Perception on the Constraints to Propagation of Iroko (Milicia excelsa) (WELW) C.C. BERG in South West Nigeria

The problem of population growth, development and economic pressure has resulted in a high rate of deforestation of the country’s natural resource. The rate of disappearance of Milicia excelsa in the forests is alarming with West Africa being the hardest hit by the trend. Milicia suffers heavy exploitation due to its wood quality but they are not replaced for sustainability. A survey was conducted in five states of South West Nigeria (Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti) to assess the perceptions of some communities on the problems associated with propagation of Milicia excelsa. A structured questionnaire was administered to the 125 respondents randomly selected from the five states of the study area. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents do not plant Milicia species because of slow growth (35.2%), bush burning (10.4%), religious beliefs (8.8%) and lack of seeds (45.6%). Awareness of Iroko gall bug (Phytolyma lata) as major constraints to propagation of Milicia excelsa was low (49.6%). There was a significant positive correlation (p<0.01) between the states and people’s belief about Milicia excelsa. However, negative correlation was found between the states and awareness of P. lata as major constraints. Therefore, there is need to encourage the communities to propagate M. excelsa through agro forestry by providing them with planting materials (seed) and training on the available control measures for P. lata infestation on Milicia.