International Journal of Management and Social Sciences Research (IJMSSR) ISSN: 2319-4421 Volume 2, No. 8, August 2013 i-Xplore International Research Journal Consortium www.irjcjournals.org 78 Utilization and Commercialization of Two MPTS (Adansonia digitata and Borassus aethiopum) in Sahelian Environment of Borno State, Nigeria Zira, B.D., Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Nigria Arifalo, E.I., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Mgt, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria Ghide, A.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria Zirah, T., Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of the study carried out on the various ways in which two multipurpose tree species(MPTS): Adansonia digitata and Borassus aethiopum were being used and how trading in MPTS products contributed to the income of the inhabitants of thirty rural communities in Sahelian environment of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. In the study, we sought to ascertain the components of the trees that were used domestically. Those that were sold and those that were used in cottage industries. We also studied the effect of MPTS on mean annual income and the effect of annual seasonal changes (rainy to dry) on both income and availability of raw materials. We also sought to understand the people perception on deforestation, role of MPTS in food security and poverty alleviation, and the perception of rural communities in reforestation. The results showed that every major component of both species (Wood, bark, fruits, exudates, leaves, seeds, roots, flower and ash) were utilized. In addition to what sold; assorted products were derived for domestic uses. The mean annual income of those who traded in MPTS products was significantly higher than that of those who did not. Income during the rainy season was higher than income during the dry season, but mean annual income was not affected by trading experience. Although both species were seldom felled, all the respondents were willing to plant more of the tree and were eager to take advantage of recent technological advancements. Keywords: Agroforestry, poverty alleviation, income, food security, multipurpose species. INTRODUCTION The significant role of agroforestry in poverty alleviation and food security in rural communities is well know. Many studies ( Zira et al., 2013; Parnwell,2005; Parnwell and Oginisako, 2005;ICRAF,2005; Gebauera et al., 2002; ICRAF, 1992; Arifalo, 1984) have also shown that between the cropping seasons in many African farming system, farmers rely alternative food products that include trees, fruits, animals and sale of non-wood products to earn a living. The use of multipurpose tree species, MPTS (so called because of numerous benefits derived from them), by indigenous people have played an important role in food and nutritional supplement in dry areas especially during droughts when there is food shortage (Muok et. al.,2000). Although there is a consideration awareness among farmers and rural communities on the value and uses of fruit tree species, indigenous fruits in the Sahelian environment of northeastern Nigeria are mostly harvested from the wild with little or no deliberate planting for domestication purposes (Tella et al., 2005), as such, most of what is used to meet a wide range of needs is collected from the wild in an unsustainable manner. The possibility of alternative between food sources and income generating activities (especially as occasioned by seasonal changes) is very pertinent in sahelian environment (Oni, 2001), where there is low development indicators against high incidence of poverty. In such environment, more than 60% of the population live below poverty line, and many of the inhabitant are often faced with high incidence of poverty caused by conflicts, harsh climatic condition such as low and unreliable rainfall, frequent droughts and fragile ecosystem resulting in low and declining land productivity (Zira et al.,2013; Parnwell,2005; Tella and Tella, 2001). Frequent crop failure in Sahelian environment often result in the poor nutrition of local people and the need to find other resources for getting enough food for the growing population and income to purchase other life necessities sometimes become very dire. Some authors (Leaky and Sommons, 1998; Shackelton et al., 2000) have shown that trade in MPTS could significantly alleviate poverty in rural communities. In the dry North of Nigeria, little attention has been paid to non- export crop species like wild fruit trees while very indigenous species have been promoted or researched enough to the level of field production and none that we know of is being used in a government-supported afforestation programme.