Land use issues on wild plant conservation in Nigeria

Abstract

Wild plant conservation is part of the Nigerian culture and is a major source by which the economic well-being of rural economies is sustained. However, large-scale devegetation of the natural ecosystems resulting from poor land use has threatened wild plants in various ecological zones. Nevertheless, vital information on wild plants is scanty. There are no accurate data to support conservation efforts in terms of species types, numbers, biology, ecology and silviculture of wild plants. Strategies for wild plant conservation are suggested. Wild plant conservation should evolve through research, land use controls establishment of aboreta, integrated agricultural production and habitat protection. Land use should emphasize public education, public participation, incentives to landowners and the application of the rule of law.