Socio-Economic importance o non-timber forest products among rural residents of Shaki agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the availability, importance and prospects of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among rural residents of Shaki Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study concentrated on the flora, a greater number of which have disappeared over time. A number of the remaining plants were found to have remained strategic to the livelihood activities of the inhabitants. These include Parkia biglobosa (Locust beans) Irvingia gabonensis (Bush mango), processed Vittelaria paradoxa (Shear butter tree), Xylopia aethiopica (African pepper) and notably, honey from beehives. About 75% of respondents who were land owners all had NTFPs on their farmlands. The most common was from Parkia biglobosa (Locust beans) owned by 52.9% and exploited by 71.7% for sale and/or consumption. Next to this was, Vittelaria paradoxa (Shear butter tree) owned by 48.4% but exploited by 58.2% . Over 60% of the respondents earned over 1000 Naira yearly from the sale of NTFPs either raw or processed. It is recommended that research should be conducted into breeding of early maturing species of these valuable trees that are being cut down at an alarming rate to guarantee future availability for food, medicinal and livelihood purposes. .

Keywords: Non-Timber Forest Products, rural livelihood, income generating activities, value added.

Journal of Environmental Extension Vol. 6 2007: pp. 34-38