Farmers’ Perception and Socio-Economic Importance of an Indigenous Fruit Tree in Two Agroecological Zones of Edo State, Nigeria. A Case Study of Chrysophylum Albidum (G. Don) (Published)
This paper reports on farmers’ perceptions and the socio-economic importance of Chrysophyllum albidum in two agroecological zones of Edo state, Nigeria. From both zones, ninety (90) household where the fruit trees are produced on a commercial basis were selected through multistage random sampling technique. The data was obtained through a structured questionnaire, interview and focused group discussion with farmers, consumers and sellers of this fruit tree. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive analysis such as frequency, mode and percentages. Findings from the results revealed the economic importance of the species to the people, the desired characteristics of the fruits, the problems associated with the species and evidence of domestication in C. albidum trees especially in the rainforest zone. C. albidum fruit tree is economically important in both agroecological zones and contributes to the sustenance of livelihood of the rural populace. Furthermore, the size of C. albidum fruit and the taste influences the price of the fruit. Thus, Extension services could help farmers obtain greater benefits from this resource by promoting participatory domestication and advice on tree management.
Keywords: Agroecological Zone, Chrysophyllum Albidum, Livelihood, Participatory Domestication, Socio-Economic Importance
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM G. DON. IN RAINFOREST AND DERIVED SAVANNA ECOSYSTEMS OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA (Published)
This study was carried out to determine the socio-economic importance of Chrysophyllum albidum in rainforest and derived savanna ecosystems of Ondo State and examines its level of domestication. From each ecological zone, a local government area (LGA) with good concentration of C. albidum trees was selected. The study covered a total of ten villages (i.e. five from each ecosystem). From each village, five farm households with C. albidum trees on their farms were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered on the head of each household. Results identified evidence of C. albidum trees domestication in the two ecosystems. C. albidum fruit is economically important in the two ecosystems and contributes to the socio-economic life of the people. Factors affecting the price of C. albidum fruits in the two ecosystems were fruit taste and fruit size. Thus, the demand will improve if sweeter and bigger sized fruits are produced through domestication programme.
Keywords: Chrysophyllum Albidum, Domestication, Ecosystems, Forest Food Trees, Nigeria, Socio-Economic Importance
Socio-Economic Importance of Chrysophyllum Albidum G. Don. In Rainforest and Derived Savanna Ecosystems of Ondo State, Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)
This study was carried out to determine the socio-economic importance of Chrysophyllum albidum in rainforest and derived savanna ecosystems of Ondo State and examines its level of domestication. From each ecological zone, a local government area (LGA) with good concentration of C. albidum trees was selected. The study covered a total of ten villages (i.e. five from each ecosystem). From each village, five farm households with C. albidum trees on their farms were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered on the head of each household. Results identified evidence of C. albidum trees domestication in the two ecosystems. C. albidum fruitis economically important in the two ecosystems and contributes to the socio-economic life of the people. Factors affecting the price of C. albidum fruits in the two ecosystems were fruit taste and fruit size. Thus, the demand will improve if sweeter and bigger sized fruits are produced through domestication programme
Keywords: Chrysophyllum Albidum, Domestication, Ecosystems, Forest Food Trees, Nigeria, Socio-Economic Importance
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM G. DON. IN RAINFOREST AND DERIVED SAVANNA ECOSYSTEMS OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA (Review Completed - Accepted)
This study was carried out to determine the socio-economic importance of Chrysophyllum albidum in rainforest and derived savanna ecosystems of Ondo State and examines its level of domestication. From each ecological zone, a local government area (LGA) with good concentration of C. albidum trees was selected. The study covered a total of ten villages (i.e. five from each ecosystem). From each village, five farm households with C. albidum trees on their farms were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered on the head of each household. Results identified evidence of C. albidum trees domestication in the two ecosystems. C. albidum fruitis economically important in the two ecosystems and contributes to the socio-economic life of the people. Factors affecting the price of C. albidum fruits in the two ecosystems were fruit taste and fruit size. Thus, the demand will improve if sweeter and bigger sized fruits are produced through domestication programme.
Keywords: Chrysophyllum Albidum, Domestication, Ecosystems, Forest Food Trees, Nigeria, Socio-Economic Importance