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 the 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 Inteiview sessions (IDIs) 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
Euphorbiacc.ae, Fabaceae, Sterculiaceae, Moraceae, Meliaceae 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.
DANIEL, D (2024). Assessment of Selected Sacred Forests of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria:- Daniel, Koko S.. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Sep 08, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-selected-sacred-forests-of-akwa-ibom-and-cross-river-states-of-nigeria-daniel-koko-s-7-2
DANIEL, DANIEL. "Assessment of Selected Sacred Forests of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria:- Daniel, Koko S." Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 18 Apr. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-selected-sacred-forests-of-akwa-ibom-and-cross-river-states-of-nigeria-daniel-koko-s-7-2. Accessed 08 Sep. 2024.
DANIEL, DANIEL. "Assessment of Selected Sacred Forests of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria:- Daniel, Koko S.". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 18 Apr. 2024. Web. 08 Sep. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-selected-sacred-forests-of-akwa-ibom-and-cross-river-states-of-nigeria-daniel-koko-s-7-2 >.
DANIEL, DANIEL. "Assessment of Selected Sacred Forests of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria:- Daniel, Koko S." Mouau.afribary.org (2024). Accessed 08 Sep. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-selected-sacred-forests-of-akwa-ibom-and-cross-river-states-of-nigeria-daniel-koko-s-7-2