• Version
• Download 2
• File Size 1.25 MB
• File Count 1
• Create Date June 6, 2025
• Last Updated June 6, 2025

NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC THREATS TO INDIGENOUS TREES AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES IN GARUN MALAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KANO STATE

Authors: ABUBAKAR AMINU CHUBADO¹ AND HALIMA   ABDULKADIR IDRIS

¹Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria

²Department of Environmental Management, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

aachubado@fudutsinma.edu.ng +2348131655320

ABSTRACT

Indigenous trees in Garun Malam, Kano State, Nigeria, are critical to ecological balance and local livelihoods but face severe threats from natural and anthropogenic factors such as climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable land-use practices. This study investigates these threats using field surveys and community interviews to assess tree species' status and identify conservation challenges. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach comprising of questionnaire distribution to 200 respondents and focus group discussions with 18 participants across ten wards. The respondents reveal that natural stressors include pests and diseases (41%) and drought (28%), while introduction of exotic species (30%) and deforestation (47.5%) is critically endangering species such as Butyrospermum parkii and Acacia nilotica due to unsustainable harvesting practices for fuelwood, medicine, and timber. Monitoring of tree conditions is minimal, with 70% of respondents reporting no institutional oversight. Conservation efforts are limited, relying on community-driven afforestation (50%), while soil improvement (30%) and tree-lumbering regulations (12.5%) are underutilized. The study recommends strengthening legislative frameworks, enhancing community involvement and awareness, promoting sustainable land-use practices as well as implementing massive tree-planting initiatives.

Key words: Indigenous trees, Anthropogenic threats, Community-driven involvement, Sustainable land-use practices