Natural Resource Governance and Conflict in Nigeria
Anthony Ikhide Osawe,
Osimen Goddy Uwa
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
1-11
Received:
16 November 2022
Accepted:
5 January 2023
Published:
17 January 2023
Abstract: Background: Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, which accounts for over 65% of her total tax revenue, motivated mostly by an upsurge in export earnings from the oil and gas sector. Most of the resource- based conflicts are caught up by the unfair and inequitable distribution of benefits accruing to resources. The government and some acclaimed elite, in alliance with foreign corporations, enjoy the gains and benefits of the exploited resource. Meanwhile, the host-communities face the devastating and undesirable environmental impacts with discrepancy between indigenous traditional laws and state laws that define ownership of natural resources in a federal structure has led to controversial relations among states in Nigeria. Objectives: The paper took an extensive look at the politics of natural resource governance in Nigeria and explored broadly the themes through which the causative link between natural resources and conflicts can be distinguished. The study further explores the role of good governance of natural resources in promoting socio-economic and people-centred development in Nigeria. Methods: The paper relied solely on secondary sources of data, focusing on the three main variables: conflict, politics and power. Results: The study revealed among others that the political economy of natural resources as embedded within the broader global power relations has not been properly explored by the Nigerian government. Conclusion: The paper therefore concludes that regulation must be attached to reflect on the principles of good governance, especially democracy, rule of law, transparency and accountability, as well as efficient and equitable management and distribution of resource revenues.
Abstract: Background: Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, which accounts for over 65% of her total tax revenue, motivated mostly by an upsurge in export earnings from the oil and gas sector. Most of the resource- based conflicts are caught up by the unfair and inequitable distribution of benefits accruing to resources. The government and some...
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Amount and Vertical Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in a Dry Tropical Forest Ecosystem, Tanzania
George Bunyata Bulenga,
Salim Maliondo,
Josiah Zephania Katani
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
12-20
Received:
5 March 2022
Accepted:
6 April 2022
Published:
24 February 2023
Abstract: There is a growing interest in understanding soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) of various ecosystems worldwide, because they are important indicators of soil quality and soil fertility, especially on the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth; and climate change mitigation. We tested the hypothesis that the amount and vertical distribution of SOC and TN in 0-30cm and 30-100cm depths differ significantly in miombo woodland ecosystems. Soil samples were collected from 15m-radius circular plots (n=33). SOC was determined by Mid-Infrared (MIR) spectroscopy (ICRAF approach) and the Walkley and Black method (NAFORMA approach). The mean amount of SOC and TN at 30-100cm depth were significantly higher (p=0.003 and p=0.0001, respectively) than that within the 0-30cm depth. The amount of SOC at 20-40cm (39tCha-1) was found to be significantly (p=0.0007) higher than at 0-20cm (32tCha-1) followed by decreasing pattern to 100cm. On the other hand, TN decreased substantially from 0-20cm to 100cm depth. SOC was significantly (p<0.05) and positively correlated with TN. The NAFORMA approach estimated significantly (P<0.05) higher SOC than ICRAF approach. Clearing of forests for sesame cultivation invariably resulted in increased nitrogen in the top soil due to addition of ammonium fertilizers, but loss of SOC is due to removal of biomass (including slash burning) and a reduction in the quantity and quality of organic inputs added to the soil. Accurate estimation of SOC at national and regional scales should use the modern methods complimented by the standard methods in different ecosystems.
Abstract: There is a growing interest in understanding soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) of various ecosystems worldwide, because they are important indicators of soil quality and soil fertility, especially on the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth; and climate change mitigation. We tested the hypothesis that the amount and ...
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Functions and Societal Values of Urban Trees in Brazzaville, Capitol of Congo
Kimpouni Victor,
Massamba-Makanda Charmes-Maïdet,
Bileri-Bakala Ghislain,
Bakouma Matondo Duvane Rochelle,
Mamboueni Joserald Chaîph
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2023
Pages:
21-37
Received:
19 January 2023
Accepted:
25 February 2023
Published:
9 March 2023
Abstract: The societal functions and values of trees planted in urban areas is conducted in Brazzaville, in the district No. 8 Madibou. The concept of resilient and ecological cities stipulates, a significant woody cover with carefully selected species and individuals ordered according to well-defined requirements, in the urban space. The study highlights the perception of ecosystem services and disservices by the residents and the daily coverage of their needs. A less sustained theme, the study is based on botanical inventory and ethnobotanical survey data. The floristic inventory conducted in 197 housing plots with at least two trees of dbh ≥ 10 cm, counted 1202 individuals corresponding to 49 species and 27 families, the distinctive ones being Arecaceae and Fabaceae. The fruit trees are privileged and the dominant ones in decreasing number of individuals are Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Dacryodes edulis and Elaeis guineensis. Ethnobotanical data, according to socio-professional and age classes, reveal 22 ecosystem services covering the three main categories of which regulatory services are highly valued. The average woman's perception of ecosystem services and disservices reaches 2/3 of citations per item. Notwithstanding the benefits rendered to populations, trees would affect social cohesion; without minimizing the disservices caused by their organs on roads, houses, physical communication infrastructures, goods and other properties. Since the added value is unequivocal, increasing forest cover would be the ideal solution for improving and maintaining the well-being of city dwellers, urban resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change, particularly urban heat islands. Urban arboriculture as a provider of ecosystem goods and services induces disservices while remaining a source of perpetuation of the Us and customs of the residents, via the virtues of biodiversity.
Abstract: The societal functions and values of trees planted in urban areas is conducted in Brazzaville, in the district No. 8 Madibou. The concept of resilient and ecological cities stipulates, a significant woody cover with carefully selected species and individuals ordered according to well-defined requirements, in the urban space. The study highlights th...
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