Emerging issues in grassland ecology research: Perspectives for advancing grassland studies in Nigeria

Abstract

Grasslands are essential for life processes. They have been researched by ecologists for decades, leading to numerous theories and debates underpinning the dynamics and sustainability of these natural resources. Due to the scarcity of data/information on specific indices that could elucidate their attributes, the contribution of the 341,800.82 km2 area of savannas in Nigeria to the global scientific discourse is sparse, despite the country's rich biodiversity. Here, we describe these savannas vis-à-vis their diversity, utilization, local disturbances, scientific attentions, and knowledge gaps. We particularly review some globally researched key ecological services – such as carbon sequestration; the stabilizing effects of diversity on productivity; and characterization of microbial biomass and diversity – that could be altered by the local disturbances or trending global environmental change factors but rarely studied in Nigeria. Overall, this paper calls for a paradigm shift in grassland research in Nigeria, from production-based to production-conservation driven. This shift would bring about a sustainable grassland management and utilization techniques that promote adaptation to local or global climate change, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable livestock production.