Uses and Prevalence of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L 1759) in Okoo Community of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
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Date
2017-02-26
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Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study investigated the uses, management strategies and population status of the African baobab (Adansonia digitata L 1759) in Okoo community, in the Nigeria north-central State of Kwara. A total of seventy-three (73) individuals were
interviewed using structured questionnaire. The population status of the plant was assessed on six farmlands within the
community. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was observed that the leaf of baobab has the highest level of utilization in the study area. The fruits were consumed as a snack and in the preparation of local beverage. The bark and root were used in traditional medicine. There was no significant difference in the uses of baobab by age of the inhabitants of the study area (χ2 = 55.642; df = 69; P = 0.877). Contrastingly, there was a significant difference in the uses of the plant by gender (χ2 = 17.215; df = 1; P = 0.001). While on the average, there were 3.8 stands of baobab per farmland, there was no deliberate management of the plant. Majority of the trees (26.1%) sampled were sub-adults within the diameter class 92.0 - 132.9cm. The regeneration potential of baobab trees was of major concern as only two stands were considered seedlings. Climbing and pruning of the branches, debarking and root digging of baobab trees may negatively impact the plant in the long run. It is recommended that artificial regeneration should be encouraged by giving farmers free seeds and seedlings. The community should be educated on the wide range of uses of baobab as documented in other places to increase the utilization potential of the plant. The people should also be enlightened on simple silvicultural activities that could be carried out in the management of the plant.
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Keywords
African baobab, uses, management, population status, Kwara State, Nigeria
Citation
Amusa, T. O., Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, S. A., Akanbi, S. O., & Idowu, O. P. (2017). Uses and Prevalence of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L 1759) in Okoo Community of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 13(1): 43-49