Importance of Savanna Vegetation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s savannas are home to some of the most significant plant life. They occupy almost half of the country and offer crucial ecosystem functions that support millions of people’s livelihoods. A large number of Nigerians rely on the savannah for both a source of food and a means of subsistence. Grasslands typically rule the savannas, which are encircled by woodlands. In addition to numerous benefits, this greenery houses species, offers food, employment, and clothing. The significance of savanna vegetation will be thoroughly examined in this article. Find more about them below.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVANNA VEGETATION IN NIGERIA
The following are the significance of savanna vegetation in Nigeria.
SAVANNA VEGETATION HELPS IN JOB GENERATION
The fact that savanna vegetation creates employment opportunities is one of its most significant features. Hunters and lumberjacks are two of the well-known ones. In order to get money, these lumberjacks remove trees from the savanna. Due to the existence of wild animals, which makes hunting advantageous to the Savanna and improves the lifestyle of lumbermen and hunters, hunters can also profit from the area.
In the savanna area, beekeeping is another activity that people might engage in. Bees can be raised for honey production, and selling the honey can bring in some serious cash. Another profession that can be practiced in the savanna area is farming. People can engage in semi-commercial livestock agriculture, commercial cattle subsidence, or commercial cattle rearing.
Industries for processing and manufacturing have grown as a result of the agriculture practiced in the savanna region. Rice, peanuts, millets, and other crops are some of the agricultural activities that lead to the construction of milk processing plants, grain mills, cotton ginneries, and other companies. The growth of these mills has significantly aided in the creation of jobs in the area.
In the savanna, there are also jobs for fishermen, oil workers, wildlife conservationists, tour guides at tourist attractions, and others. As a result, the savanna is essential to the viability of the livelihoods of many rural households. This is particularly true for people whose means of subsistence come from the savanna.
SAVANNA VEGETATION PROVIDES FOOD FOR BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS
Grass functions as a high-quality source of food for animals because it makes up a major amount of the savanna’s vegetation. The animals can digest these grasses with ease. Farmers let their livestock roam free on the savanna while they look for nourishment. Additionally, during the dry season, cattle are fed on the leaves of woody plants. These ruminant mammals consume tree and shrub leaves. Numerous animals rely on the seeds as sustenance during the dry season.
As a result, trees in the savanna make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s food and forage supply. Crop growing for human use is encouraged by the savanna vegetation. In this region, crops like maize, millet, rice, groundnuts, sorghum, beans, and others are farmed. These plants provide food for people. Meat is another food source found in the savanna.
SAVANNA VEGETATION PROVIDES WOOD FOR VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION
There aren’t enough savanna trees to produce enough building-grade timber. In the savanna region, the only places to find this type of wood are those close to woods. Wood for building houses is obtained from savanna woodland.
The handles of farm tools are also made from wood taken from savanna trees. Additionally, tools and household utensils are made from this wood. In rural places, yam storage buildings are built from the wood and used for fencing. Boats can also be made using the wood harvested from savanna trees.
SAVANNA VEGETATION PROVIDES FUEL WOOD
Firewood, commonly referred to as fuel wood, is a common energy source in many Nigerian houses. They employ it when preparing meals for the family. This fuel wood is often used by food vendors. Fuel wood continues to be a popular choice for heating and cooking in many areas.
Because petroleum products have become more expensive, there has been an increase in demand for fuel wood. Owing to its high price, petroleum goods are barely within the means of the impoverished. Due to this, the usage is very important.
The trees that provide the fuel wood for fires are found in savanna vegetation. Given the presence of woodland, charcoal burning and wood exploitation have flourished. This has elevated its significance for Nigeria.
HERBS FOR MEDICINE ARE PROVIDED BY THE SAVANNA VEGETATION
The majority of herbs used in medicine are derived from plants found in the savanna region. These plants are employed in the treatment of various human illnesses and health issues. A significant portion of the Nigerian population uses herbal medicine, according to data from the World Health Organization.
ANIMAL HABITATS ARE PROVIDED BY SAVANNA VEGETATION
Several wildlife species have natural habitats that are provided by the savanna vegetation. The grass-dominated ecosystem of the savanna region makes it the ideal habitat for animals to live inside, especially grazing mammals. These creatures coexist in an open space that is dotted with bushes, trees, and grasses.
There are many different kinds of animals that live in the savanna. Herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are some of these creatures.
SAVANNA VEGETATION ATTRACTS TOURISM
Tourist attractions are situated among the savanna nature. A significant human endeavor connected to Nigeria’s savanna vegetation is tourism. Tourists get the chance to view and record the unusual surroundings in this region. These tourists photograph the amazing scenery as well.
Tourists can view the creatures in their natural habitat on tours of these nature reserves. Savanna vegetation thus contributes significantly to Nigeria’s tourism sector and helps to generate income.
SAVANNA VEGETATION SERVES AS A SOURCE OF REVENUE GENERATION
Through the money made from the conservation field, timber industry, tourism sector, and commercial livestock farming, savannah vegetation significantly boosts the country ’s economic growth.
