Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 19.3 Good and bad trees
Farmer perceptions
Local name
Botanical name
Good/bad
Availability
Onyina
Ceiba pentandra
Good
Available
Kokoonisuo
Spathodea campanulata
Good
Available
Framoo
Terminalia superba
Good
Less available
Wama
Ricinodendronh endelotu
Good
Available
Otie
Pycnanthusang olensis
Good
Less available
Wawa
Triplochiton scleroxylon
Bad
Less available
Esa
Celtis zankeri
Bad
Less available
Okro
Albuziagia
Bad
Available
Denya
Cylicodiscus gabunensis
Bad
Less available
trees. “Good trees” generally enhance the yield of their crops while “bad trees”
adversely affect yield. “Neutral trees” are also recognized.
This concept of good, bad, and neutral trees has implications for biodiversity
since on-farm
in-situ
conservation and/or deliberately planting of trees in the field
will be influenced by these perceptions. This becomes even more important when
it is realized that these perceptions may not have arisen out of personal experi-
ence but from hearsay or tradition.
Table 19.3 gives examples of farmers' classification of trees according to this
concept, obtained from discussions with some farmers. In general, farmers believe
that tree populations have dwindled considerably, with some becoming endangered
or less available, or even extinct.
It may be worthwhile finding out the extent to which particular tree populations
are affected by farmers' perception of good and bad trees. Similarly, it may be
interesting for agronomists to learn from farmers and to verify whether there are
scientific bases for these perceptions.
Access to and distribution of land, associated land-use
stages/forms, and biodiversity
Access and distribution
As discussed earlier, access to land and its distribution are unequal in Tano-
Odumasi. This accepted unequal access and distribution exists among the land-
owning groups, between and within families, and between indigenes and
migrants.
