Ngwo Pine forest

Last updated
Ngwo Pine forest
Ngwo Forest
Through the pines.jpg
Ngwo pine forest, Ngwo, Enugu state, Nigeria
Geography
Coordinates 6°25′46″N7°26′29″E / 6.4294°N 7.4414°E / 6.4294; 7.4414

The Ngwo Pine Forest is a pine forest near the center of Enugu, Nigeria. [1] Within the forest, there is a limestone cave with a small waterfall, forming a shallow pool. The Ngwo Pine Forest is used as a recreational area, supporting the socio-economic development of Enugu State, Nigeria. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

History

The Ngwo Pine Forest Formation (NPFF) is a patch of montane rainforest and cloud forest on the Ngwo Hills in southeast Nigeria. It is the southernmost extent of the Afromontane Forest ecoregion and is one of the most diverse forests in Africa. [5]

In the early 20th century, the British colonial government established a forest reserve in the NPFF. This reserve was intended to provide protection from deforestation and to ensure a sustainable supply of timber. This reserve was not very effective at preventing deforestation, with the NPFF having lost a significant amount of forest cover over the last 50 years to agricultural expansion, logging, and mining. [6] [7] [8]

Today, the NPFF is still a relatively intact forest, but is under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, climate change, and invasive species. [9] [10]

The Ngwo Pine Forest has purposes such as hosting pilgrimages and educational activities. It also bolsters the tourism industry in Enugu State. [11] [12]

Climate

Ngwo Pine Forest has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, categorized as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Situated near the equator, the region encounters difficulty in defining its summers due to consistent warmth throughout the year. The annual average temperature hovers around 25.9 °C (78.6 °F), maintaining a relatively warm and consistent climate. [13]

There is notable seasonal variation in precipitation patterns, with summers being considerably rainier than winters. On an annual basis, Ngwo Pine Forest records a total precipitation of 1719 mm (67.7 inches). The month of January stands out as the driest, witnessing a mere 9 mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall. In contrast, September is the wettest month, experiencing an average precipitation of 270 mm (10.6 inches).

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year range from a maximum of 34.5 °C (94 °F) in February to a minimum of 23.9 °C (75 °F) in August. This temperature variability is relatively modest, with an annual range of 4.5 °C (8.0 °F).

Relative humidity follows a seasonal trend, with September having the highest humidity at 85.21%, while January records the lowest at 41.09%. July emerges as the month with the rainiest days, totaling 27.27 days, whereas December experiences the fewest rainy days, averaging only 1.53 days.

The Forest Reserve's sunshine hours contribute to the overall climate experience. January enjoys the most daily hours of sunshine, with an average of 8.79 hours, totaling 272.59 hours for the month. In contrast, September experiences the lowest daily sunshine hours, averaging around 4.4 hours per day and accumulating 132.13 sunshine hours throughout the entire month. Annually, Ngwo Forest Reserve basks in an average of 2184.58 hours of sunshine, translating to approximately 71.93 hours per month.

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °F93.59492.188.885.983.281.881.682.783.986.691.187.1
Daily mean °F82.1838280.378.476.375.17575.576.578.580.678.6
Mean daily minimum °F7274.175.274.873.772.171.27171.37272.671.672.6
Average precipitation inches0025799101081061
Mean daily maximum °C34.23433.431.629.928.427.727.628.228.830.332.830.6
Daily mean °C27.8282826.825.824.623.92424.224.725.827.025.9
Mean daily minimum °C2223.424.023.823.222.321.82221.82222.622.022.6
Average precipitation cm005.1131823232525202.50154.6
Average rainy days2371218192020201971148
Average relative humidity (%)41526776828585848585765273
Mean daily sunshine hours 8.88.07.05.95.14.64.64.54.44.66.18.46.0
Source: climate-data.org [14]

Economic activities

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economic sustenance of the forest area. The land surrounding the forest is often utilized for agricultural purposes. Local communities undertake cultivation, with a focus on crops like pineapples and other fruits. These agricultural activities serve as a means of livelihood for the residents.

Forestry also features prominently in the economic landscape of the Ngwo Pine Forest. Sustainable forest management practices are implemented, including timber harvesting, collection of non-timber forest products, and reforestation efforts. These practices aim to strike a balance between economic needs and environmental conservation.

Furthermore, the local artisan community engages in the creation and sale of handcrafted products, utilizing materials sourced from the forest. This might encompass wood carvings and traditional handicrafts, thereby contributing to the local economy.

In addition to these activities, some residents participate in small-scale livestock farming, rearing animals such as goats, poultry, or cows as part of their economic pursuits. [15]

Ngwo Cave and Waterfall

Ngwo Cave and Waterfall is a natural attraction located in the Ngwo Pine Forest in Enugu State, Nigeria. [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] The cave is formed from limestone and has a waterfall flowing from an opening in its roof. The waterfall forms a shallow pool on the cave floor and flows out as a small stream. [21]

It is a popular tourist destination for both Nigerians and international visitors. [22] [23] [24] It also has cultural significance for the Igbo people of Nigeria. The cave is seen as a sacred place and is home to a number of important cultural sites, including shrines and burial sites.

There are a number of threats to Ngwo Cave and Waterfall, including deforestation, pollution, and overtourism.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nsukka</span> Local government area and town in Enugu State, Nigeria

Nsukka is a town and a Local Government Area in Enugu State, Nigeria. Nsukka shares a common border as a town with Edem, Opi, Ede-Oballa, and Obimo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enugu</span> Capital city of Enugu state, Nigeria

Enugu is the capital city of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located inland in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. According to the 2006 census, the city had a population of 820,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enugu State</span> State of Nigeria

Enugu State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, Ebonyi State to the east and southeast, Abia State to the south, and Anambra State to the west. The state takes its name from its capital and largest city, Enugu. The city acquired township status in 1917 and was called Enugwu-Ngwo. Due to the rapid expansion towards areas owned by other indigenous communities, it was renamed Enugu in 1928.

The Lower Guinean forests also known as the Lower Guinean-Congolian forests, are a region of coastal tropical moist broadleaf forest in West Africa, extending along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Guinea from eastern Benin through Nigeria and Cameroon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oyi</span> LGA and city in Anambra State, Nigeria

Oyi is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to the Oyi people. The towns that make up the local government are Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umunede Umunya and Nteje.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deforestation in Nigeria</span>

The extensive and rapid clearing of forests (deforestation) within the borders of Nigeria has significant impacts on both local and global scales.

Ohum,, is a valley town in Enugu State, in southeastern Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gashaka Gumti National Park</span> National park in Nigeria

Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP) is a national park in Nigeria, It was gazetted from two game reserves in 1991 and is Nigeria's largest national park. It is located in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa to the border with Cameroon. The total area covers about 6,402 km2, much of the northern GGNP is savannah grassland, while the southern GGNP sector of the park has a rugged terrain characterized by very mountainous, steep slopes as well as deep valleys and gorges, and is home to montane forests. Altitude ranges from ranging from about 457 metres (1,499 ft) in the northern flatter corner of the park, up to 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) at Chappal Waddi, Nigeria's highest mountain in the park's southern sections. It is an important water catchment area for the Benue River. There is abundant river flow even during the markedly dry season. Enclaves for local Fulani pastoralists exist within the park boundary that allow for farming and grazing.

Idanre Forest Reserve is in Idanre local government area of the Nigerian state of Ondo, in the south-west part of the country. This International Union for Conservation of Nature designated nature reserve covers 561 square kilometres (217 sq mi). It is a lowland rainforest with an altitude of 10 to 400 meters.

The Okeluse Forest Reserve is situated in Okeluse, an agrarian community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, South West, Nigeria, West Africa. It covers 144 square kilometres (56 sq mi). It is a major forest reserve in Nigeria

Akure Forest Reserve is a protected area in southwest Nigeria, covering 66 km2 (25 sq mi). The Akure Forest Reserve, established in 1948 and spanning approximately 32 hectares. It was created with the primary aim of safeguarding the genetic diversity of the forest ecosystem. About 11.73% is estimated to be cleared for cocoa farming and other food crops. Aponmu and Owena Yoruba speaking communities owned the forest, though, there are also minor settlements surrounding the forest. They include Ipogun, Kajola/ Aponmu, Kajola, Ago Petesi, Akika Camp, Owena Town, Ibutitan/Ilaro Camp, Elemo Igbara Oke Camp and Owena Water new Dam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oluwa Forest Reserve</span> Tourist and Conservation site located in Nigeria

Oluwa Forest Reserve is located in Ondo State, Nigeria and covers over 829 km2 (320 sq mi). It is part of the Omo, Shasha and Oluwa forest reserves, although it has become separated from the Omo and Shasha reserves. The three reserves contain some of the last remaining forest in the area. Although they are biologically unique, they are threatened by logging, hunting and agriculture. The natural vegetation of the area is tropical rainforest. However, the natural vegetation of the area except for the areas devoted to forest reserve has now been reduced to secondary regrowth forest and fallow regrowth at varying stages of development or replaced by perennial and annual crops.

The Okomu Forest Reserve is a forest block covering an area of 1081 km2 in Edo State, about 50 km west of Benin City, Nigeria. The Okomu National Park lies within the larger reserve, maintaining a small part of the forests that once covered the region as the last habitat for many endangered species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edumanom Forest Reserve</span> Forest reserve in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The roots of Edumanom Forest Reserve trace back to 1970 when it was singled out as one of the proposed Forest Reserves by the Rivers State Government, a compilation encompassing 11 distinct regions. At that time, the Governor of Rivers State, acting under the authority vested by Section 28 of the Land Use Act, rescinded all prevailing Rights of Occupancy associated with the land enveloping Edumanom Forest Reserve. Subsequently, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, sanctioned by Section 8 of the Forestry Law Cap 55 of the Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, officially labeled the region as a forest reserve. The forest reserve derives its name from the Edumanom family in Otuabagi, the entity possessing the largest segment of the reserve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nigerian lowland forests</span> Ecoregion in Nigeria and Benin

The biogeographic regionalization of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity, known as Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World (TEOW), is made up of 867 ecoregions that are divided into 14 biomes. In addition to offering a comprehensive map of terrestrial biodiversity, TEOW also provides a global species database for ecological analyses and priority setting, a logical biogeographic framework for large-scale conservation strategies, a map for enhancing biogeographic literacy, and a foundation for the Global 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niger Delta swamp forests</span>

The Niger Delta swamp forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in southern Nigeria. It consists of freshwater swamp forests in the Niger Delta of the Niger River. This swamp forest is the second largest in Africa after the Congolian swamp forests. Although there are large cities just outside the ecoregion, the area has been relatively isolated by the difficulty of building roads across the swamps, although this is changing with development of oil and logging industries. Scientific surveys have only begun in recent years, and new species were being identified into the 1990s. Crude oil exploration and pollution has been a threat to forests in the Niger Delta region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Nigeria</span> Emissions, impacts and response of Nigeria related to climate change

Climate change in Nigeria is evident from temperature increase, rainfall variability. It is also reflected in drought, desertification, rising sea levels, erosion, floods, thunderstorms, bush fires, landslides, land degradation, more frequent, extreme weather conditions and loss of biodiversity. All of which continues to negatively affect human and animal life and also the ecosystems in Nigeria. Although, depending on the location, regions experience climate change with significant higher temperatures during the dry seasons while rainfalls during rainy seasons help keep the temperature at milder levels. The effects of climate change prompted the World Meteorological Organization, in its 40th Executive Council 1988, to establish a new international scientific assessment panel to be called the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The 2007 IPCC's fourth and final Assessment Report (AR4) revealed that there is a considerable threat of climate change that requires urgent global attention. The report further attributed the present global warming to largely anthropogenic practices. The Earth is almost at a point of no return as it faces environmental threats which include atmospheric and marine pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, the dangers of pollution by nuclear and other hazardous substances, and the extinction of various wildlife species.

Barima Nana Akwasi Agyeman was a Ghanaian civil servant and a member of the Asante Royal family who served as Mayor of Kumasi serving as Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. He was popularly known as Okumkom, literally meaning ''killer of hunger''. He is the longest serving mayor of Kumasi serving for over 20 years as mayor. He died at the age of 86. He was a prominent member of National Democratic Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reforestation in Nigeria</span>

Reforestation in Nigeria employs both natural and artificial methods. Reforestation involves the deliberate planting of trees and restoring forested areas that have been depleted or destroyed. It involves a planned restocking of the forest to ensure sustainable supply of timber and other forest products. Reforestation, in essence, involves replenishing forests to guarantee a consistent and sustainable supply of timber and various other forest resources. This objective can be accomplished through either natural regeneration techniques or artificial regeneration methods. Both of these approaches have been utilized in the reforestation efforts within Nigeria's forests. At the initiation of the reforestation program in Nigeria, the natural regeneration approach was chosen for two primary reasons. Firstly, it aimed to preserve the rainforest in its original state by allowing it to regenerate naturally from the existing seed bank in the soil. Secondly, and of significant importance, this method was selected due to budgetary constraints, as there were insufficient funds available to establish plantations through direct means.

References

  1. Vlahovi, Darko (2000-04-01). "Original culture in the development of contemporary tourism". The Tourist Review. 55 (4): 23–31. doi:10.1108/eb058347.
  2. Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi: 10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347 . S2CID   243921903.
  3. "Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease in Humans, Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervids, Mad Cow Disease in Cattle, and Scrapie in Sheep and Goats". Human Diseases from Wildlife. CRC Press. 2014-09-18. pp. 448–465. doi:10.1201/b17428-30. ISBN   978-0-429-10009-3 . Retrieved 2023-10-17.
  4. Halliru, Samir (2022-11-28). "Working for social justice through community development in Nigeria". Peacebuilding, Conflict and Community Development: 79–97. doi:10.46692/9781447359364.007. ISBN   9781447359364.
  5. Oladeyi, Oluwafikunayomi (2024-03-23). "Ngwo Pine Forest". Places and Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  6. Ejikeme, Joy N. U.; Okonkwo, Uche Uwaezuoke (2022-09-07). "Sacred Groves and Natural Sites Conservation for Tourism in Local Communities in Nigeria". doi: 10.20944/preprints202209.0097.v1 .{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. Nkwocha, EE; Pat-Mbano, EC; Okeoma, IO (2012-03-19). "Sanitation Indicators in the Rural Communities of the South-Eastern Nigeria: Additional Evidence of Policy Failure in Rural Development". African Research Review. 6 (1). doi: 10.4314/afrrev.v6i1.13 .
  8. Ukamaka, Dimelu Mabel; Eberechukwu, Nwuba Loveth (2018-06-27). "Indigenous climate change adaptation strategies used by Honey Producers in rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria". Journal of Agricultural Extension. 22 (2). doi: 10.4314/jae.v22i2.16 . S2CID   169981672.
  9. Rose, Adam (2009-06-30). "Global Warming Policy, Energy, and the Chinese Economy". The Economics of Climate Change Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 382–414. doi:10.4337/9781035305674.00033. ISBN   978-1-0353-0567-4 . Retrieved 2023-10-17.
  10. Amazue, Lawrence Okwuchukwu; Ozor, Okechukwu Timothy; Chukwuorji, JohnBosco Chika; Ifeagwazi, Chuka Mike; Onu, Desmond Uchechukwu; Onyedire, Nneoma Gift (2019-09-16). "Mental pain and suicidal ideation in nursing students: The moderating role of emotion regulation". Cognition, Brain, Behavior. 23 (3): 171–191. doi:10.24193/cbb.2019.23.10. S2CID   204393680.
  11. OBI, Nicholas; OBI, Joy Sylvia; IBEM, Eziyi; NWALUSI, Dickson; OKEKE, Ogochukwu Francis (2021-06-30). "Noise Pollution in Urban Residential Environments: Evidence from Students' Hostels in Awka, Nigeria". Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning. 12 (1): 51–62. doi: 10.24193/jssp.2021.1.05 . S2CID   237884719.
  12. C. O., Aniagolu; E.A., Iyi; A. F., Iloeje (2021-07-06). "The Impact of Institutional Landuses on Rental Value of Residential Properties in Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria". International Journal for Research in Business, Management and Accounting. 1 (3): 34–35. doi: 10.53555/bma.v1i3.1680 . S2CID   197568199.
  13. "Ngwo-Uno climate: Weather Ngwo-Uno & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  14. "Ngwo climate: Weather Ngwo & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  15. Anwuri, Patience Nwokaego; Osuoha, Ifeanyi Jude (2022-03-20). "TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS". GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. 5 (1): 69–79. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6966828.
  16. Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi: 10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347 . S2CID   243921903.
  17. Amalu, T. E.; Otop, O. O.; Duluora, E. I.; Omeje, V. U.; Emeana, S. K. (2017-11-20). "Socio-economic impacts of ecotourism attractions in Enugu state, Nigeria". GeoJournal. 83 (6): 1257–1269. doi:10.1007/s10708-017-9830-7. S2CID   254507667.
  18. Amalu, Titus; Phil-Eze, Philip; Ajake, Anim (2019-06-13). "Assessing the impact of economic and cultural diversity on tourism development in Nigeria". GeoJournal. 85 (5): 1457–1468. doi:10.1007/s10708-019-10032-2. S2CID   254505509.
  19. Vlahovi, Darko (2000-04-01). "Original culture in the development of contemporary tourism". The Tourist Review. 55 (4): 23–31. doi:10.1108/eb058347.
  20. Halliru, Samir (2022-11-28). "Working for social justice through community development in Nigeria". Peacebuilding, Conflict and Community Development: 79–97. doi:10.46692/9781447359364.007. ISBN   9781447359364.
  21. Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi: 10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347 . S2CID   243921903.
  22. Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi: 10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347 . S2CID   243921903.
  23. "Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development: A Proposal for Southern Italy". Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Local Development. Routledge. 2016-12-05. pp. 113–126. doi:10.4324/9781315258720-18. ISBN   9781315258720 . Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  24. Amalu, Titus; Phil-Eze, Philip; Ajake, Anim (2019-06-13). "Assessing the impact of economic and cultural diversity on tourism development in Nigeria". GeoJournal. 85 (5): 1457–1468. doi:10.1007/s10708-019-10032-2. S2CID   254505509.