Conservation of Neem Tree in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria

Abba Abidina,Musawa Bello Bello,Bello Abubakar

doi:10.11648/j.ijnrem.20200501.11

Abstract

The study on the conservation of Neem tree (<i>Azadirachtaindica</i>) in Katsina state, Nigeria was conducted in which nine local government areas were covered based on the predominant nature of the Neem tree and desertification nature of the Area. Structured questionnaire were designed set to address some key questions as well as the field observation of the vegetation cover with emphasis on the Neem tree. Most of the respondent on the effect of cultural practices on the conservation of neem indicate47.22% of the respondents indicate their desire to using charcoal while 40% prepare to use Kerosine source and 12.78% choose other source of energy. Also on the Perception of farmers on the importance of conservation it was found that about 60% of the respondents consider the conservation of Neem tree as very important for forest conservation and management, while 29.44% see it as less important; last category that respond with they don’t care which amounts to 10.55% as such, the study recommend public enlightments and provision of sustainable way that make farmers reduce over relying on the deforestation to get fuel wood and source of income.

Highlights

Conservation of Natural resources has been a serious challenge in the world especially developing countries like Nigeria where the need for infrastructural development of economic stability is highly needed
The tree was introduced into Nigeria from Ghana, and it was first grown from the seed in Maiduguri, the Bornu Province ( Borno State), Nigeria, in 1928 [2]
In Nigeria, Neem tree occupied more than 3,500 ha of land in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno and Zamfara in Northern Nigeria, with a density of about 1,200 trees per ha [3]

Summary

Introduction

Conservation of Natural resources has been a serious challenge in the world especially developing countries like Nigeria where the need for infrastructural development of economic stability is highly needed. The tree was introduced into Nigeria from Ghana, and it was first grown from the seed in Maiduguri, the Bornu Province ( Borno State), Nigeria, in 1928 [2]. The fruit yield is variable ranging from 10 – 50 kg per tree with an average of 20 kg [4, 5]. It is grown all over the country as a shade and avenue tree in villages and towns, in hospitals, schools, government houses, offices and railways stations [6]. The tree has been introduced to Nigeria for several decades from its natural habitat in the Indian sub content but its use was mainly as a shade, ornamental avenue tree

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Results

Conclusion