Abstract
The significant role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) cannot be over emphasized in nation building. Despite the tremendous benefits derived from the NTFPs in supporting the rural dwellers financially, it is perceived as less important to national development especially in developing countries. This study analyzed the economic benefits of non-timber forest products in Oluwa forest reserve, Ondo State with a view to encouraging sustainable forest management. Purposive and random sampling were used to select 213 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics and the budgetary techniques analyses were used for the study. Results indicated that majority of the respondents were male (56.10%), 30.00% were between the age of 30-39 years, 78.10% were married, 55.90% had household size between 1-5 people and 47.10% had secondary education. Major non-timber forest products identified in the study area include; wrapping leaves (23.20%), fuel wood (22.60%), bush meat (14.80%), snails (9.70%) and wild fruits (7.70%). The study showed that respondents used more of wrapping leaves and fuel wood with average ranking of 0.84 and 0.83 respectively. The result showed a positive profit (₦20,700.00) for wrapping leaf business and returns ₦1.80k for every ₦1 invested. The study calls for sustainable forest management of non-timber forest products to be taken up as a developmental strategy in the study area.
 Key words: NTFPs, Oluwa forest reserve, rural dwellers, sustainable forest management, wrapping leaves
Highlights
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) constitute an important aspect of sustainable economic growth, conservation and resources management
Thaumatococcus danielli (Benn) is a non-timber forest species (Borokini et al, 2010) that can contribute to the rural economy of Nigeria but whose potentials have not been fully exploited for community development
One of such resources is the Oluwa forest reserve which covers over 829 km2 (320 sqm)
Summary
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) constitute an important aspect of sustainable economic growth, conservation and resources management. In forest with low timber production potential, non-timber forest products represent the major or potential source of income, traditionally used and appreciated by people of many cultures worldwide (Odeyale and Olawuyi, 2018) The significance of these products for sustainable economic growth, cultural endurance and environmental health is receiving increasing recognition by government and other official agencies (Bonet et al, 2009). Thaumatococcus danielli (Benn) is a non-timber forest species (Borokini et al, 2010) that can contribute to the rural economy of Nigeria but whose potentials have not been fully exploited for community development It is a multi-purpose perennial herb that offers a wide assortment of uses for its leaves, fruits, stalks and roots (Arowosoge and Popoola, 2002).
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