Socio-Economic Analysis Of Income Effects Of Forest Products Activities Among Rural Households In Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the economic importance of exploiting forest products in Enugu State. This study shows that majority of the household heads were between the age of 31 and 50 years. From the study it was found that more of the household heads are males. They engage mainly in different ombined operation in forestry enterprises like gathering, processing and marketing. However lack of access to modern technology and the forms in which forest products are marketed were major reasons that weaken income generation from the forest products. From regression results, access to credit (Cr), access to forest extension services (Fx) and relatives composition of forest output (Or) were statistically significant at 5% level in explaining the observed variability in the dependent variable income (I) based on double logarithmic model. From the study, we recommend that government should encourage the stakeholders that are involved in forest product activities to import the required machinery without any form of restriction. This will lead to value added in their product and attract more income to both households and government.

Agro-Science Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 22-26