Wikipedia

Ngwo Pine forest

The Ngwo Pine Forest is a pine forest near the center of Enugu, Nigeria.[1] Within the forest, there is a limestone cave with a small waterfall, forming a shallow pool. The Ngwo Pine Forest is used as a recreational area, supporting the socio-economic development of Enugu State, Nigeria.[2][3][4]

Ngwo Pine forest
Ngwo Forest
Ngwo pine forest, Ngwo, Enugu state, Nigeria
Geography
Coordinates6°25′46″N 7°26′29″E / 6.4294°N 7.4414°E / 6.4294; 7.4414

History

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The Ngwo Pine Forest Formation (NPFF) is a patch of montane rainforest and cloud forest on the Ngwo Hills in southeast Nigeria. It is the southernmost extent of the Afromontane Forest ecoregion and is one of the most diverse forests in Africa.[5]

In the early 20th century, the British colonial government established a forest reserve in the NPFF. This reserve was intended to provide protection from deforestation and to ensure a sustainable supply of timber. This reserve was not very effective at preventing deforestation, with the NPFF having lost a significant amount of forest cover over the last 50 years to agricultural expansion, logging, and mining.[6][7][8]

Today, the NPFF is still a relatively intact forest, but is under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, climate change, and invasive species.[9][10]

The Ngwo Pine Forest has purposes such as hosting pilgrimages and educational activities. It also bolsters the tourism industry in Enugu State.[11][12]

Climate

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Ngwo Pine Forest has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, categorized as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Situated near the equator, the region encounters difficulty in defining its summers due to consistent warmth throughout the year. The annual average temperature hovers around 25.9 °C (78.6 °F), maintaining a relatively warm and consistent climate.[13]

There is notable seasonal variation in precipitation patterns, with summers being considerably rainier than winters. On an annual basis, Ngwo Pine Forest records a total precipitation of 1719 mm (67.7 inches). The month of January stands out as the driest, witnessing a mere 9 mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall. In contrast, September is the wettest month, experiencing an average precipitation of 270 mm (10.6 inches).

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year range from a maximum of 34.5 °C (94 °F) in February to a minimum of 23.9 °C (75 °F) in August. This temperature variability is relatively modest, with an annual range of 4.5 °C (8.0 °F).

Relative humidity follows a seasonal trend, with September having the highest humidity at 85.21%, while January records the lowest at 41.09%. July emerges as the month with the rainiest days, totaling 27.27 days, whereas December experiences the fewest rainy days, averaging only 1.53 days.

The Forest Reserve's sunshine hours contribute to the overall climate experience. January enjoys the most daily hours of sunshine, with an average of 8.79 hours, totaling 272.59 hours for the month. In contrast, September experiences the lowest daily sunshine hours, averaging around 4.4 hours per day and accumulating 132.13 sunshine hours throughout the entire month. Annually, Ngwo Forest Reserve basks in an average of 2184.58 hours of sunshine, translating to approximately 71.93 hours per month.

Climate data for Ngwo Pine Forest (Ngwo-Uno)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F 93.5 94 92.1 88.8 85.9 83.2 81.8 81.6 82.7 83.9 86.6 91.1 87.1
Daily mean °F 82.1 83 82 80.3 78.4 76.3 75.1 75 75.5 76.5 78.5 80.6 78.6
Mean daily minimum °F 72 74.1 75.2 74.8 73.7 72.1 71.2 71 71.3 72 72.6 71.6 72.6
Average precipitation inches 0 0 2 5 7 9 9 10 10 8 1 0 61
Mean daily maximum °C 34.2 34 33.4 31.6 29.9 28.4 27.7 27.6 28.2 28.8 30.3 32.8 30.6
Daily mean °C 27.8 28 28 26.8 25.8 24.6 23.9 24 24.2 24.7 25.8 27.0 25.9
Mean daily minimum °C 22 23.4 24.0 23.8 23.2 22.3 21.8 22 21.8 22 22.6 22.0 22.6
Average precipitation cm 0 0 5.1 13 18 23 23 25 25 20 2.5 0 154.6
Average rainy days 2 3 7 12 18 19 20 20 20 19 7 1 148
Average relative humidity (%) 41 52 67 76 82 85 85 84 85 85 76 52 73
Mean daily sunshine hours 8.8 8.0 7.0 5.9 5.1 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.6 6.1 8.4 6.0
Source: climate-data.org[14]

Economic activities

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Agriculture plays a vital role in the economic sustenance of the forest area. The land surrounding the forest is often utilized for agricultural purposes. Local communities undertake cultivation, with a focus on crops like pineapples and other fruits. These agricultural activities serve as a means of livelihood for the residents.

Forestry also features prominently in the economic landscape of the Ngwo Pine Forest. Sustainable forest management practices are implemented, including timber harvesting, collection of non-timber forest products, and reforestation efforts. These practices aim to strike a balance between economic needs and environmental conservation.

Furthermore, the local artisan community engages in the creation and sale of handcrafted products, utilizing materials sourced from the forest. This might encompass wood carvings and traditional handicrafts, thereby contributing to the local economy.

In addition to these activities, some residents participate in small-scale livestock farming, rearing animals such as goats, poultry, or cows as part of their economic pursuits.[15]

Ngwo Cave and Waterfall

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Ngwo Cave and Waterfall is a natural attraction located in the Ngwo Pine Forest in Enugu State, Nigeria.[16][17][18][19][20] The cave is formed from limestone and has a waterfall flowing from an opening in its roof. The waterfall forms a shallow pool on the cave floor and flows out as a small stream.[21]

It is a popular tourist destination for both Nigerians and international visitors.[22][23][24] It also has cultural significance for the Igbo people of Nigeria. The cave is seen as a sacred place and is home to a number of important cultural sites, including shrines and burial sites.

There are a number of threats to Ngwo Cave and Waterfall, including deforestation, pollution, and overtourism.

References

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  1. ^ Vlahovi, Darko (2000-04-01). "Original culture in the development of contemporary tourism". The Tourist Review. 55 (4): 23–31. doi:10.1108/eb058347.
  2. ^ Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi:10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347. S2CID 243921903.
  3. ^ "Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease in Humans, Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervids, Mad Cow Disease in Cattle, and Scrapie in Sheep and Goats". Human Diseases from Wildlife. CRC Press. 2014-09-18. pp. 448–465. doi:10.1201/b17428-30. ISBN 978-0-429-10009-3. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
  4. ^ Halliru, Samir (2022-11-28). "Working for social justice through community development in Nigeria". Peacebuilding, Conflict and Community Development: 79–97. doi:10.46692/9781447359364.007. ISBN 9781447359364.
  5. ^ Oladeyi, Oluwafikunayomi (2024-03-23). "Ngwo Pine Forest". Places and Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  6. ^ Ejikeme, Joy N. U.; Okonkwo, Uche Uwaezuoke (2022-09-07). "Sacred Groves and Natural Sites Conservation for Tourism in Local Communities in Nigeria". doi:10.20944/preprints202209.0097.v1. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. ^ Nkwocha, EE; Pat-Mbano, EC; Okeoma, IO (2012-03-19). "Sanitation Indicators in the Rural Communities of the South-Eastern Nigeria: Additional Evidence of Policy Failure in Rural Development". African Research Review. 6 (1). doi:10.4314/afrrev.v6i1.13.
  8. ^ Ukamaka, Dimelu Mabel; Eberechukwu, Nwuba Loveth (2018-06-27). "Indigenous climate change adaptation strategies used by Honey Producers in rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria". Journal of Agricultural Extension. 22 (2). doi:10.4314/jae.v22i2.16. S2CID 169981672.
  9. ^ Rose, Adam (2009-06-30). "Global Warming Policy, Energy, and the Chinese Economy". The Economics of Climate Change Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 382–414. doi:10.4337/9781035305674.00033. ISBN 978-1-0353-0567-4. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
  10. ^ Amazue, Lawrence Okwuchukwu; Ozor, Okechukwu Timothy; Chukwuorji, JohnBosco Chika; Ifeagwazi, Chuka Mike; Onu, Desmond Uchechukwu; Onyedire, Nneoma Gift (2019-09-16). "Mental pain and suicidal ideation in nursing students: The moderating role of emotion regulation". Cognition, Brain, Behavior. 23 (3): 171–191. doi:10.24193/cbb.2019.23.10. S2CID 204393680.
  11. ^ OBI, Nicholas; OBI, Joy Sylvia; IBEM, Eziyi; NWALUSI, Dickson; OKEKE, Ogochukwu Francis (2021-06-30). "Noise Pollution in Urban Residential Environments: Evidence from Students' Hostels in Awka, Nigeria". Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning. 12 (1): 51–62. doi:10.24193/jssp.2021.1.05. S2CID 237884719.
  12. ^ C. O., Aniagolu; E.A., Iyi; A. F., Iloeje (2021-07-06). "The Impact of Institutional Landuses on Rental Value of Residential Properties in Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria". International Journal for Research in Business, Management and Accounting. 1 (3): 34–35. doi:10.53555/bma.v1i3.1680. S2CID 197568199.
  13. ^ "Ngwo-Uno climate: Weather Ngwo-Uno & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  14. ^ "Ngwo climate: Weather Ngwo & temperature by month". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  15. ^ Anwuri, Patience Nwokaego; Osuoha, Ifeanyi Jude (2022-03-20). "TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS". GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. 5 (1): 69–79. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6966828.
  16. ^ Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi:10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347. S2CID 243921903.
  17. ^ Amalu, T. E.; Otop, O. O.; Duluora, E. I.; Omeje, V. U.; Emeana, S. K. (2017-11-20). "Socio-economic impacts of ecotourism attractions in Enugu state, Nigeria". GeoJournal. 83 (6): 1257–1269. doi:10.1007/s10708-017-9830-7. S2CID 254507667.
  18. ^ Amalu, Titus; Phil-Eze, Philip; Ajake, Anim (2019-06-13). "Assessing the impact of economic and cultural diversity on tourism development in Nigeria". GeoJournal. 85 (5): 1457–1468. doi:10.1007/s10708-019-10032-2. S2CID 254505509.
  19. ^ Vlahovi, Darko (2000-04-01). "Original culture in the development of contemporary tourism". The Tourist Review. 55 (4): 23–31. doi:10.1108/eb058347.
  20. ^ Halliru, Samir (2022-11-28). "Working for social justice through community development in Nigeria". Peacebuilding, Conflict and Community Development: 79–97. doi:10.46692/9781447359364.007. ISBN 9781447359364.
  21. ^ Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi:10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347. S2CID 243921903.
  22. ^ Agyeman, Yaw Sarkodie; Awuah-Nyamekye, Samuel (2018-06-01). "African Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa: The Case of Ghana". Oguaa Journal of Religion and Human Values. 4: 1–22. doi:10.47963/ojorhv.v4i.347. S2CID 243921903.
  23. ^ "Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development: A Proposal for Southern Italy". Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Local Development. Routledge. 2016-12-05. pp. 113–126. doi:10.4324/9781315258720-18. ISBN 9781315258720. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  24. ^ Amalu, Titus; Phil-Eze, Philip; Ajake, Anim (2019-06-13). "Assessing the impact of economic and cultural diversity on tourism development in Nigeria". GeoJournal. 85 (5): 1457–1468. doi:10.1007/s10708-019-10032-2. S2CID 254505509.
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