DEPARTMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

The monitoring activities adopted in various forest operations in Edo State were investigated in this study. The relevant issues related to the monitoring methods adopted, personnel involved, impacts and challenges of the monitoring methods adopted was studied with the aid of questionnaire. The result showed that there were significant differences among the agents involved in forest monitoring (P<0.05) and further analysis with LSD identified State Department of Forest (SDF) as the most dominant. The result revealed that both operational and strategic monitoring method is being adopted (85.5%), and there were significant difference among the adopted methods in operational and strategic method (P<0.05), further analysis identified patrol for monitoring log movement, and goal-oriented method as most dominant respectively. The result also revealed that the participatory method in forest monitoring is main professional-based and locally-based, 53.63% and 30.43% respectively. It revealed that there was no significant difference among the participation of local members in participatory forest monitoring (P<0.05). It reveal also that there were significant difference
among the challenges on proper forest monitoring (P<0.05) and further analysis with LSD identified inadequate manpower, underfunding and insecurity as the most dominant. It was observed that there was no significant difference among the impacts of the monitoring methods adopted in the State’s forest estate.

This study examined the value chain addition of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on its processing, packaging, transportation, profitability, and contribution to livelihoods. A total of 120 respondents, comprising traders and processors, were randomly and purposively selected from eight major markets across two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Egor), namely Ekiosa, Oba, Agbado, New Benin, Uwelu, Uselu, Oliha, and Ogida. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and simple cost and return methods. Findings revealed that 97.5% of respondents were female, with the majority (75%) having at least secondary education and over 13 years of experience in the trade. The most preferred product was the fermented locust bean (iru), processed using traditional methods. Gross margin analysis indicated that processed products were significantly more profitable than raw seeds, yielding a net return of ₦3,004.11 per kg compared to ₦786.79 per kg from raw seeds. This translates to a profit margin of 52.3% for processed products and 47.7% for raw seeds, underscoring the economic advantage of value addition. However, the study identified major challenges such as inadequate transportation (mean = 3.22), high market levies (3.51), poor access to ready markets (3.11), and limited awareness of value-added opportunities (3.41). Despite these constraints, Parkia biglobosa remains a vital source of livelihood and nutrition, particularly due to its rich vitamin A content, which supports eye health and general wellbeing. The study concludes that improving processing efficiency, adopting modern packaging techniques, and strengthening distribution channels will significantly enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Parkia biglobosa. It recommends entrepreneurial investment in branding, cooperative marketing, and value-added innovations such as powdered iru or ready-to-use condiments, which will boost income generation and promote the wider use of this indigenous, health-enhancing product.

The study evaluate nutrient composition of Jatropha curcas seed oil. Fully ripened Jatropha curcas fruits were collected from Jatropha plantation closed to Wildlife Ecotourism proposed site, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. Samples were collected from three parts of the plantation. The seeds were extracted from the fruits and air-dried accordingly. The dried seeds were taken to Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City main laboratory. The seeds were dehusked and grinded using ceramic mortar and pestle. The oil was extracted using a 500ml soxhler extraction apparatus using N-Hexane. Excess N-Hexane were recovered after removing the extracted sample from the extractor and oil parameters determined according to AOAC official method. Data collected were subjected to inferential statistics using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance. The results showed that moisture and crude protein content of the three samples of Jatropha curcas seed oils were significantly difference (P˂0.05). The moisture content ranged between 0.08±0.001 to 0.10±0.002 with an average of 0.09±0.01%. The crude protein content ranged between 17.50±1.7 to 17.80±1.5 with an average of 17.70±1.5. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in %fat among the samples. The %fat ranges between 39.4±2.9 to 40.2±2.2, with an average of 39.8±2.7. The results revealed significant difference (P˂0.05) in acid values, saponification, and free fatty acid among the three samples of J. curcas seed oil, while the values of Iodine and peroxide among the three samples showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The average acid values, Iodine, saponification, peroxide and free fatty acid of atropha curcas seed oil were 1.20±0.3, 82.4±3.6, 166.0±4.9, 1.93±0.1, and 0.40±0.02 respectively. In conclusion, the proximate composition studied revealed that the J. curcas seed oil is a good source of protein and has high fat content. This makes the x seed a valuable dietary supplement which can help reduce the problem of protein energy malnutrition.

This study examined the value chain addition of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on its processing, packaging, transportation, profitability, and contribution to livelihoods. A total of 120 respondents, comprising traders and processors, were randomly and purposively selected from eight major markets across two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Egor) namely Ekiosa, Oba, Agbado, New Benin, Uwelu, Uselu, Oliha, and Ogida. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and simple cost and return methods. Findings revealed that 97.5% of respondents were female, with the majority (75%) having at least secondary education and over 13 years of experience in the trade. The most preferred product was the fermented locust bean (iru), processed using traditional methods. Gross margin analysis indicated that processed products were significantly more profitable than raw seeds, yielding a net return of ₦3,004.11 per kg compared to ₦786.79 per kg from raw seeds. This translates to a profit margin of 52.3% for processed products and 47.7% for raw seeds, underscoring the economic advantage of value addition. However, the study identified major challenges such as inadequate transportation (mean = 3.22), high market levies (3.51), poor access to ready markets (3.11), and limited awareness of value-added opportunities (3.41). Despite these constraints, Parkia biglobosa remains a vital source of livelihood and nutrition, particularly due to its rich vitamin A content, which supports eye health and general wellbeing. The study concludes that improving processing efficiency, adopting modern packaging techniques, and strengthening distribution channels will significantly enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Parkia biglobosa. It recommends entrepreneurial investment in branding, cooperative marketing, and value-added innovations such as powdered iru or ready-to-use condiments, which will boost income generation and promote the wider use of this indigenous, health-enhancing product

This study examined the value chain addition of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on its processing, packaging, transportation, profitability, and contribution to livelihoods. A total of 120 respondents, comprising traders and processors, were randomly and purposively selected from eight major markets across two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Egor) namely Ekiosa, Oba, Agbado, New Benin, Uwelu, Uselu, Oliha, and Ogida. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and simple cost and return methods. Findings revealed that 97.5% of respondents were female, with the majority (75%) having at least secondary education and over 13 years of experience in the trade. The most preferred product was the fermented locust bean (iru), processed using traditional methods. Gross margin analysis indicated that processed products were significantly more profitable than raw seeds, yielding a net return of ₦3,004.11 per kg compared to ₦786.79 per kg from raw seeds. This translates to a profit margin of 52.3% for processed products and 47.7% for raw seeds, underscoring the economic advantage of value addition. However, the study identified major challenges such as inadequate transportation (mean = 3.22), high market levies (3.51), poor access to ready markets (3.11), and limited awareness of value-added opportunities (3.41). Despite these constraints, Parkia biglobosa remains a vital source of livelihood and nutrition, particularly due to its rich vitamin A content, which supports eye health and general wellbeing. The study concludes that improving processing efficiency, adopting modern packaging techniques, and strengthening distribution channels will significantly enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Parkia biglobosa. It recommends entrepreneurial investment in branding, cooperative marketing, and value-added innovations such as powdered iru or ready-to-use condiments, which will boost income generation and promote the wider use of this indigenous, health-enhancing product.

The study examined the impact of forest degradation on rural livelihoods in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, with specific attention to the
economic implications of declining forest resources and the adaptive responses of forest- dependent households. The objectives were to; determine the average household income derived from non-timber forest products (NTFPs) between 2000 and 2025; assess trends
in forest resource supply and availability; identify major causes of forest degradation, and
evaluate its impacts on livelihood activities and coping strategies among forest-adjacent
communities. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered
to 200 respondents across ten purposively selected villages surrounding the Ehor Forest
Reserve. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) to identify patterns of change in income, resource availability, and degradation intensity over time. The findings revealed a progressive increase in household income from NTFPs between 2000 and 2025, suggesting that forest-based economic activities have remained central to rural livelihoods despite increasing environmental pressure. ANOVA results showed a statistically significant variation (F = 2118.295; p < 0.05) in mean annual income across the study years, indicating shifts in forest resource dependence and commercialization. However, evidence of declining forest resource supply was observed, with only 8.5% of respondents reporting abundant forest products after 2020 compared to over 79% in the early 2000s. The study identified illegal logging (98.5%), increased community use (87.5%), and weak enforcement of forest laws (69.5%) as primary drivers of degradation. Furthermore, the availability of trees (99%), firewood (98%), and medicinal plants (93%) showed severe depletion, reflecting a substantial loss of ecological assets. Nearly all respondents (97%) confirmed a regular increase in forest degradation, while environmental problems (65%) and health-related challenges (22.5%) were identified as major consequences

This study investigated the effect of different seed coat pre-treatments on the germination and early seedling growth of Chrysophyllum delevoyi. The experiment was conducted at the nursery of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Nigeria. The treatments applied were: total removal of seed coat (T₁), no removal of seed coat (control) (T₂), soaking in water for 24 hours (T₃), soaking in water for 48 hours (T₄), and nicked seed coat (T₅). The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates per treatment, each containing 15 seeds, giving a total of 225 seeds. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and LSD) at a 5% level of significance. Germination commenced at different times across treatments. Germination commenced 9 days after sowing (DAS) in T2, T3, T5 respectively and 8 days after sowing (DAS) in T4. T₁ failed to germinate, while T₂, T₃, and T₄ recorded mean germination percentages of 77.78%, 68.89%, and 73.33% respectively. The nicked seed coat (T₅) produced 42.22%. Mean germination time (MGT) ranged from 23.43 days(T₂) 23.10 days (T₃) to 23.32 days (T₄) and then 23.09 days (T₅), the control and soaked treatments showed faster emergence. Germination peaks were observed in the 3rd week after sowing (WAS) for T₂, T₃, and T₄. Growth parameters followed a similar trend. and growth data was recorded for 12 weeks. Wet and dry biomass were measured at termination of experiment using destructive method. The control (T₂) recorded the highest mean seedling height (11.13cm) while T3 had the lowest height (10.18cm). The collar diameter for T5 was the largest with a value of 1.85mm and T3 having the lowest value (1.55mm). The highest number of leaves was from T5 with 3.76 leaves, T4 having the lowest number (3.36 leaves. T3 had the longest root length of 14.47cm while the lowest value of 11.25cm was recorded for T5. The highest wet and dry biomass were recorded for treatments T2 and T3 with values of 4.02 and 1.83 respectively, while T4 and T5 had the lowest values of 3.55 for the wet biomass while T5 had the lowest value for the dry biomass (1.55)

Urban parks form an integral part of urban forest ecosystems, providing a wide range of ecological, socio-economic, and cultural benefits essential for human well-being and sustainable urban development. This study assesses the socio-economic value and public awareness of ecosystem services provided by trees within the Faculty of Social Science Park at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 95 respondents selected through proportional sampling based on visitor frequency. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII). Findings showed that respondents demonstrated a high ability to identify key ecosystem services such as shade provision, aesthetic enhancement, air purification, recreational support, medicinal resources, and habitat provision. Cultural benefits such as recreation, landscape beauty, and stress reduction recorded the highest RII values, with beautification (RII = 0.808) and shade provision (RII = 0.80) ranked most important. Awareness of ecosystem services was also high, especially for provisioning services such as medicine (RII = 0.85) and timber (RII = 0.84). Despite this, willingness to pay (WTP) for park conservation was low, with 80% unwilling to contribute financially. Economic constraints accounted for over half (53.9%) of the reasons for refusal, highlighting the influence of income on environmental support behaviour. The study concludes the need for stronger environmental education, improved park infrastructure, and the integration of green-space management into university planning. This study recommends enhanced awareness, and policy backing of urban forest ecosystem services, in order to promote its long-term conservation and optimize the park’s role in supporting environmental quality, cultural values, and campus well-being

This research examined the plants of spice value sold in selected markets within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to identify the species in trade, their socio-economic importance, and the challenges faced by traders in the spice market. The study was conducted across seven purposely selected markets: Ekiosa, Oregbeni, Oliha, Oba, New Benin, Santana, and Uselu based on their prominence in spice trading. Data obtained through the administration of 100 questionnaires and direct market observations. Descriptive statistics, Use Value (UV), and Family Use Value (FUV) indices were employed to analyze the data. Results showed that women constituted the majority of spice traders (83%), while men accounted for 17%, indicating a female-dominated occupation. Most respondents were married (78%), with 50% aged between 41 and 60 years, and 48% possessing secondary education. A total of twenty-two (22) spice plant species belonging to fifteen (15) botanical families were identified, with the seeds and leaves being the most frequently used parts, mostly sold in dried form. Prominent spices included Monodora myristica (African nutmeg), Aframomum melegueta (alligator pepper), Piper guineense (black pepper), and Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian pepper), which were mainly used in the preparation of traditional dishes such as pepper soup and black soup. The Lamiaceae family recorded the highest Family Use Value (FUV = 0.701), while Thymus vulgaris exhibited the highest Species Use Value (UV = 2.0), indicating high cultural and culinary relevance. The study revealed that the price of spices increased significantly between 2023 and 2025 (p < 0.05), with Aframomum melegueta and Tetrapleura tetraptera ranking among the most expensive species due to carcity and rising demand. Major challenges reported by traders included unstable pricing (92%), high
transportation costs (87%), inadequate storage facilities (35%), and seasonal scarcity (29%). These constraints negatively affected income, with most traders earning below ₦200,000 annually. The research concludes that plants of spice crops remain a vital component of household nutrition, income generation, and cultural heritage in Benin City. However, the increasing preference for modern synthetic spices and deforestation poses significant threats to their sustainability. It is therefore recommended that government and relevant agencies promote
the domestication and afforestation of indigenous spice plants, improve market infrastructure, provide value addition and processing facilities, and enhance awareness of the economic and ecological benefits of conserving spice biodiversity.

The study investigated the affect of Anthropogenic Disturbances of some selected species in University of Benin. The campus was divided into two habitat types; compartments A and compartment B.The survey was carried out for a period of six months( February 2023 to July 2023) converting both the dry and wet season.Using line transect method, animal census was carried out from 6:30 am to 10:00am in the morning and 4:00-6:00 In the evening. Each compartment was visited twice per day( morning and evening). Animal sighted we're identified. The number of individuals seen along the transect line were noted and count. A total number of 260 individuals belonging to 12 families and 12 species in both the wet and the dry season were identified and recorded within the studey area. The results of the family species and abundance of wildlife was higher (0.284) and relative abundance (28.4%) was observed among xerus erythopis while the was recorded among Hystrix cristata individual species Shannon taxas diversity index and evenness recorded high population in the transect line( C) 115, Shannon diversity index in transect( C); evenness 0.8622 and Margalef I'm transect (C)and(D)in both the dry and wet season. Species habitat preference were significantly different in both study sites. The species occur more ( 15.0@+- 2.76) site B and (25.4@+- 2.24) site B for both seasons. The species surveyed in both the dry and wet season we're highly dictected more during the day season (37.3@+5.33) as compared to wet season. On the animal activity investigated, Trail (54.5@+_6.2) and the calls(38.8b+_5.7) we're significantly different among the various activities surveyed for this studies.The Anthropogenic Activities in the study area were significantly different. Traps(43.0+_4.7a) and farming (26.5+_7.4b) were the major Anthropogenic activities observed in this study. While snares(26.0+_4.76a) and cage trap (9.3+_2.3b) records the most frequent use trap for animal capturing and poaching activities in the study area. Human induced activity is the major Anthropogenic factor influencing the wildlife disturbance in the study area. There is need for urgent conservation effect for the protection of the species population.