The Impacts and Causes of Land Fragmentation on Farm Productivity: Case Review of East African Countries

This report provides an overall assessment of land fragmentation problems in East Africa. Many parts of East Africa have become highly fragmented, putting development systems and activities in these areas at risk of complete collapse. Land fragmentation occurs when land gets converted for agriculture, industrialization, or urbanization, invaded by non-local plants, or enclosed for individual use and by subdividing farmlands into subsequent smaller units called parcels with varying average farm sizes. Fragmentation results from inappropriate agricultural development processes and ineffective land use planning that fails to recognize how farmland is used, and the importance of its interconnected areas. Insecurity of tenure and resource rights are key factors in making this possible. Land fragmentation is one of the key reasons why the ability of most resources in East Africa becomes scarcer, and those remaining become “privatized” by more powerful community members—keen to maintain their access to them. Such individualistic attitudes are new and disadvantage the poorest even further by affecting the traditional customary safety nets and agricultural outputs. Neither the government nor customary governance systems effectively protect resource access for the poorest. This review summary report identifies the key causes, measures, and implications, government interventions, and the common remedies to land fragmentation problems in the East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania including neighboring Ethiopia, and the Sudan. The findings indicated from 2005 to 2015, the population kept increasing for all the named countries in East Africa with Rwanda and Uganda having a substantial increase in population density. The study review further explores the trend in the performance of agriculture by average farm sizes within the intervals of five years by highlighting their strong linkages and found that the average farm size has declined drastically, especially for Kenya. This can only mean that small farms kept becoming smaller and smaller and that there were more small-scale farmers. The results further depicted that the major and commonly cultivated food crops among the East African countries include maize, sorghum, rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, Irish potatoes, beans, peas, etc., with maize yields (Mt/ha) in 2003 for Uganda being the highest (1.79 Mt/ha) and the lowest in Rwanda (0.77 Mt/ha) respectively. Therefore, from the review results, recommendations are being made as to how the negative impacts of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity can be reduced or mitigated. One way is by community sensitization and awareness about the importance of land consolidation and its proposition on farm productivity.

Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Military and Civilian Regimes in Nigeria: A Statistical Evidence from Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Governments influence the economy by changing the level and types of taxes, the extent and composition of spending, and the degree and form of borrowing. Governments directly and indirectly influence the way resources are used in the economy. Higher taxes, fees, and greater regulations can stymie businesses or entire industries and the resulting impact is reflected on the country’s economy status (strong or weak). The growth rate of GDP is often used as an indicator of the general health of the economy. In broad terms, an increase in real GDP is interpreted as a sign that the economy is doing well. So it is important to study and pay more attention to country’s GDP growth rate. In this paper, an intervention analysis approach was applied to Nigeria GDP data in order to evaluate the performances of military and civilian rules in the country. Data on Nigeria GDP were collected and subjected to interrupted (intervention) time series model. Based on the Alkaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and sigma2 values, the interrupted time series model ARIMA (1, 1, 0) with exogenous variables (per capita per capita GDP, intervention, year and yearAfter) was identified as the best model amongst other competing models. It was observed that the intervention (civilian rule) was significant at the 10% level of significance in increasing the Nigeria GDP by 10B US$ on the average since 2005 till 2021 while controlling for the effects of other determinants. Also, the ARIMA (1, 1, 0) forecasts indicate that the Nigeria GDP will continue increasing during the civilian rule. As a result, changing from military rule to civilian rule in Nigeria significantly increased the GDP of the country.

Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Military and Civilian Regimes in Nigeria: A Statistical Evidence from Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Governments influence the economy by changing the level and types of taxes, the extent and composition of spending, and the degree and form of borrowing. Governments directly and indirectly influence the way resources are used in the economy. Higher taxes, fees, and greater regulations can stymie businesses or entire industries and the resulting impact is reflected on the country’s economy status (strong or weak). The growth rate of GDP is often used as an indicator of the general health of the economy. In broad terms, an increase in real GDP is interpreted as a sign that the economy is doing well. So it is important to study and pay more attention to country’s GDP growth rate. In this paper, an intervention analysis approach was applied to Nigeria GDP data in order to evaluate the performances of military and civilian rules in the country. Data on Nigeria GDP were collected and subjected to interrupted (intervention) time series model. Based on the Alkaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and sigma2 values, the interrupted time series model ARIMA (1, 1, 0) with exogenous variables (per capita per capita GDP, intervention, year and yearAfter) was identified as the best model amongst other competing models. It was observed that the intervention (civilian rule) was significant at the 10% level of significance in increasing the Nigeria GDP by 10B US$ on the average since 2005 till 2021 while controlling for the effects of other determinants. Also, the ARIMA (1, 1, 0) forecasts indicate that the Nigeria GDP will continue increasing during the civilian rule. As a result, changing from military rule to civilian rule in Nigeria significantly increased the GDP of the country.

Perception of Local Populations of Bouba-Ndjidda National Park on Indigenous Knowledge and the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Conservation

This study deals with the perceptions of indigenous knowledge in the field of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the peripheral villages of the Bouba-Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), Department of Mayo-Rey, Cameroon. To this end, 23 out of 70 villages in the study area were selected, for a sample of 368 households surveyed through a questionnaire addressed to the heads of households. Data collection took place from August 27 to December 22, 2022. The results reveal that 70.7% of the population living near the PNBN practice agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock (23.3%) and trade (6%). Knowledge in the field of the conservation of natural resources is rooted in occultism through rituals and sacrifices (99.50%) offered to the geniuses of nature and prohibitions on the felling of trees and sacred animals (13.00%). The populations perceive climate change through the variation of the seasons (97.60%), the increase in temperature (84.80%), the reduction in the duration of the rainy seasons (54.60%), the drop in agricultural yield (84.80%) and floods (74.70%). The consequence of these changes on wildlife is the disappearance of animal species such as the Rhinoceros, the Wild Dog, the Cheetah and the Ostrich. In order to cope with climate change, the natives have developed strategies such as the adoption of early crop varieties (maize, millet, soybeans, etc.), the reorganization of the agricultural calendar, the practice of reforestation, extension of field surfaces, the cessation of excessive deforestation and uncontrolled bush fires, the construction of fired brick houses, the practice of irrigation, seasonal migration and occultism. This indigenous knowledge is a perfect adaptation to climate change and makes it possible to better take into account the vision of local populations in the conservation of biodiversity.

Ecology and Determinants of a Tropical Rainforest Landscape

Tropical ecosystems are bio-diverse ecosystems that differ according to varied environmental features.This work assessed the tree diversity and environmental variables that define a rainforest ecosystem in southeast Nigeria.30 forest plots were used to identify trees≥10 cm(DBH measured at 130 cm).Soil samples were collected up to 30 cm deep at four edges and middle of each plot,and bulked for analysis.The survey recorded a total of 2414 trees that belonged to 102 species and 32 families.Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index(H’)of 3.67,Inverse Simpson’s index(C)of 1.06,species evenness of 0.79 and Margalef’s index of species richness(M)of 12.97 were recorded.Fabaceae family recorded the highest number(1037)of individual tree(being 43%of total)observations,while Burseraceae had the least number(1).Species abundance status showed 2.9%of species as“Abundant”,73.5%as“Endangered”,2.9%as“Frequent”and 20.6%of species as“Rare”.Soil variables namely phosphorus,magnesium,potassium,particle sizes(sand,silt and clay),CEC,calcium,pH,and aluminium,influenced the distribution of the vegetation in decreasing order.Edaphic factors(soil)determined the distribution of tree stems,growth and abundance of the species within the region.Efforts on conserving the ecosystem along environmental gradients and according to species status and indices are advocated.

Birds’Diversity in Kalfou Forest Reserve and Its Peripheral Zone, Far North, Cameroon

The Far North Region of Cameroon is home to a great diversity of bird species, which unfortunately remains very little explored. This work was initiated to establish an inventory of birds and the factors affecting their diversity and distribution for sustainable management in the Kalfou Forest Reserve (KFR) and its periphery. Two methods were used for sampling, linear strip transects from which direct counts and indirect observations were made and the mist netting to complement the first. In total, 2525 birds were observed, including 149 species, belonging to 20 orders and 55 families. Accipitridae had the greatest number of species (11). The species richness was greater in the KFR (117 species) compared to the periphery (95 species). The specific richness was higher in wooded savannah compared to other habitats. Shannon index was significantly higher in the KFR (3.99) compared to that obtained in the periphery (3.80). The value of the Simpson index was higher on the outskirts of the KFR than on the periphery. The indices of species diversity were greater in the wooded savannah compared to other vegetation types. The seasons had no influence on bird diversity. Among the human activities encountered, the pressure indices were more important for grazing (7.3 contacts/km). Human activities have resulted in a significant decrease in specific richness. Six endangered species were encountered, four belonging to the Accipitridae family. The greater bird diversity in the reserve compared to the periphery shows that protected areas are a long-term solution for biodiversity conservation.

Agroforestry for Climate Change Adaptation,Resilience Enhancement and Vulnerability Attenuation in Smallholder Farming Systems in Cameroon

The adverse impacts of climate variability and change are felt mostly by smallholder farmers and smallholder farming systems where rain-fed agriculture is predominant.Continuous dependence on rain-fed agriculture has led to declining crop productivity and crop failure in most cases as weather patterns shift which is very problematic for crop growth.Agroforestry which is one of the climate-smart,environmentally benign and agroecological practices has been found to mitigate climate change adversities while fostering adaptation,enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability especially in smallholder farming systems.However,in Cameroon,limited empirical research has been done to ascertain the role played by agroforestry in climate change adaptation,resilience enhancement and vulnerability attenuation.This paper which is based on an in-depth review of literature was undertaken to uncover what has been done so far in terms of empirical studies tackling the role played by agroforestry in climate change adaptation,resilience and vulnerability attenuation in Cameroon.It was found that most of the empirical studies have been carried out in one agroecological zone-the western highlands of Cameroon,showing that smallholder farmers adopt different agroforestry practices in the face of climate change with the most common being home gardens with livestock,home gardens without livestock,scattered trees on croplands,improved fallows,live fences/hedges and windbreaks,coffee-based agroforestry,cocoa-based agroforestry,apiculture-based agroforestry,fodder banks,and plantation crop-based agroforestry practices.These agroforestry practices provide a plethora of ecosystem services categorized into provisioning,supporting,regulating and cultural which play an important role towards fostering climate change adaptation,enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability in smallholder farming systems.From the findings uncovered by this study,it is imperative for more empirical studies to be carried out in the other four agroecological zones of Cameroon where there is a paucity of information regarding the role played by agroforestry towards fostering climate change adaptation,enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability in smallholder farming systems.

Effect of rooting media and hormone concentrations on vegetative propagation of Balanites aegyptiaca

Vegetative propagation is widely used as a means of genotype preservation in clone banks and seed orchards but despite this, the possibility of vegetative propagation using hormones is not clear for many indigenous tree species, including Balanites aegyptiaca. This research is on the vegetative propagation of B. aegyptiaca as influenced by rooting media and growth hormones.Juvenile stem cuttings were obtained from 4 months old seedlings. Nodal stem cuttings 4–5 cm long from 3–5 mm diameter stems were treated with indole-3-butyric acid or indole-3-acetic acid at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L and sown in three different rooting media: top soil, river sand, and sawdust. The results reveal a significant effect(p \ 0.05)of rooting media and growth hormones on B. aegyptiaca cuttings. B. aegyptiaca can be propagated vegitatively without the use of hormones. The control was recommended for vegetative propagation of B. aegyptiaca.

Butterfly Species Diversity and Abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden, Nigeria

Understanding the significance of butterflies in an ecosystem as an environmental healthy indicator and pollination of flowering plants is crucial to achieving sustainability and conservation of floral diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the butterfly species diversity and abundance and compare the relationship between physical factor and butterfly species. Line transect were used to survey three habitats around botanical garden with scooped-net between June and July, 2010. Diversity varied from habitat to habitat. A checklist was made comprising a total of 57 butterfly species that were surveyed belonging to 9 families. There was a relationship between temperature and butterfly species diversity and abundance. There was no correlation between physical factors (relative humidity and temperature) and the total number of species and families. Moreover, butterfly numbers were not related to relative humidity in any species and family. However, temperature was significantly correlated with species. Therefore, understanding of the factors that affect butterfly species diversity and abundance in University of Ibadan Botanical Garden is important for conservation.

Habitat fragmentation and the population status of rodents in Abayum forest, Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria

The threat to wildlife population is attributed to various anthropogenic activities. The main objective of this study was to identify the influence of fragment size on the population density of rodents in the study area. Fourteen (14) out of forty (40) fragments existing in the area were randomly sampled. The parameters used for the study were number, size of fragments and the corresponding population distribution of rodents in the study area. Fifty hunters in the area were also interviewed. The fragments were stratified into first, second and third order fragments on the basis of their sizes and randomly selected for the study. Indirect method of wildlife census was carried out through the observation of droppings, trail or tract, burrows, eating habits and noise. Fragment growth rate was 18 to 40 (87.5%) in 7 years. Anthropogenic perturbations in the form of cultivation of permanent cropland, settlement expansion, bush burning, timber exploitation and new settlements in areas previously thinly settled or not accessible to outsiders have resulted in disjointed ecosystems. The population density of rodents correlated with fragment size was highly significant ((P < 0.05) r = 0.9). It was then concluded that fragment size greatly influenced the population and diversity of rodent species. It was recommended that the remaining large fragments in the study area should be protected by law from further fragmentation.

Ethnomedicinal values of some selected plant species in Federal College of Wildlife Management

Objective:The objective of this study was to identify the ethno-medicinal values of some selected plant species in Federal College of Wildlife Management,New Bussa,Niger state,Nigeria.Methods:Three methods of data collection were employed:(1) reconnansance survey of the College Estate was carried out to identify some selected medicinal plants found within the area:(2) field observations alongside personal recognition of some of these plant species were carried out and(3) interview was also carried out in three villages around the College Estate to determine the plants being utilized by the villagers.The villages were Kere,Labararu and Poppoi. The various uses of the identified plants and their parts used for the said purposes were recorded.One hundred people were interviewed altogether in these villages.Recorded information gathered on the medicinal uses of plants includes the type of plants,the part used to cure sickness,preparation of concoction,and the type of sickness cured.The data gathered were presented and analyzed using tables.Results:The results revealed that the identified plant species were being used in curing various diseases such as dysentery,fever, stomach pains,cough,malaria,yellow fever,diarrhea,gonorrhea,pile,body pains and other diseases.Conclusion: The study concluded that since the vast numbers of species in the study area possess medicinal values, there is need to conserve and protect the vegetation of the area from unsustainable exploitations which are the common features of vegetation in the surrounding land uses.

Seed Germination and Effects of Three Watering Regimes on the Growth of <i>Dialium guineense</i>(Wild) Seedlings

The effectiveness of three pre-germination treatments in breaking dormancy of the seeds of Dialum guineense and effects of three watering regimes on the growth performance of the seedlings were investigated. The pre-germination treatments were: soaking in hot water for 10 seconds and cooling down in cold water (T1), soaking in cold water for 24 hours (T2), soaking in running water for 48 hours (T3) and control (T4), while watering regimes include: watering once daily in the morning (W1), watering once every two days in the morning (W2) and watering once every three days in the morning (W3). The results showed that germination occurred first at 5 days after sowing (5 DAS) among the seeds soaked in cold water for 24 hours before sowing (T2), while the untreated seeds (control) took the longest period of 12 days before germination occurred. T1 had the highest germination value of 49.6% while T3 had the least of 31.2%. The effects of watering regimes were found to be significantly different on stem-collar diameter, leaf area and total dry weight (P < 0.05). The least significant difference (LSD) test showed that W2 and W3 supported the best growth performance. It is concluded from the results that T2 should be adopted for breaking the dormancy of Dialium guineense seeds and watering interval of three days would not dispose the seedlings to water-stress.

Assessing Tropical Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss in the Cross River Rainforest of Nigeria

The Cross River Rainforest of South Eastern Nigeria is one of Africa’s last remaining areas of pristine tropical high forest, extremely rich in a wide variety of flora and fauna species, and is among the twenty five biodiversity hotspots in the world. The forest has important biophysical properties which affect local, regional and global environmental quality. Using a combination of document research, GIS report, field observations, interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals that the ecological integrity of this forest is being seriously threatened by a myriad of human activities, such as unsustainable agricultural practices, illegal logging, population explosion/expansion of human settlements, construction of highways, mining activities, and high unemployment/pressure on natural resources. All the above factors have combined to impact heavily on the depletion and extinction of valuable flora and fauna species in the region. Rigorous research-based innovative forestry and biodiversity policies and programmes, forest restoration initiatives, community-based forest management, and sustainable land use practices are recommended to save the Cross River Rainforest from total destruction.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Forest Cover Change in Tehsil Barawal, District Dir, Pakistan

The forests of Pakistan replicate plentiful climatic, physiographic and edaphic differences in the country and these forests face a serious problem of deforestation. Geographic information system (GIS) techniques and remote sensing (RS) from satellite platforms offer a best way to identify those areas of deforestation, and thus a GIS and RS based study was conducted in tehsil Barawal, district Dir (U) to analyze forest cover change. The main objectives of the study were to: 1) identify different classes of land use and land cover, and its spatial distribution in the study area;2) determine the trend, nature, location and magnitude of forest cover change;and 3) prepare maps of forest-cover change in different time periods in the study area. To assess the objectives remote sensing and GIS techniques were utilized. A supervised image classification technique was applied on Landsat 5 satellite images of 2000 and 2012. Five main classes such as agriculture, forest, barren land, snow and water were identified. The results showed that the area of forest, barren land, agriculture, water and snow in year 2000 was 49.54%, 43.38%, 5.19%, 1.40% and 0.49% and the area in 2012 was 37.17%, 41.36%, 12.69%, 5.05% and 3.72% respectively. Furthermore 2.02% decrease in barren land, 12.37% decrease in forest and 7.5% increase in agriculture land were identified. Due to high deforestation rate and increased agricultural activities, it is recommended that awareness campaign should be launched in the study area to protect and conserve this forest from further deforestation.

Assessing Change of Lamto Reserve Area Based on the MODIS Time Series Data and Bioclimatic Factors Using BFAST Algorithms

Lamto Reserve area is a savannah landscape threatened by periodic drought, and anthropogenic activities leading to natural ecological imbalance. The ecological support services of the landscape had been significantly impacted by the grassland ecosystem. The Breaks for Additive Season and Trend Algorithms have been implemented in R to analyze the land cover/land use dynamic in relation to the climatic driver of Lamto forest from 2000 to 2020. We examine the vegetation state breaks using vegetation phenological patterns, and several time series including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and the Enhanced Vegetation Index, were studied utilizing Breaks for Additive Season and Trend. The findings indicate that the phenological changes in the vegetation in 2020 resulted from an increased temperature from (27.7°C) to (32.17°C), and a decrease in precipitation (71.75 millimeters). The analysis of variance ANOVA of the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test reveals a strong correlation between Precipitation/Evapotranspiration Grass (p mperature/Evapotranspiration Grass (p < 0.311), and Temperature/Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (p in vegetation detected by the Breaks for Additive Season and Trend Algorithms were caused by temperature extremes and reduced rainfall.

Hunting Intensity on Wildlife Population in Oban Sector of Cross River National Park

Hunting intensity in Oban Sector of Cross River National Park, Nigeria was investigated. The methodology involved the recording of signs of hunting activity using line transects, and interviews with hunters. A total of 33 gunshots, 21 spent cartridges, 26 wire snares, presence of 7 hunters and two hunters’ camps and other several hunting signs were recorded for a total of 68 km of transects walked. Nine species of mammals were hunted, notably the Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes, Mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona), Puttynose monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans), Red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), Brush-tailed Porcupine (Atherurus africanus), Blue duiker (Cephalophus monticla), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Ogilby’s duiker (Cephalophus dorsalis), Western tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis), and Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus). The interviews revealed the most hunted species as the iii Primates (Cercopithecus spp 28.48%), African brush-tailed Porcupine (Atherurus africanus) (37.74%), Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola) (26.82%), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) (6.96%), Pangolin (Manis tetradactyla), Red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) and Grasscutter (Thyronomys swinderianus) with the first four being the most commonly hunted. Shotguns and Wire snares were the two main hunting methods used, with the former being used (88.24%) of all the hunters interviewed, and the latter (11.76%) of the hunters. Each hunter set 50 - 300 wire snares, of which there were two types: 1) ground snare without fencing (neck wire snare), and 2) ground snare with fencing (foot/leg wire snares. Most of the wire snares hunting take place mainly during the raining season. The study revealed high hunting intensity in Oban Sector of CRNP. Some of the recommended measures to ameliorate the menace include the initiation of public education and awareness programmes, establishment of task forces to check bushmeat hunting, execution of stricter law enforcement, good welfare package for park rangers and more punitive sanctions for offenders.

Analysis of Actors Involved in the Bamboo Value Chain and Strategies for the Development of the Bamboo Sector in the Menoua Division, West Region of Cameroon

Bamboo is an important non-timber forest product owing to its multipurpose nature. In Cameroon, bamboo has always been neglected and seen as worthless by many communities. However, in recent years, bamboo has received renewed attention which has made many communities and different stakeholders to gain interest in the resource. This study which was carried out in the Menoua division, West region of Cameroon between February to July 2021 sought to identify and characterise the actors involved in the bamboo sector, and assess the different strategies that could be employed to develop the bamboo sector. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods in 6 sub-divisions in Menoua division (Dschang, Santchou, Fongo Tongo, Fokoué, Penka Michel and Nkong-Ni). For the selection of study sites, the criterion used was the proximity of households to the area where the bamboo resource is found. Using the simple random sampling method, 53 households were surveyed across the Menoua division. Key informant and expert interviews were also conducted with mayors, traditional chiefs, heads of forestry posts, heads of research institutions/structures and craftsmen involved in the bamboo sector. Using SPHINX software version 5, a survey form was designed. The data collected was coded and analysed using EXCEL 2010 and SPSS. Map data was analysed using ARCGIS version 2.18. Results indicated that there were two main groups of actors: direct actors (collectors, collectors/transporters, producers/collectors, producers/collectors/transporters, collectors/traders) and indirect actors (Municipal Councils, Decentralized Services of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife—MINFOF, Development partners like INBAR, Research Institutions like the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development—IRAD, and academic institutions like the University of Dschang). The direct actors are directly linked to the bamboo value chain while the indirect actors are those whose decisions influence the sector (e.g. MINFOF) or those who provide financial and technical support (Municipal Councils, INBAR;IRAD, the University of Dschang). The main strategies proposed by the local population for the development of the bamboo sector were regular sensitization campaigns on the benefits of bamboo (92%) and the provision of technical, material and financial support to bamboo producers (41%). Key informants/experts proposed the following in order to ensure the development of the bamboo sector in the Menoua division: raising awareness about bamboo, its different varieties and benefits;creating bamboo plantations (with varieties adapted to the agro-ecological zone i.e. the western highlands) in order to reduce the pressure on other resources;setting up support mechanisms for producers and other actors in the bamboo value chain;allocating land/agricultural areas for bamboo plantations as there is land scarcity in the Menoua division. Based on the strategic framework developed from this study, in order to ensure an adequate and effective development of the bamboo sector in the Menoua division, there should be among others: multiplication of awareness-raising and training programmes for farmers on bamboo production techniques;more support for smallholder farmers by providing them bamboo plants in quality and quantity;production of bamboo stems in quality and quantity;more awareness campaigns for young craftsmen on the advantages of the bamboo craft sector;more training campaigns for craftsmen on modern bamboo processing techniques;and the establishment of a well-developed and sustainable bamboo-based craft sector.

Assessing Growth Parameters from Culm Cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris at the University of Dschang Botanic Garden, West Region of Cameroon: Implications for the Bamboo Resource Base and Rural Livelihoods

Dwindling supplies of bamboo resources and the increase in the demand for bamboo have led to the need for better propagation techniques. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods. Thus, this study was carried out to examine the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris in propagation beds with a substrate consisting of dark soil, manure (compost) and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. Data on different growth parameters was collected on a daily basis over a three week period and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the different growth parameters (diameter, height, leaves and sheaths) of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris evolved in like manner in three propagation beds. Descriptive statistics for growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris showed little or no differences across three shelter/propagation beds (shelter bed 1, shelter bed 2 and shelter bed 3) with 1.4675 ± 1.6172 cm, 93 ± 112 cm, 22 ± 30 leaves, and 4 ± 6 sheaths being the mean diameter, height, number of leaves and number of sheaths for all three propagation beds, respectively. ANOVA test showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris across the three propagation beds, implying that the different growth parameters were relatively similar. Pearson correlation showed the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of bamboo. The existence of these direct and inverse relationships could be attributed to the rapid growth rate of bamboo, the substrate used, and the species of bamboo used (B. vulgaris). The study recommends more large-scale propagation projects of this bamboo species in order to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods of bamboo dependent rural communities.

Impact of Timber Logging on Neighbouring Stands in a Forest of the South Western Cameroon

During conventional logging operations, there is always some damage to nearby stands. This study therefore assessed the damage caused after logging operations to surrounding stands in a Forest Management Unit (FMU) in south western Cameroon after logging operations. The damages assessed were snapped branches/trunks and uprooted trees. A total of 304 trees with a diameter ≥ 30 cm were cut and a total of 770 neighbouring harvestable and future trees were affected. It was observed that 375 of the neighbouring stand had their trunks snapped, 312 had their branches snapped, and 15 were uprooted. It was noted that 80% of the trees affected were those with diameters between 30 - 50 cm, which were called future trees for the next harvest, while the least damage was on protected/seed trees. Lophira alata caused the highest stand damage due to its abundance and large size, while Distemonanthus benthamianus caused the least domino damage. Damage to future trees negatively affects future concession holders as these trees are supposed to mature before the next harvest, hence the yield will be greatly reduced. Sustainable timber exploitation will greatly reduce residual damage as care will be taken to ensure falling timber causes less damage to the surrounding stand.