Allometric Equations for Predicting Biomass of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalz. Stands in the Sudano-Guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Tchindebe Alexandre,
Ibrahima Adamou,
Tchobsala,
Mohamadou Laminou Mal Amadou
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, June 2019
Pages:
15-22
Received:
27 April 2019
Accepted:
18 June 2019
Published:
10 August 2019
Abstract: Allometric relationships for estimating biomass of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch & Dalz. stand were investigated in the sudano-guinea savannah of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. A total of 17 individual trees from Daniellia oliveri were harvested in Bini-Dang savannah across a range of diameter classes, from 5 to 40 cm. Diameter at breast height (D) and total height (H) were determined and considered as predictor variables, while total above-ground biomass, stem, branch, leaf and root biomass were the output variables of the allometric models. Among many models tested, the best ones were chosen according to the coefficient of determination adjusted (R2adj), the residual standard error (RSE) and the Akaike Information Criteria. The main results showed that the multiplication of tree H with D in the allometric equation did not improve in the degree of fitness of the allometric equations, except for leaf biomass. The fit allometric biomass of Daniellia oliveri model for leaf, branch, stem and root biomass and above ground biomass were the follow: Ln(Bl)= 3.0303 + 0.744*Ln(D2H); Ln(Bb) = 3.772 + 2.701*Ln(D); Ln(Bs) = 2.663 + 2.218*Ln(D), Ln(Br) = 2.072 + 1.920*Ln(D) and Ln(Bt) = -2.089 + 2.374*Ln(D) respectively. The root biomass represented on average 28% of the total aboveground biomass and these two biomasses were positively and significantly correlated (r = 0.93, p ˂ 0.05 and n = 11). For the Daniellia oliveri stands studied, the diameter at breast height (D) alone showed a very strong accuracy of estimation. It is concluded that the use of tree height in the allometric equation can be neglected for the species, as far as the present study area is concerned. Therefore, for estimating the biomass of Daniellia oliveri, the use of D as an independent variable in the allometric equation with a power equation would be recommended. The paper describes details of tree biomass allometry, which is important in carbon stock, sylviculture and savannah management.
Abstract: Allometric relationships for estimating biomass of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch & Dalz. stand were investigated in the sudano-guinea savannah of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. A total of 17 individual trees from Daniellia oliveri were harvested in Bini-Dang savannah across a range of diameter classes, from 5 to 40 cm. Diameter at breast height (D) and to...
Show More
Profitability of Investment in Plantain Value Chain in Osun State, Nigeria
Oke Joel Taiwo Oluseye,
Ogunleye Ayodeji Sunday,
Kehinde Ayodeji Damilola
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, June 2019
Pages:
23-27
Received:
29 January 2019
Accepted:
8 March 2019
Published:
27 September 2019
Abstract: Profit is the driving force for any enterprises to thrive well, because it encourages more investment into an enterprise. One of the major barriers to investing in plantain value chain is inadequate information on return to investment. Thus, this paper investigated profitability of investors along plantain value chain in Osun state. A multistage sampling procedure was used to elicit information from 100 respondents for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Descriptive statistics reveal that average age was 52.2 (±11.19) years for plantain farmers, 41.8 (±10.78) years for processors and marketers 33.42 (±11.99). While, average farming experience was 26.9 (±10.88) years for plantain farmers, 12.47 (±10.78) years for processors and marketers 5.84 (±19.12). About 6.7% farmers, 15.6% processors and 13.2% marketers had access to credit facilities. The budgetary analysis showed that benefit-cost ratios were $1.38, $1.30 and $1.19 for the farmers, processors and marketers, respectively. Multiple regression estimates revealed that insecticide used (p<0.1) and numbers of plantain harvested (p<0.01) significantly influenced the profitability of the plantain farmers, while age (p<0.1), level of formal education (p<0.05), amount invested into the business (p<0.01) and household size (p<0.05) significantly influenced the profitability of the plantain marketers. Only household size (p<0.01) significantly influenced the profitability of the plantain processor. In accordance with the findings of the study, we therefore recommend that subsidized cost of inputs and better access to credit among the investors along the value chain would increase the level of return to the investment.
Abstract: Profit is the driving force for any enterprises to thrive well, because it encourages more investment into an enterprise. One of the major barriers to investing in plantain value chain is inadequate information on return to investment. Thus, this paper investigated profitability of investors along plantain value chain in Osun state. A multistage sa...
Show More
