NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

Woody tree species are important component of agricultural lands in Ijebu-North Local Government Area (LGA) and their management is crucial to the sustainability of their roles in improving agroecosystems productivity, food security and rural livelihood. However, information needed for their sustainable management in the area is inadequate. This study provided information on the population structure and threats to the sustainable management of woody tree species on agroecosystems of the LGA. Data was collected from 48 temporary sample plots (TSPs) on the three predominant agroecosystems types in the area. Trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥2cm and total height (TH) ≥1m on all the plots were measured, recorded and categorised into DBH and TH classes. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered in the study area to identify threats to sustainable management of on-farm trees and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Arable farmlands have high proportion of trees with DBH ≥ 50cm and Cash crop plantations have high proportion of trees with DBH ≤10cm and DBH ≥.20cm. Both arable farmlands and cash crop plantation have high proportion of trees with TH ≥10m. Overexploitation (31%) and Bush burning (30%) were the greatest sources of threat to woody species in the study area. The population structure of woody species on agroecosystems in the area suggests the abundance of seedlings, saplings and matured trees. This has positive implication for sustainable management of on-farm trees in the study area. However, overexploitation, bush burning and firewood collection poses serious threats to their sustainable management.