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Sustainability and Genetic Diversity of Under-exploited African Plants: A Collection Expedition in Nigeria - Facts, Challenges and Prospects

Plant genetic diversity loss particularly of under-utilized species threatens several developmental goals in Africa. Preferred safeguard strategies and techniques have failed in stemming this situation exacerbated by dearth in global information and poor research attention on such species amongst other pitfalls. The study involved an expedition to; generate eco-geographical and related information on 30 under-utilized species; evaluate the prevailing situations for collection exercises in Nigeria, in the attempt to instigate globally relevant researches, conservation and sustainable partnerships. A two-phased systematic field survey (North and South) employing a 50 km regular transect distance, covering the wet and dry seasons, a cumulative distance of 8168 km, 192 communities in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. Collection diversity was determined with Simpson’s Diversity index (1-D) as well as species abundance. 703 accessions of 30 plants species were collected. 13% of the total species (16% -South; 40% - North) were common to both regions. High diversity (D = 8) was recorded for the collection. The wetter southern states were significantly more diverse (D = 0.7- 0.9) than the north. The north west and some south eastern state recorded lesser diversity and the FCT the least (D = 0). 6 species recorded significant species abundance across the study area. The study area is heavily imparted yet houses a considerable diversity of the species surveyed. It is imperative to pursue integrated strategies to harness the plentiful flora as well as cultural resources resident therein. The species studied can be employed to tackle the challenges of climate change, livelihood, economy, food and nutrition security and farmer/grazers/construction activity unrest.