Importance of Indigenous Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Communities Surrounding Kpashimi Forest Reserve, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Forest resource use and traditional conservation practices were studied in nine forest neighbouring communities to Kpashimi Forest Reserve, Niger state. The aim of the study was to examine the importance of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation among the communities surrounding Kpashimi Forest Reserve. Ecological survey and Rapid Rural Appraisal methods were adopted for the study. Matrix ranking and scoring was employed to analyse data on communities' utilization of vegetation species. The average rank score for each perceived important value was calculated. Medicinal value was ranked first with average rank score of 1.21, followed by fuel wood (2.33), food (2.62), cultural value (3.72), timber (3.86), building materials (3.92), grazing (5.24), aesthetic (7.10), fibre (7.34), and employment (8.22). Analysis of respondents' perceived relevance of indigenous knowledge on biodiversity conservation indicated weighted mean score statistics and standard deviation ranging between 3.33- 4.16 and 0.078 - 0.596, respectively. This implies that their mean values were all above the cut-off point of 2.50 and therefore recognised the importance of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation. The study revealed that existing traditional conservation methods among the natives include preservation of sacred landscapes for threatened species, myths and taboos restricting use through dos and don'ts, harvesting methods, spiritual values associated with forests and individual species. Appreciating these immense values and threats from changing environment, the natives indicated approval for the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern forest management practices. The study therefore contends that for continued sustainability of forest biodiversity, conservation strategies need to recognise local knowledge in both content and practice.