ABSTRACT
Homegardens have been maintained as part of survival of rural dwellers over generations, with a complex vegetation structure harbouring diverse types of local plant species with multiple functions. They play crucial roles in the livelihoods of the people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The rural people depend on homegardens for food, medicines, small poles and income generation. This paper highlights the extent of the availability of plant species that meet the socio-economic needs, plant species that are of socio-economic importance to the people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in the generation of income, food, medicine, fodder for animals, beautification of the environment and erosion control and also plant species, families, life forms (trees, shrubs, palms, climbers and herbs). The management of many plant species in single land units demands knowledge of how each plant species affects or interacts with other species. It is suggested that homegardens can be a storehouse for endangered biodiversity conservation in Africa as well as in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa lbom State. Therefore, there is need to train people on the best methods to manage homegardens in Akwa lbom State so as to sustain their livelihood importance. |
