4.1. National forest policy
4.2. Laws and other rules
4.3. Institutions involved in FGR
The country has a well-guided policy towards forestry conservation and management especially on sustainable resources utilization. However, like in other countries, many policies are characterized with ambiguity and inconsistency in execution. The policy recognizes that forests should be reserved for the purpose of improved water supply, maintenance of soil stability, provision of grazing and recreational use in addition to the vital purpose of wood production (Omiyale, 1990). In the region policies on fuel wood production, shelterbelt and windbreaks, desertification control, agro-silvo-pastoral and production of building poles and small timber are in place.
Nigeria has been a part of the global effort on plant genetic resources conservation. This situation has been clearly demonstrated by its involvement in the various international treaties signed since 1968 (OAU) and the recent Convention on biological diversity in 1992 (Sarumi et al., 1995). Laws forbid indiscriminate bush burning, illegal felling, over-exploitation, overgrazing and planting of another tree where one mature one is removed. However in-sincerity and bureaucratic procedures affect their proper implementation and monitoring. Farmers are aware of the law against illegal felling and over-exploitation and the consequences of such action, but do not seem worried.
Adequate education and proper orientation of the farmers are major hindrance to the implementation of relevant legislation. Appropriate agencies exist in overseeing and supervising land clearing operations, but the legal framework is defective of many execution procedures. Nigeria had also being a party to many other initiatives towards the conservation of forest genetic resources at the international and national levels. International treaties relating to conservation of plants in which Nigeria is a party include:
- African Convention for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (Came into force in 1974)- Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage; Paris 1972 - UNESCO
- Convention on international Trade in endangered species of Wild Flora (CITES) Washington 1973
-Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 - FAO
The genetic resources programme of the country is under the Ministry of Science and Technology. In the last ten years the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), State afforestation stations, Federal Department Forestry, State and local forestry stations and selected Universities and voluntary organisations in the region have embarked on various research efforts to conserve genetic resources, through appropriate agroforestry systems compatible with fruit trees for the Northern Sub-Saharan region. However, due to the desertification problems, attention continue to be given to the afforestation and shelterbelts using exotics species.
Workshops, seminars and conferences and campaigns have been part of major afforestation strategies.
