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.