Evaluation of the contributions of Ikere Forest Reserve to sustainable livelihood of adjoining communities in Ekiti State

Abstract

The use of forest products in the recent times has involved provision of employment opportunity, provision of food and provision of health care delivery for the rural people. This study examined contributions of Ikere forest  reserve to adjoining communities in Ekiti-State. Ninety pre-tested questionnaire were administered to forest  products collectors in adjoining villages. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Twenty five  (25) different products were collected from the reserve with timber having the highest frequency of mention by  respondents (67), followed by Fuelwood (62), Oil palm (58), Chrysophyllum albidum (40), Mushrooms (35) and  Irvingia gabonensis (35). The study revealed that 97.8 % of the respondents have over 10 years of  collection experience, with 61.1 % of them visits the reserve every day. The study also showed that 81.1 % of the respondents engaged in other business for means of livelihood, while 84.1 % of the respondents obtained permit to enter the forest. The results show that picking and plucking were the major harvesting method, while lack of storage facility constitutes a major problem for collectors of products. Consequently, it is  recommended that these products should be artificially raised in nursery for plantation establishment to ensure production in perpetuity.

Key words: Ikere forest reserve, forest products, sustainable livelihood, adjoining communities and Ekiti State