Utilization Potentials of Endangered Savannah Tree Species in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the utilization potentials of some endangered savannah tree species in north-west Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed. Three Local Government areas were selected, from which 36 villages were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 respondents and ten respondents were randomly selected in each village. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the collected data. Most (38%) were in the 30- to 39-year-old age range. The majority sex was 100% male, 75% were married and had a family size of at least one to ten people per home. 69% of the respondents have completed formal schooling. (65%) were primarily farmers and (49%) had inherited land. Sixty-five percent of the farms were smaller than one hectare. (40%) had been farmers for an average of 21–31 years. Most farmers (100%) utilized trees as boundary demarcation, 98% as shade and 93% as medicine and wind control. However, 99% utilized trees for medicine. The predominant tree families include Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Caeselpiniaceae. The most familiar tree species were Azadirachta indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Lawsonia inermis, Mangifera indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Tamarindus indica, Jatropha carcus, Diospyros mespiliformis and Acacia nilotica used to treat and cure various ailments and diseases for optimum benefits.