Nigeria biodiversity and tropical forestry assessment : maximizing agricultural revenue in key enterprises for targeted sites (markets)

Those protected areas with significant remaining resources need to be supported in order to maintain their status quo. Areas where significant community conservation work near protected areas has created a foundation for change -- particularly Cross River State -- need further support to be sustainable. Alternative livelihoods and new uses for invasive species like Typha grass (which is overtaking wetlands) need to be implemented in areas where communities are ready for new ideas in agriculture, like in the arid north. The National Parks Service and select states could use more capacity-building efforts, and more college students need to be trained in wildlife, conservation biology, and other fields to take on their roles in the future. Finally, this report assesses the portfolio of USAID/Nigeria and suggests areas of possible synergy within the health, education, democracy, and agriculture portfolios. A number of USAID-specific recommendations are given that take into account past and present USAID activities as well as what is viewed as the most pressing problems facing biodiversity and forests in Nigeria. (Author abstract)