The Impact of Quarrying Activities on Economic Tree Composition and Diversity: A Study of Selected Quarries in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Abstract

The paper presents a case study of (two) selected quarries in the FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The study investigates the impact of quarrying activities on economic trees by analysing the composition, abundance and diversity of different tree species in these two functional quarries. Data was obtained from field surveys and interviews within study areas and quarry operators. The Simpson diversity index was used to measure the diversity index of the economic trees found and identified in the study areas. The study's findings revealed that economic tree composition, abundance and diversity were reduced due to quarrying activities. Quarrying activities also release dust and pollutants into the air, creating an unhealthy and unsuitable environment for the growth of trees. The results of this study have implications for policymakers and quarry operators in Abuja about encouraging and enhancing economic tree diversity within their operations. This case study highlights the importance of sustainable land management and the need to consider economic tree diversity when developing quarrying projects in areas with the predominant growth and cultivation of economic trees, especially edible ones.