Abstract

The study assessed the distribution and mapping of tree species of food and medicinal values in Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas of Ogun State. Ten communities were sampled with five from each LGAs and a total of hundred (100) semi-structured questionnaire was administered during the study. Relevant information on the medicinal and food tree species, the uses to which the identified tree species are put, and the parts utilized were collected. Data on the geographic locations of all the trees encountered were also collected. Tree species richness, evenness, relative density, diversity, and conservation status were estimated. Species diversity parameters were compared between the two LGAs using t-test. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used for analyzing demographic information and socio-economic data. A total of eight (8) species belonging to six (6) families were identified. Azadirachta indica had the highest relative density (35%). Overall, the diversity was higher in Abeokuta North than in Abeokuta South with 1.23 ± 0.37 and 1.19 ± 0.19, respectively. However, species diversity, richness, and dominance did not differ significantly between the two LGAs. The five most-utilized tree species were Azadirachta indica, Ficus exasperata, Mangifera indica, Morinda lucida and Terminalia catappa. About 69% of the respondents identified urbanization as a possible cause of the decrease of medicinal and food trees. There is, therefore, a need for concerted efforts to ensure that valuable tree species are protected to prevent local extinction. Also, there should be awareness among the people on the benefits of having medicinal and food tree species around them, while taking tree planting campaigns very seriously, at all levels to ensure sustainable environmental management.

Key Words: Mapping, Food and medicinal trees, Abeokuta, Azadirachta indica