Socio-cultural determinants of timber marketing contribution to income of timber marketers in Bodija sawn wood market, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite timber marketing’s income potential, income disparities exist among marketers in Bodija sawn wood market, and the impact of socio-cultural factors on income generation is unclear. This study was designed to assess socio-cultural determinants affecting income from timber marketing in Bodija sawn wood market. One hundred copies of structured questionnaire were administered randomly in five zones of the market to obtain information on the socio-cultural backgrounds and the contribution of timber trade to marketers’ income. The results revealed that 99.0% of the respondents were male, while females constituted only 1.00%. Seventy-five percent of the marketers had post-primary education, and 25% had primary education. Regarding marketing experience, 2% of the marketers had < 10 years, 26% had between 11 and 20 years, 57% had between 21 and 30 years, and 15.00% had >30 years. Income-wise, 58% of the respondents earned between ₦10,000 - ₦60,000, 31% earned between ₦60,001 and ₦110,000, while 11% earned from ₦110,001 up to above ₦160,000 per month. Chi-square test of association between the socio-cultural characteristics of the respondents and income generation at α = 0.05 showed ethnicity (0.001) and experience (0.009) significantly influenced income, while the level of education (0.101), age (0.122), and religion (0.745) had no significant impact. The study highlights the importance of experience in sawn wood marketing and its significant role as a determinant of the contribution of timber marketing marketers’ income in Bodija sawn wood market. Further recommendations are provided on strategies to improve the market performance, effectiveness, and livelihood contribution of timber marketing.