Controlling the advancement of Savanna into southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

International conservation policies indicate that most of the original moist forest is gone. It has been predicted that within the next decade, the remaining forest area in Nigeria would be eliminated if the depletion of forest continues. This study aims at discovering indigenous practices that prevent savanna encroachment into the forest and to demonstrate ex-situ conservation. A total of six hundred male and female informants, 200 individuals each from the three indigenous communities of Gambari, Olokemeji and Akure forest reserves were selected and interviewed about their knowledge and perception of plant conservation in their native Yoruba language. The study showed that respondents in these communities have some measures as part of their cultural practices and traditional belief system in controlling encroachment of savanna into the forested southwestern Nigeria. This study led to the establishment of a medicinal garden at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). There is no doubt that the traditional cultural belief system has contributed to the conservation of plant diversity and should be encouraged.