ENERGY PLANTATION OF MULTIPURPOSE PLANTS SPECIES IN GUINEA SAVANNA, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The energy crisis is a global problem today. The survival of man will be difficult if the energy problem is not solved on priority basis. The paper presents some multi-purpose plant species producing hydrocarbon or Petro plants contents in Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The species information for their biofuel contents was gathered through observations and interviews from elders and housewives. Fifty-one species of angiosperms belonging to thirty-three families in forty genera were mostly used for their hydrocarbon contents as charcoal, oil and as source of food and raw materials. The paper also discusses the importance of energy plantation and fruits and food trees for outlying farms and compound. The paper recommends social energy, commercial, commercial energy plantation, conservation forestry and formulation of energy plantation policies and involvement of native population in protection, regeneration and development of energy plantation in Guinea Savanna.