Evaluation of the uses of Eucalyptus species in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

David Ekhuemelo,Luther Wuam,Gabriel Onah

doi:10.30574/gscbps.2017.1.1.0012

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessing uses of Eucalyptus species in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Snowball sampling technique was employed to select places where Eucalyptus trees were planted in Makurdi. Consequently, five out of these locations were randomly chosen. Target population for this study includes locations where Eucalyptus species were planted, Timber Sheds and stakeholders of forestry in Makurdi. Sum of sixty copies of semi structured questionnaire and personal interview were used for data collection. Results of this present study showed that 72% of respondents were male while 28% were female. Three species of Eucalyptus such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis (75%), Eucalyptus globulus (15%) and Eucalyptus toreliana (10%) were identified in the study area. The results revealed that Eucalyptus species were mostly used for windbreak (28.40%) followed by firewood (26.70%), aesthetics purpose (21.70%), landscaping (16.70%), electric poles (6.70%) and 0% for timber and furniture, respectively. Leave and bark of Eucalyptus species were reported to be used for medicinal purposes with E. camaldulensis most utilized. It was also observed that the stakeholders of forestry in Makurdi had neither Eucalyptus nursery nor plantation. Based on the findings, it is recommended that forestry stakeholders and government should embark sensitization of timber users to initiate Eucalyptus plantation to supplement the ever increasing demand of wood and wood products in Makurdi. Also, timber dealers should explore the Eucalyptus species for timber purposes and business.

Highlights

There is rapid consumption of wood for construction and furniture in northern Nigeria which is growing day by the day [1]
This study revealed that E. camaldulensis (75%) was mostly common followed by E. globulus (15%) and the least was E. torreliana (10%)
The study revealed that E. camaldulensis, E. globulus and E. torreliana were found in Makurdi with E. camaldulensis as the most dominate of the three

Summary

Introduction

There is rapid consumption of wood for construction and furniture in northern Nigeria which is growing day by the day [1]. The rates of growth of the indigenous savanna tree species are generally low and cannot meet the ever increasing demand of the people for wood and products [2]. Oluwadare and Egbewole carried out a study on the quality of Sterculia setigera wood species to ascertain its suitability pulp and paper production. This suggests the need to explore wood species other than the native ones with a view to finding an alternative supply [5]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion