Open Cattle Grazing and the Spread of Invasive Plant Species in Niger-Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed Open Cattle Grazing and the spread of certain invasive plant species in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. The research was conducted in three study areas namely Imo, Rivers and Abia State. Surveys and interviews were used to incorporate the views of the participants. Observations were also used to verify the information. Collated data were statistically analyzed and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Results from the study shows that Mimosa pudica commonly called touch and die and Mimosa diplotricha commonly called sensitive plant were identified as the dominant invasive species in all the study areas. 46% of the study sample reported that invasive plant species grows mostly in farmlands, 27.5% of the study participants indicated that invasive plant species were observed to not be easily attacked by diseases and parasites while 24.5% indicated that this specie was difficult to weed. 54% admitted that invasive plant species were problematic. Major causes of open cattle grazing were identified to be illiteracy and beliefs. Early weeding, building of kaals and ranching were recommended in managing invasive plant species.