Egbuche Christian Toochi

The study was conducted in the three Local Government Areas of Mbaise; namely Aboh, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte to assess the socio-economic importance of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) in Mbaise. Respondents for the study were selected from the three Local Government Areas, and each of Local Government produced three Communities to give a total of Nine Communities to give a total of one hundred and eighty (180) respondents. The entire selection was by random and purposive sampling technique. The objectives of the study were to; determine the various uses of bamboo and to ascertain the contribution of bamboo in the present dispensation to the socio-economic well being of the people in the study area. The data were collected using questionnaire, oral interview schedule and field visits. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency distribution table and return on investment (ROI). The result showed that majority (78%) of the respondents were male, 58% were between the age of 41-50 years, 76% were married, 38% had FSLC education. The result further revealed that 130 of the respondents use bamboo for staking of yams, 164 for erosion control, 168 for watershed while 68 indicated using it for building construction. Equally, 68 stated using it to confer aesthetic beauty on structures, 148 uses it for thatching/fencing and barn construction while an insignificant number (26) use it to construct platform, for goats. The result further revealed that 73% of the respondents are owners as well as dealers, 29% are middlemen dealers (Major) while 7% are middlemen dealers (Minor). Analysis done on return on investment indicated that dealers on bamboo made 92k, 82k and 76k profit for every naira invested in the business of supply for building, staking of yams and fencing barn construction and thatching respectively. From the foregoing, bamboo contributes in no small measure to employment and income generation in the study area.

This study was carried out in Imo State, South Eastern Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria. Five Local Government Areas and five communities were selected for the study. From the five communities, eight (8) Bee-Keepers were selected on purposive basis based on list of bee-keepers collected from Imo ADP field staff. This gave a total of 40 respondents for the study. Data for the study was collected using questionnaire, and oral interview schedule. Both primary and secondary data were used in addition to internet services. The information elicited from the respondents were based on the objectives of the study such as socio-economic characteristics, cost and return on beekeeping, constraints militating against beekeeping and the prospects of the enterprise. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency distribution tables, mean, Gross Margin and Net Farm Income. The result showed that the mean age of the respondents was 37 years, male respondents accounted for 72.5%, 40% had tertiary education, and family labor was the major source of labor. Personal savings (equity fund) was the major source of finance (85%), 55% had information from ADP Extension Agents, 80% use Kenyan Topbar, major Bee products processed were honey (60%) and Bee wax (40). It is profitable in the area as initial cost outlay was N15,900 and returns (Total revenue) is N42,000, thus getting N39,300 as gross marginal income with N26,100 as Net Farm Income (NFI). Lack of finance was the major constraint militating against the enterprise (39.6%) followed by Non-colonization of hives (l8.7%). However, worthwhile recommendation on making fund available to Beekeepers by Commercial Banks, engaging the services of extension staff and use of appropriate attractants like sugar solution and sweet fresh palm wine were proffered as solution to some of the teething constraints. However, the enterprise of beekeeping has bright future prospects in the area, considering the number (40) already in practice. Therefore, beekeeping can create wealth in the area and beyond.

Spatial nutrients that includes OM, Avail.K, Avail.P and TN distribution and the influences on vegetation patterns in Dalingshan was the cardinal focus of this study. Ecological data (moisture content, bulk density and topography) were considered. One way ANOVA was statistically tested of spatial distribution of major nutrients across 4 plots which indicated non significant at p = 0.05 level, TN (p = 0.0216), OM (p = 0.00004), Avail.K (p = 0.00216) respectively. Furthermore one way ANOVA was tested on acidity level (pH) measured against the nutrients distribution TN (p = 0.0031), OM (p = 0.0004), Avail.K (p = 0.0216) respectively at non significance level but available phosphorous was significantly different (p = 0.6412). The study revealed unique spatial patterns of soil nutrient distribution in Dalingshan and species abundance while vegetation census posed a new direction of study that may be adapted for a broad range of regional vegetation and floristic modeling. This paper suggests that forest soil nutrients and vegetation interaction can be utilized for further studies on multifactor ecosystem responses towards regional ecological restoration.