees as collectors of CO2: chemistry of the action. The mini-review concludes the assertion and supported by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the global order of Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM). Keywords: carbon sequestration, forestry, carbon dioxide, carbon sinks, UNFCC and CDM Forestry Research and Engineering: International Journal Forest Res Eng Int J. 2018; 2(3):149‒150. DOI: 10.15406/freij.2018.02.00040 Volume 2 Issue 3 - 2018
66Nwaihu E.C, Egbuche C.T, Ekwugha U.E and Anyanwu C.N (2018) Agroforestry Production: A strategy for rural development and environmental conservation in Southeast agro-ecological zone, Nigeria. Agroforestry system is a land-use system in which woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos) are deliberately used on the same land management unit as agricultural crops, animals or both either in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. This paper presents some socio-economic benefits such as improved livelihood, increased productivity and efficiency in labour use. The impact of agroforestry in reducing soil erosion and runoff is also presented to attest to agroforestry as sustainable land use for rural development and soil environmental conservation. This paper equally examined some of the challenges of agroforestry and suggested solutions to the challenges at a regional level. Keywords: Agroforestry strategy, rural development, environmental conservation and Southeast Nigeria Agroforestry system is a land-use system in which woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos) are deliberately used on the same land management unit as agricultural crops, animals or both either in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. This paper presents some socio-economic benefits such as improved livelihood, increased productivity and efficiency in labour use. The impact of agroforestry in reducing soil erosion and runoff is also presented to attest to agroforestry as sustainable land use for rural development and soil environmental conservation. This paper equally examined some of the challenges of agroforestry and suggested solutions to the challenges at a regional level. Keywords: Agroforestry strategy, rural development, environmental conservation and Southeast Nigeria FUTO Journal series FUTO Journal Series (FUTOJNLS) ISBN: 2476-8456, ISSN: 2467-8325 Volume-4, Issue-1, pp- 9 - 16 www.futojnls.org
67Umeojiakor, A.O., Egbuche. C.T., Uluocha, O.B., Onwudike, S.U (2018) Variation in Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in Selected Forest Plantation in Imo State, Nigeria. The study was conducted to investigate the ability to sequester carbon on the range of topsoil (0-15cm) and subsoil (15-30cm) across four different tree species, Tectona grandis Linn (Teak), Gmelinci Arborea Roxb (Gmelina), Hevea brasiliensis Mull. Arg, (Rubber plant) and Dialium guineense Wild (Black velvet). Soil samples were collected and prepared for routine soil analysis by air-drying under room temperature and sieving with 2mm sieve. Soil organic carbon sequestration was calculated and relationships between soil organic carbon Sequestration and soil properties were obtained by simple correlation. The results showed that T. Grandis carbon sequestration value of 154.1 and 116.8 at topsoil and subsoil provided the best option for maximizing carbon sequestration in the soil, followed by H. brasiliensis (147.4 and 91.1), G. Arborea {134.1 and81.1)and the least was in D. guineense {108.1 and 60.1) at all depth. Base saturation, Calcium, Organic carbon, Total nitrogen had a strong correlation with R-values of 0.77, 0.74, 0.98 and 0.97 with soil organic carbon sequestration at (P = 0.01). Soil pH, Clay fraction and Potassium had a negative correlation with R-values of -0.37, -0.68 and -0.54 with soil organic carbon sequestration at (P = 0.05). The study showed that soil organic carbon sequestration decreases with decreasing depths and was greatly affected by tree species, soil properties and management practices. Keywords: Soil, carbon Sequestration, tree species, base Saturation, management practices. Journal of Forestry, Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentUniversity of Uyo, Nigeria 4(1)106-115. JOFESD Vol 4: 1
68O. B. Uluocha. Year: 2018 A Feasibility Study for the Development of Forest Cooperatives in Ekeugba and Ngor-Okpala Areas of Imo State, Nigeria Unlike other cooperatives enjoyed by agrarian communities, forest cooperative is a novel terminology in Nigeria’s forestry parlance. This study investigated the feasibility of forest cooperative formation in a developing society. Descriptive and logit models were used to analyse the field results obtained from 259 respondents administered questionnaires in forest communities around Ekeugba forest reserve and secondary forest areas in Ngor-Okpala. In the findings, while 84% of residents actively engaged in crop production and animal husbandry, a greater percentage (84.7%) of the same respondent population engaged in one form of forestry/agro-forestry based activities or the other ranging from mushroom gathering/trade (27.3%), honey processing/trade (13.8%) and Gnetum/other forest vegetables gathering/trade (12.2%). Again, respondents enjoyed active membership in non-forestry cooperatives (agricultural cooperatives 47.7%, market-based cooperatives 70% and thrifts 27.5%) and reposed willingness (48.6%) to collaborate/cooperate with others for mutual benefits: a signal for possible forest cooperative development. Access to forestry extension/training services (X2=0.025), forest incentives (X2=0.031) and improvement in public/institutional infrastructure (X2=0.04) are factors reposed by residents which could further increase their interest to join forest cooperatives in the region. It is possible that forest planners, extension agents- and the government could leverage on some of the findings of this papers to synthesize workable plans useful in stepping up forestry development in developing societies. FUTO Journal Series Vol. 4, Issue 2.
69Onyema, M. C.Year: 2018. A Feasibility Study for the Development of Forest Cooperatives in Ekeugba and Ngor-Okpala Areas of Imo State, Nigeria Unlike other cooperatives enjoyed by agrarian communities, forest cooperative is a novel terminology in Nigeria’s forestry parlance. This study investigated the feasibility of forest cooperative formation in a developing society. Descriptive and logit models were used to analyse the field results obtained from 259 respondents administered questionnaires in forest communities around Ekeugba forest reserve and secondary forest areas in Ngor-Okpala. In the findings, while 84% of residents actively engaged in crop production and animal husbandry, a greater percentage (84.7%) of the same respondent population engaged in one form of forestry/agro-forestry based activities or the other ranging from mushroom gathering/trade (27.3%), honey processing/trade (13.8%) and Gnetum/other forest vegetables gathering/trade (12.2%). Again, respondents enjoyed active membership in non-forestry cooperatives (agricultural cooperatives 47.7%, market-based cooperatives 70% and thrifts 27.5%) and reposed willingness (48.6%) to collaborate/cooperate with others for mutual benefits: a signal for possible forest cooperative development. Access to forestry extension/training services (X2=0.025), forest incentives (X2=0.031) and improvement in public/institutional infrastructure (X2=0.04) are factors reposed by residents which could further increase their interest to join forest cooperatives in the region. It is possible that forest planners, extension agents- and the government could leverage on some of the findings of this papers to synthesize workable plans useful in stepping up forestry development in developing societies. FUTO Journal Series Vol. 4, Issue 2.
70Onyema, M. C.Year: 2018. Growth and Nodulation of Centrosema pubescens Benth (Butterfly Pea) in Soils of High Copper Levels in the Humid Zone of Nigeria Some farming operations contribute to heavy metal toxicity of the soil which in turn affects above-ground vegetation. Soils collected from cocoa and Gmelina Arborea plantations were separately used for raising Centrosema pubescens in three pots (A, B and C) in Nigeria. The cocoa plantation soil was contaminated as a result of the use of Cu-based fungicide. Pot A had 5kg of soil with copper-contaminated soil while Pot B was the same as Pot A above but amended with poultry manure using 2:1; representing media with moderate toxicity. Similarly, Pot C or the control contained soil obtained from a nearby Gmelina plantation 200m from the cocoa plantation. C. pubescens seedlings were raised in the nursery for 4 weeks and planted out into the pots. Growth parameters (leaf number and total dry weight (g)) and chemical composition of biomass (N, P, K, Fe, Cu, Pb) were determined and compared using ANOVA at @<0.05. Root nodulation was highest in Centrosema stands grown with control soil and was 260% higher than that of Cu contaminated soil (A). Both mean leaf number per plant and total dry weight (g) were highest in stands grown with Cu contaminated soil amended with poultry manure indicating possible suppression of Cu-toxicity by the manure. Cu- soil contamination affected the level of macronutrients (N, P, K) uptake especially in Pots A and B. N.P.K in Centrosema samples grown with control soils C were significantly higher than those of “A” by 48.3%, 61.4% and 66.5% respectively. Although toxicants have the potential of being transmitted to man/livestock, C. pubescens showed relatively high absorption capacity for toxic elements which can enhance its choice for possible use in land clean-up and phytoremediation programme Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences Vol. 6, Number 1.
71Onyema, M. C. 2018 The Onslaught of Farmer – Herdsmen Crises In Nigeria: Perspectives From Sociological Viewpoint For many Nigerians, farming and herding respectively justify as agro-production and culturally-linked production enterprises of people within the agricultural sector. Both have a long history of practice even across Africa especially in sub-Saharan regions and also are largely seasonal and sensitive to geography and climatic variables. Conflict history between practitioners in the two enterprise activities reveals both immediate and long term root causes which sporadically manifest debilitating impacts on the economy and the populace. This review employed expository and analytical methods in evoking key issues surrounding the thesis. The outputs of this discourse place the crux of the matter more on historical and sociological pedestals than on immediate political and religious fronts. It is the view of this piece among other recommendations to as matter of urgency promptly narrow the widening indigene-settler differences that dot and accentuate identity crisis across the Nigerian polity, urgently reform land tenure holding, step up implementable and result-orienting grassroots education policies as well as strengthen traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies Vol. 2, Number 9.
72U. E. Ekwugha.2018 A Feasibility Study for the Development of Forest Cooperatives in Ekeugba and Ngor-Okpala Areas of Imo State, Nigeria Unlike other cooperatives enjoyed by agrarian communities, forest cooperative is a novel terminology in Nigeria’s forestry parlance. This study investigated the feasibility of forest cooperative formation in a developing society. Descriptive and logit models were used to analyse the field results obtained from 259 respondents administered questionnaires in forest communities around Ekeugba forest reserve and secondary forest areas in Ngor-Okpala. In the findings, while 84% of residents actively engaged in crop production and animal husbandry, a greater percentage (84.7%) of the same respondent population engaged in one form of forestry/agro-forestry based activities or the other ranging from mushroom gathering/trade (27.3%), honey processing/trade (13.8%) and Gnetum/other forest vegetables gathering/trade (12.2%). Again, respondents enjoyed active membership in non-forestry cooperatives (agricultural cooperatives 47.7%, market-based cooperatives 70% and thrifts 27.5%) and reposed willingness (48.6%) to collaborate/cooperate with others for mutual benefits: a signal for possible forest cooperative development. Access to forestry extension/training services (X2=0.025), forest incentives (X2=0.031) and improvement in public/institutional infrastructure (X2=0.04) are factors reposed by residents which could further increase their interest to join forest cooperatives in the region. It is possible that forest planners, extension agents- and the government could leverage on some of the findings of this papers to synthesize workable plans useful in stepping up forestry development in developing societies. FUTO Journal Series Vol. 4, Issue 2.
73U. E. Ekwugha Year: 2018. The Onslaught of Farmer – Herdsmen Crises In Nigeria: Perspectives From Sociological Viewpoint For many Nigerians, farming and herding respectively justify as agro-production and culturally-linked production enterprises of people within the agricultural sector. Both have a long history of practice even across Africa especially in sub-Saharan regions and also are largely seasonal and sensitive to geography and climatic variables. Conflict history between practitioners in the two enterprise activities reveals both immediate and long term root causes which sporadically manifest debilitating impacts on the economy and the populace. This review employed expository and analytical methods in evoking key issues surrounding the thesis. The outputs of this discourse place the crux of the matter more on historical and sociological pedestals than on immediate political and religious fronts. It is the view of this piece among other recommendations to as matter of urgency promptly narrow the widening indigene-settler differences that dot and accentuate identity crisis across the Nigerian polity, urgently reform land tenure holding, step up implementable and result-orienting grassroots education policies as well as strengthen traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies Vol. 2, Number 9.

Admission Links