ASSESSMENT OF TREE SPECIES USED AS SHELTERBELT IN THE SEMI-ARID PART OF YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the type of tree species used in the establishment of shelterbelts in the
semi-arid parts of Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. The study uses both primary and
secondary sources of data in order to ascertain the success of the species used in shelterbelts
establishment in the zones. The study shows that Azadirachta indica is the most frequently
used species and the most successful in the area. Others with relative importance are Acacia
spp and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Their success and preference are because of their
xerophytic characteristics which enable them to survive long dry seasons. It also reveals that
the farmers prefer indigenous economic trees like Acacia nilotica, Hyphaene thebaica and
Balanites aegyptiaca because of economic and social benefits derived from the trees.
Therefore the study recommends that Government should encourage the involvement of local
people in the planning and management of shelterbelt programmes and generally
afforestation projects in arid zones.