ABSTRACT

This study which aimed at assessing selected sacred forests in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states of Nigeria, had as its objectives: identification of the tree species composition of the selected sacred forests; determination of the frequencies of occurrence/relative abundance of the various tree species; assessment of the standing volume of the important timber species and evaluation of the perceived socio-economic values of these natural sites by the indigenes. A multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized to select the eight (8) study sites which were Abaam Itak, Akoho Itit, Akai Mbiam, Akai Uya, Akai Anwa Ibok, Utai Ikot, Evat Quna and Odim Akerot. Five temporary sample plots (TSP) of 20m x 20m within ffie core of the forests were randomly selected from grid layout and assessed. Data collection procedure involved identification, enumeration and measurement of merchantable height of the trees having diameter at breast height (dbh) ~ 10cm. Ecological - Anthropological information were obtained during public fora, Focus Group Discussion sessions (FGDs) and In-depth Interview sessions (lDIs) with key informants !stakeholders. Questionnaires containing fourteen positive and negative values of the sacred forests were later administered on thirty individuals in each community, to evaluate their perceptions (utility values) of those sacred forests. Composite Index analytical technique was employed in evaluating the respondents' perceptions. The study revealed that Eupliorhiaceac, Fabaceae, Sterculiaceae, Moraceae, Mefiaceae and Apocynaceae were the dominant trees families in all the studied forests. However, 18 out of 34 families encountered were common to all the sacred forests. The pioneer (primary) species recorded both high relative density (RD) and Incidence Value (spread). Good number of pioneer species had high standing volume of wood and the dbh distribution of the trees within most of the stUdied forests revealed a typical inverse J-shape structure. Six out of the fourteen socio economic values scored above the average rating mark with "preservation of important tree species" being the most ranked with mean of 3.14. Composite Index however revealed that 59.2% of the study population holds a low or no value for the sacred forests while analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the perceived socio economic value between the various communities, age groups, gender, literacy level, marital status and household sizes. Abaam Itak was the most valued of all the sacred forests (index value of 0.5570). The study recommended among other things the formation of community based conservation (CBC) awareness project to re-orient the people on the values of these forests and other similar forests.