Marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data used were obtained from 90 sellers of these forest products through purposive sampling of markets in the area. Results showed that the average age of sellers was 42 years, while 63.2% were females and 36.8% are males. The results of the marketing margin reveal that charcoal commanded the highest margin of ₦2500, followed by bush meat (₦300), while wrapping had the least marketing margin of ₦5.00. The marketing efficiency results on the other hand showed that mushroom had the highest (5.0), followed by fruits/seeds (2.25). Bush meat had the least marketing efficiency of 1.3. Some of the problems encountered by the sellers included price instability, bad access roads, lack of storage facilities and inadequate fund. The study therefore stressed the need for government to prioritize rural access roads rehabilitation, while attention should be paid to non-timber forest products that could improve rural economy in the study. Keywords: Non-timber forest products, bush meat, mushroom, charcoal