The fodder species are more predominant than the non-fodder species
(Table 2). Also, Andropogon gayanus and Hyparrhenia rufa are the most
dominant species, followed by Pennisetum pedicellatum (Table 2). This
confirms the findings of Rains [1963] in this savanna zone of Nigeria. Since
the nomads herd their stock to graze within plantations (silvo-pastoralism)
in the face of drastically reduced, accessible, open savanna rangelands and
since the population of some of the fodder species in the plantations are low
in comparison to the fallow lands, it would be highly beneficial to strengthen
the silvopastoral farming system, using well planned on-farm research
methods, aimed at producing sustainable fodder all the year round. Since
natural fodder is less nutritious than improved ones [Iwuanyanwu, 1982], it
would be most beneficial to use improved fodder.
The above results suggest that the eucalypts have an immense potential
for use in establishing extensive silvopastoral farms in this savanna zone,
fully stocked with natural or improved pasture species. Eucalypts are not
edible to livestock, hence, they have little chances of being damaged by
them, especially after the seedling stage. However, since fewer fodder species
are found under E. citriodora canopy whereas E. camaldulensis seems to
co-exist with more fodder species, there may be the need to exercise some