Economic Contributions of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among Rural Dwellers in Ethiope East and Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Non Timber Forest Products have always served as life support for many rural dwellers, especially those who live within and around the forests; this study was carried out to determine the economic contributions of NTFPs to the livelihood of rural dwellers in Ethiope East and Ukwuani Local Government Areas of Delta State. Multi-stage random techniques was applied in the selection of 100 respondents. Data were obtained via well-structured questionnaires. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and benefit cost ratio. Findings revealed that there was presence, bountiful abundance of NTFPs and male dominated the collection of the NTFPs in the study area. The modal age range of the respondents was between 20-30 years. This study indicated that most of the respondents got non-timber forest products from the market and most of the respondents’ collected/exploited non-timber forest products for household use and as income generation. Similarly, the research showed that majority of NTFPs exploited/collected were sold in bundles in the area under study. Also the study showed that NTFPs exploitation among rural household was a profitable agribusiness, Market price of other products was identified to be the major constraints to NTFPs.