UTILIZATION OF LOCAL TREES AND SHRUBS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN THE TALENSI-NABDAM DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the indigenous knowledge of livestock farmers in the utilization of local trees and shrubs for feeding and meeting the health needs of livestock in the Talensi-Nabdan District during the periods of December 2005 to January 2006. Eighty (80) households from eight (8) communities were selected for the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaire and observation. In all 31 species of trees and shrubs were used by farmers in feeding and medication of livestock. Acacia albida, Ficus gnaphalocarpa and Mangifera indica were the trees most used for feeding whilst Ceiba pentandra, Cactus spp, Vetex doninana, Boscia sengalensis, Securitaca longepedunculata, Acacia niloticass, Khaya senegalensis and Vitellaria paradoxa were used mostly for treating different ailments in animals. Efforts at conserving these trees and shrubs were encouraging since 66.25% of the respondents established and managed some of these trees and shrubs around their homes for livestock feeding and other multi-purpose use. In conclusion, farmers had adequate knowledge in the use for trees and shrub as feed and medication for livestock. More farmers should be encouraged to cultivate these trees and shrubs to avoid extinction of palatable trees for sustainable use.