ABSTRACT
The
collection and sales ofNon-timber forest products (NTFPs) has been revealed to
be one ofthe main activities of forest rural communities. Over the decade, an
increase in global research has also enhanced the potentials of plant NTFPs
collection. This study investigated the utilization of non-timber forest
products in Ukpom Bende Forest Reserve. Implications for management and
livelihood. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys. The study
purposively selected five (5) communities on the basis of proximity to the
forest reserve. The sampled population included farmers, NTFPs wholesalers and
retailers. A total of 20 copies of the questionnaires were distributed to each
of the villages, totaling 100 respondents in the study. Field observations and
focus group discussion also contributed to the validation of results. The
results revealed that females (64%) dominated the collection process ofNTFPs in
the area. Majority ofthe respondents were within 21 to 31 years, thus indicates
youthful participation in the collection of NTFPs. The outcome on educational
qualification showed that majority of the respondents attended primary school. Over
50% of the respondents collected majorly the following NTFPs; fuel wood, bush
meat, african bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Palm fruits (Elaies
guineensis), snails (Archatina marginata) and poles, this is due to their
availability and market demand. The various mechanism of collection ofNTFPs by
rural dwellers includes; cutting of mature, dry, and fallen branches of fuel
wood with chainsaw, axe and cutlass, picking and plucking ofmature, rotten,
fallen fruits of bush mango, and cutting ofripe bunch and picking offallen palm
fruits. The collectors earn daily, monthly and annually from the sales of NTFPs
in the area. The outcome for factors influencing collection of NTFPs indicated
revenue generation as the 1st factor, while type of market (local/urban) ranked
1st factor influencing price and sales of NTFPs in the study area. The result
for benefits of NTFPs to rural households ranked source of food as major
benefit. The outcome for the problems associated with harvesting ofNTFPs
revealed that 56% agreed that indiscriminate harvesting of NTFPs will lead to
deforestation and biodiversity loss. The study further indicated that
seasonality 68%, forest law and policies58% and forest guard 44% are the major
problem encountered during collection, and 63% ofthe respondents agreed that
NTFPs collection and sales is lucrative and this has led to the influx of
several rural forest households into the gathering of NTFPs as means of
livelihood and due to the unsustainable collection mechanism used by the
individuals, the sustainability of NTFPs species is threatened. The study
therefore urges that Government should embark on policies and reforms that will
enhance the participatory forest management so as to ensure, its sustainability
and continued supply of the fast depleting forest resources. In addition,
interventions aimed at conserving the forest should consider both in-situ and
ex-situ conservation ofthe most utilized plants and trees used for medicines in
order to relieve pressure on the wild stock.
ORJI, O (2024). Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Ukpom Bcndc Forest Reserve: Implications for Management and Livelihood:- Orji, Sopuruchi L. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Oct 10, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-non-timber-forest-products-in-ukpom-bcndc-forest-reserve-implications-for-management-and-livelihood-orji-sopuruchi-l-7-2
ORJI, ORJI. "Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Ukpom Bcndc Forest Reserve: Implications for Management and Livelihood:- Orji, Sopuruchi L" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-non-timber-forest-products-in-ukpom-bcndc-forest-reserve-implications-for-management-and-livelihood-orji-sopuruchi-l-7-2. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
ORJI, ORJI. "Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Ukpom Bcndc Forest Reserve: Implications for Management and Livelihood:- Orji, Sopuruchi L". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024. Web. 10 Oct. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-non-timber-forest-products-in-ukpom-bcndc-forest-reserve-implications-for-management-and-livelihood-orji-sopuruchi-l-7-2 >.
ORJI, ORJI. "Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Ukpom Bcndc Forest Reserve: Implications for Management and Livelihood:- Orji, Sopuruchi L" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 10 Oct. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-non-timber-forest-products-in-ukpom-bcndc-forest-reserve-implications-for-management-and-livelihood-orji-sopuruchi-l-7-2