Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 50: 3533 - 3539. Published February 27, 2012.
Harvesting and processing techniques of the larvae of Cirina forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), among the Tiv people of Benue state, Nigeria.
Agbidye, F. S.1 And Nongo, N. N.2
1Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Agriculture Makurdi, P. M. B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Agriculture Makurdi, P. M. B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The study was carried out to investigate the harvesting and processing techniques employed by the Tiv people of Benue State, Nigeria, with respect to Cirina forda larvae on sheabutter tree, Vitellaria paradoxa. The conservation techniques by the natives and survival strategies used by the insect were also investigated.
Methodology and results: One hundred and twenty (120) copies of semi-structured questionnaire were administered in three (3) Tiv speaking Local Government Areas (Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Tarka). Data obtained were subjected to log transformation (Log10) and then to one-way ANOVA. Results showed significant differences among the harvesting and processing techniques as well as conservation and survival strategies (p>0.05). Picking larvae from pitfall traps had the highest mean frequency (38.3±9) among the harvesting techniques while storing briefly to defecate, parboiling and then sun-drying had the highest mean frequency (36.9±5) among the processing techniques. Delaying cultivation around the bases of host trees till after adult emergence had the highest mean frequency (31.3±2) among the conservation techniques used while jumping down of larvae from the branches was the most popular survival technique recorded (32.2±5).
Conclusion and application of results: Information obtained from this study has shown that C. forda is exploited in Benue State as a food resource. The insect is harvested in a variety of ways and processed before consumption. Since this edible forest insect had been playing important roles in the economic well-being of the people of Benue State, steps have to be taken to preserve the habitat of the insect which is V. paradoxa so as to ensure its sustained utilization. The Benue State government should enforce the legislation against indiscriminate bush burning and illegal tree felling to preserve the habitats of these insects. Plantations of V. paradoxa should be established to promote large scale the production of C. forda.
Key Words: Harvesting, processing, conservation, survival, techniques, Cirina forda.
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