Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Background: The use of medicinal plants in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan, remains poorly documented. This study systematically investigates and ranks the medicinal plants used by local communities, highlighting their therapeutic significance. Methods: A structured ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 79 informants across 40 communities, using semi-structured interviews and direct field observations. The Garrett ranking technique was applied to priorities medicinal plants by perceived efficacy. Ethnobotanical indices were used to assess the significance of plants. Results: Seventy-nine informants across Muzaffargarh District documented 75 medicinal plant species from 43 families. Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis using the Garrett-ranking technique identified Nigella sativa as the highest-ranked species, indicating strong community consensus for its use in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Zingiber officinale and Trigonella foenum-graecum were highly prioritized, reflecting their frequent use for digestive and metabolic health, while Moringa oleifera ranked among the top species for its perceived role in immune support and overall wellness. Decoction was the most commonly reported preparation method, followed by infusion, maceration, and powdered forms, with oral administration predominating. A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the Relative Frequency of Citation and the Fidelity Level, indicating consistency between use frequency and perceived therapeutic specificity. Conclusions: The findings highlight the ethnopharmacological potential of these species, emphasizing the need for phytochemical validation and pharmacological studies. This study presents the first Garrett-ranked ethnobotanical assessment of medicinal plants in Muzaffargarh. These findings contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge in Muzaffargarh District while emphasizing the need for careful validation of their efficacy and safety. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal plants, Muzaffargarh, Traditional knowledge.

Aims: Examine the gender, cultural, social and religious dimensions of shea economy in Nigeria and determine how they aid in income and welfare. Study Design: The study was conducted in Nigeria which is in Western Africa. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in sampling the location and the collection of primary data for this study Place and Duration of Study: Selected states in the shea belt of Nigeria between December 2020 and April 2021. Methodology: A total of 305 pickers, 204 processors and 102 traders giving a total of 611 respondents for the study. Data for this study were collected using interview schedules with the aid of trained enumerators. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: The results revealed that overwhelming majority of the actors involved in shea business were female married actors (92%), most of whom were Muslims (60%) with 35% Christians. Also, the females have more ownership and control than their male counterpart, but the ownership is community-based (52.34%) with a mean income of N2,514,190.30. Traders are the highest income earners, but the pickers are more in number. SEM indicated that there is inter-relationship between shea tree ownership as a common resource and other latent variables which could be tapped by every member in the community with some form of community consent systems and the proceeds or income generated from the shea business is shared based on consent hierarchy. Conclusion: It was recommended that women should be given full access and right by the community to gather shea nuts regardless of their marital status and without seeking permission from any member of the community. The sharing of the proceeds or income generated from shea business should be based on level of participation and not the hierarchical consent system.

Pre-sowing treatment applications has greatly enhanced the germination of seeds oftree species used in afforestation programmes all over the world. Pre-Sowing Treatments Pathways for Enhancing Milletia thonningii (Schum. and Thonn.) Seeds Germination in Kaduna Northern Guinea Savanna Ecology Zone of Nigeria was studied at the Savannah Forestry Research Station Nursery. The treatments consisted of Boiled water (100ºC) for 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes; diluted sulphuric acid (H2S04) soaking time for 10minutes, 15 minutes and 20 minutes; Seed scarification (sand papering and cracking) and control. Ten (10) seeds from each of the treatments were sown in germination boxes containing sterilized riverbank sand and replicated three (3) times. The experimental design adopted was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data from germination were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 95% (P> 0.05) level of probability. Results revealed that the seed of Milletia thonningii (Schum. and Thonn.) seeds scarified showed a significant germination percentage (89.52±6.23) than any other methods, followed by soaking in sulphuric acid (H2S04) for 15 minutes (69.62±6.23) then, soaking in hot water for 15 minutes which gave (36.86±11.76). However, the seeds in the control were significant (P>0.05) lower in germination percentage (2.12±6.23) than any other methods applied. Therefore, it is concluded that for effective, sustainable and fast multiplication of germination of Milletia thonningii (Schum. and Thonn.) seeds in the tree nursery for afforestation programmes scarification methods should be adopted.

This study investigates the production and mechanical properties of bio-plastic tiles using a composite mixture of Shea Nut Shell (SNS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and clay. The mixtures were extruded and compressed into bio-plastic tiles of two different sizes: (19 × 9 × 2.5) cm and (19 × 9 × 5.0) cm. To assess the influence of particle size and composition on tile properties, SNS was processed into 1 mm and 2 mm geometrical sizes and combined in four different weight-to-weight proportions: 90/10/100, 80/20/100, 70/30/100, and 60/40/100 (SNS/clay/plastic). The study examined the effects of particle size and composition ratio on key physical and mechanical properties, including density, flexural strength, flexural modulus, compression strength, and impact bending resistance. Additionally, the influence of tile thickness and inter-structural material arrangement on mechanical performance was analyzed using a factorial experimental design. The results showed density values ranging from 2.95g/cm<sup>3</sup> to 4.07g/cm<sup>3</sup>, with variations in flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact bending, and compression across different compositions. Structural analysis revealed that the 90/10/100 ratio exhibited superior bonding cohesion and compatibility, leading to enhanced mechanical properties. The findings indicate that the investigated factors significantly influenced the performance of bio-plastic tiles. The mechanical values obtained in this study align with standard requirements for construction materials, suggesting that these tiles are suitable for use in pavement pathways with both low and high load-bearing capacities.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria aims to improve access to healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket payments, yet persistent dissatisfaction with NHIS-provided services threatens enrollee retention and scheme sustainability. This study assessed satisfaction and willingness to retain NHIS membership among enrollees at a tertiary hospital in Ebonyi State and explored implications for community-based health insurance policy and service-delivery reform. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study comprising a survey of 376 NHIS enrollees attending outpatient clinics at Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, and in-depth phenomenological interviews with with 20 enrollees (10 males, 10 females, aged 24-68years, NHIS enrolment 5-11years). Convenience sampling was used. Satisfaction with NHIS services was measured using a 4-point Likert scale, and associations with willingness to retain membership were examined using chi-square tests, Cramér's V and predictive Lambda at p<0.05. Qualitative data were analysed thematically with MAXQDA to contextualise service-delivery experiences and retention decisions. Respondents (n=376; age 21-65years) were predominantly middle-aged, female, married, tertiary educated and employed as civil servants, with most reporting access to healthcare. Overall, 61.8% of enrollees were satisfied with NHIS services, and satisfaction strongly predicted willingness to retain membership (Χ2=121.14, df=1; Cramér's V=0.57; p<0.0001); 74.4% of those willing to retain membership reported being satisfied. Predictive Lambda indicated that knowing satisfaction status substantially improved prediction of retention (λ[A from B]=0.83 vs. λ[B from A]=0.79). Qualitative findings highlighted long waiting times, drug stock-outs, bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor provider-patient interactions as major sources of dissatisfaction, particularly among rural and lower-income enrollees. This single-centre mixed-methods study shows that while nearly two-thirds of NHIS enrollees were satisfied with the quality and affordability of scheme-provided services, persistent service-delivery gaps and administrative bottlenecks undermine retention intentions. Policy adjustments that prioritise improving service delivery, addressing administrative inefficiencies and strengthening provider-patient relationships are likely to enhance satisfaction and retention within the NHIS. These findings also offer practical insights for the design and scaling of community-based health insurance and related service-delivery reforms in similar mixed urban-rural settings, and for advancing equity-focused progress towards universal health coverage and related Sustainable Development Goals.

This study details the synthesis and characterization of photochromic tungsten-molybdenum oxide (W-Mo) nanocomposites using a deep eutectic solvent (Ethaline) composed of choline chloride and ethylene glycol in a 1:2 molar ratio, providing a green and efficient fabrication route. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of metal oxides into the DES matrix, evidenced by characteristic metal-oxygen (W-O and Mo-O) stretching vibrations observed within the 947-767 cm-1 and functional group interactions. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed agglomerated, irregularly shaped particles with porous morphologies, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the homogeneous distribution of W and Mo within the composite. X-Ray diffraction patterns indicated a predominantly amorphous structure with broad peaks corresponding to semicrystalline tungsten and molybdenum oxide phases. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed strong absorption in the 259-476 nm range, confirming efficient light-induced activation. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent photochromic performance, transitioning rapidly from cream-yellow to blue within three seconds under UV exposure, and reversibly fading in an oxygen-rich environment within 50 min. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further revealed that the W-Mo (0.8:0.2) composite had the lowest charge transfer resistance, enhancing electron transport and accelerating photo-switching behaviour. The combined structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of these materials underscore their promise for use in smart windows, UV sensors, and dynamic display technologies.

The timber industry in Southwest Nigeria plays a vital role in socio-economic development, yet constrained by inadequate access to reliable and timely market information. This study assessed the structure, conduct and performance of timber marketing business in Southwest, Nigeria with a view to improve the performance of timber market in the region. Primary data were obtained from timber marketers across the six states of Southwest Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the result was presented using tables and charts. Findings revealed that there was more male gender (62.8%) than female gender (37.2%) in timber marketing business in the region. The result of the ages of the respondents showed that 27.7% of the respondents were between the ages of 41-50, 26% were 51-60 years, 19.2% were 21-30, 16.1% were between 31-40 while 7.3% and 3.4% respectively of the respondents ages ranged between 60-70 years and above 70 years. There are diverse in size, specialisation, and market reach, with most operating through traditional marketing channels. Most timber marketers belonged to group of association and the association are paying vital roles in assisting their members. The Southwest Timber market is monopolistic in nature. It is recommended that effective Timber Marketing Information System be developed to enhance performance of timber marketing in Southwest, Nigeria in order to giving an easy access to vital timber marketing information. Keywords: Assessment, Structure, Conduct, Performance, Timber market, Southwest, Nigeria

The diverse agricultural activities in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria, provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception on maize yield variability. The intercepted PAR was derived from Landsat 8 imagery, using the Beer-Lambert spectrophotometric principle. Maize yields were obtained by direct field measurements and a crop growth model (CGM). Yields were also projected using predictive models developed from the regression operations between yields and fraction of absorbed energy, enhanced vegetation index, normalised difference vegetation index, and chlorophyll vegetation index. The impact of surface solar energy on yields was determined. Results revealed that the mean fraction of PAR ranged 286–572 〖μmolm〗^(-2) across plots. Average measured yield was 452 kg/plot, while the mean estimate by CGM was 448 kg/plot. Mean projected yield ranged 443.366– 506.753 kg/plot. The model and field-based yields were closely related with an average R^2 of 0.78. The multiple regression model outperformed others, with a standard error of 6.69. The yields across the plots increased with increased PAR. The findings underscore the potential of integrating satellite-derived biophysical indicators with absorbed solar radiation estimates in crop yield modeling. The finding that absorbed solar energy is a key yield driver underlines the importance of considering climate-driven variables in future climate-resilient crop yield prediction models.