Forest Leafy Vegetables Marketing and Sustainable Rural Livelihood in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Leafy vegetables from forests are capable of generating income and employment for rural populations sustainably. Investigation of wild vegetable marketing was conducted in Rivers State, Nigeria with well-structured and pre-tested questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Net profit, Rate of return on investment (RORI) and sensitivity analysis. Weekly profits and RORI were; Port Harcourt city (N1134.48k, 34.1%), Oyigbo (N2152.2k, 30.9%) and Ahoada West (N608.98k, 21.89%). Gnetum africana has the highest daily profit of N159.30k. Sensitivity analysis of RORI showed profits were threatened at various degrees of increasing cost; Port Harcourt (35%), Oyigbo (35%) and Ahoada West (25%). Wild vegetables marketing showed potentials of increasing household income and sustain livelihoods. Research on domestication, improved marketing and provision of cooperatives loans are recommended for sustainable marketing.

Keywords: Wild leafy vegetables, profitability, RORI, sustainable rural livelihood.
Note: 1USD = 160 Nigerian Naira (N).