Impact of credit facilities on value addition to some selected non -timber forest products in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of credit facilities on value addition to some selected Non- Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to determine the sample for the study. Data was collected through structured questionnaire from respondents. The results of the study showed that majority (65.8%) of the respondents were between the ages 31-40 years. The results also showed that 34.2% of the respondents involved in NTFPs specialized in firewood business while a few 9% practiced snail production. Results further revealed that most of the respondents (51.4%) sourced their NTFPs from forest reserve areas while some sourced from the free areas. Chi-square test (p>0.05) showed that there was no significant relationship between the personal characteristics of the respondents and the income generated from NTFPs in the study area. It was observed that if respondents (rural dwellers) get credit facilities, their means of livelihood will be better off than it used to be. It was however recommended that community participation should be encouraged in NTFPs business so as to help alleviate poverty.