Ethnobotanical Survey of Wild Plants Utilized for Craft Making and Local Construction among the Tiv People of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Traditional beliefs on wild plants utilization are rapidly eroding worldwide leading to loss of rich traditional practices, knowledge, plant species and habitats. The study focused on identification and documentation of wild plant species used in craft making and local construction among the Tiv people of Benue State. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Tiv ethnic territory in the State namely; Guma, Gboko and Kwande were purposively selected to reflect the vegetation stratification and major sub-ethnic groups of the Tiv people. Information on wild plants locally used for craft making and local construction was obtained through the collection of plant specimens and semi- structured interviews with local residents using group discussions. In craft making, 30 plant species belonging to 20 families dominated by Caesalpinioideae and Fabaceae (4 species each) were documented in Guma, while in Gboko, 13 species in 10 families dominated by Mimosoidae (3 species) were recorded. In Kwande, 22 species belonging to 11 families were recorded and Caesalpinioideae dominated with 5 species. Crafts made ranged from mortar and pestle, local tool handles, recliners, brooms, baskets, bags, sieves, trays, mallets, etc. In local construction, Guma LGA had 13 species from 10 families dominated by poaceae (4 species), 15 species from 14 families were recorded in Gboko while Kwande had 13 species belonging to 11 families. Materials from wild plant species such as rafters, rafter holders, twines and ropes were utilized for thatching of huts and construction of local bridges and culverts. None of the respondents engaged in the planting of the species in spite of the destructive harvesting methods employed for some crafts and local construction works. It is therefore recommended that urgent steps be taken by all stakeholders towards creating awareness on the effects of incessant harvesting of the plant species and the need for regeneration of preferred species for craft making and local construction activities in the area.