The study was conducted to generate baseline data for
the conservation and sustainable use of woody resources
in Kainji Lake National Park. The study objectives were to
document local knowledge on uses, status and sustainable
management of selected woody species. Using both
ethnobotanical and quantitative ecological methods, the
study was carried out in the Borgu sector of the park. A
total of 37 plants species belonging to 18 families were
selected using a ranking and prioritization scale. FamilyFabaceae
was the dominant family in terms of number
of species represented. The species are multipurpose
and are exploited to satisfy different subsistence needs.
Among the plant-use categories, medicinal uses ranked
highest (38%) followed by edible plants (25%), miscellaneous
purposes (24%), and construction (13%). In terms
of species status, Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr.
has the highest mean frequency of 68.9% and a population
density of 3.036 + 1.7 individuals/ha. This is followed
by Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. with 55.6% mean frequency
and a population density of 2.143 + 1.7 individuals/ha.
There was no significant relationship between the
useful value of a species and its density rank (R= 0.047;
R2
= 0.002; F= 0.783) in the study area. Thus, the study
recommends a holistic approach that includes the involvement
of the local people in the management of woody
species.