Gender analysis of non-timber forest products utilization by neighborhood communities of cross-river national park

Abstract

This study examines gender roles in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) utilization by adjoining communities to Cross River National Park (CRNP), Oban Division. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire administered on 110 respondents randomly selected from these communities. These were augmented by information from in-depth interviews, personal observations and market surveys. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The gender composition of respondents was male dominated (62.73%). Most respondents (56.36%) were within the productive age range of 20-40 years with majority of the households (80.00%) being large; comprising at least six dependants upwards. Respondents’ main occupations were farming (45.50%), NTFPs collection (21.82%), hunting (14.55%), and fishing (9.09%). In these occupations, males (49.28%) dominated females (39.02%) in farming, while females (39.02%) dominated males (11.59%) in NTFPs collection. Hunting was 100% a male vocation, and women only assisted in processing. Sixteen different NTFPs were being collected from the forests in the area, and these were variously utilized as sources of employment, income, and consumption. For the continuous sustenance of people in the area on NTFPs, the domestication of the NTFPs and extensive education of the people on best management and utilization practices were recommended.

Keywords: Gender roles, NTFPs utilization, Cross River National Park, livelihoods.