SYNOPSIS OF BDCP
ACTIVITIES IN BENUE STATE (NIGERIA)
A.T. Sorkwagh
Benue State is one of the 30 states of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria. It stretches between longitudes 6'- 10' East
and latitudes 6 - 8 North. It is bounded by Plateau in
the North, Taraba and Cameroon in the East, Kogi in the
West, Enugu and Cross River in the South. It has an area
of 69,740 sq kilometres and a population of about 2.8
million.
In Benue, the vast majority of the population are poor
and reside in rural areas. They are heavily dependent
on the forests for fuelwood, building construction as
well as for the supply of food and medicinal herbs. Benue
State is endowed with diversified plant species which
are used locally for medication. The following plants
found there have been reported to be of medicinal value:
Azadirachta indica, Cai-ica papaya, Psidium quajara, and
Anacardia occidentale for malaria; Pycananthus angolensis
for toothache; Baphia nitida leaves as antibacterial;
Rauwolfia vomitoria, Alstonia boonei for indigestion and
nervous symptoms; Anthocleista djalonensis for dislocation;
Maesopeis eminii and Xylopla aethipioca for rheumatic
pains; Voacanga africana, Pleiocarpa pynal tha and Hai-utigatmadagas(,ai-l'ensis
for mental illness; Gmelina arborea for treating wounds;
Fagai-a xanthozyoides for cure of toothache, rheumatic
pains and sickle cell anaemia. Two plots and one arboretum
have been ear-marked for biodiversity activities in the
state.
a. Pilot plot I:
IJIGBAN FOREST
Located in Ado Local
Government Area of Benue State, the area has typical southern
Guinea Savannah and covers about 10 hectares. Common plants
include Elaeis guinensis, Afzelia africana, Kyayas enegalensis,
Borassus aethlopli , Danellia Oliverii, Annonia senegalensis,
Parkia biglobosa. Traditionally, these plants are used
for medicinal purposes.
b. Pilot plot II:
MBAKPA FOREST
Located in Gwer-West
Local Government Area of Benue State, the vegetation is
typical of Guinea Savannah and covers about 8 sq km. Common
plant species include Psoropsis africana, Daniella oliveril,
Kyaya senegalensis, Butyrospermum paradoxum. Traditionally,
the natives use these plants in combination with other
herbs to cure various ailments.
 c.
ARBORETUM: DAJO FOREST
Located in Kwande
Local Government Area of Benue State, the area has borders
with Cameroon and lies between the hilly area of Jato-Aka.
It has undisturbed forest vegetation. Because of its unique
location, it is a rich area for biodiversity research.
The area covers well over 20 sq km.
The siting of these Pilot plots and arboretum projects
in diversifying locations in the State would enable the
assemblage of data on the actual forest species that abound
in Benue State.
Chief Cosmas Ozonnamalu,
a traditional healer (courtesy of San Francisco Weekly)
Biological Resources
is published monthly by The Bioresources Development and
Conservation Programme. The information contained here
is intended to contribute to the development of an integrated
approach to biological resources management in which human
needs and habitat conservation can both be accomodated.
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are welcome. Write to the Editor, Biological Resources.
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