An Assessment of Woody Vegetation Structure in Protected Area Versus Farmed Parkland: A Case Study of Closed Settled Zone in Kano, Northern Nigeria.

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive assessment of the woody vegetation structure in protected areas and farmed parklands in the Kano Closed Settled Zone, located in northern Nigeria. The study aims to investigate the impact of ownership on vegetation protection and conservation efforts. Through rigorous field surveys and data collection, various aspects of woody vegetation structure, including tree density, species composition, and canopy cover, were analyzed and compared between protected areas and farmed parklands. The results reveal a surprising trend, challenging the conventional understanding of protected areas as being superior in terms of conservation efforts. Contrary to expectations, the study finds that farmed parklands exhibit higher levels of vegetation protection compared to protected areas. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to the factor of ownership. Unlike protected areas that are often managed by external entities or government agencies, farmed parklands are owned and cared for by local communities or individuals. The sense of ownership and the need for sustainable resource utilization have fostered a higher level of vegetation protection and conservation efforts in the farmed parklands. The findings emphasize the significance of considering ownership and community involvement in conservation strategies. They suggest that traditional models of protected areas may not always be the most effective approach for sustainable vegetation management in certain contexts. Collaborative efforts between local communities, landowners, and conservation organizations should be prioritized to foster a sense of ownership and promote responsible resource utilization. This study contributes to the understanding of woody vegetation structure and conservation practices in the Kano Closed Settled Zone, highlighting the importance of integrating local communities and landowners into conservation initiatives. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, land managers, and conservationists in designing effective strategies that balance the needs of local communities with long-term ecological sustainability