Women and forest development in Nigeria

The leading role of Nigerian women in forest development has been highlighted. As repositories of knowledge in the uses of forest products, a list of forty-nine plants belonging to 34 Families commonly collected by women, their uses, and parts of the plant used are provided. As the women’s activities concerning the forests are predominantly in herbal medicinal trade, they promote peace and harmony among ethnic groups through their activities. Thus plants such as Aristolochia ringens, Allium sativum found in Northern Nigeria and T etrapleura tetraptera, Xylopia aethiopica commonly found in the South are exchanged through herbal trade. The article argues that the activities of women that engender conflict prevention, should be encouraged.