Non-timber Forest Products Contribution to Rural Livelihoods in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of forest resources to rural livelihoods in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 250 respondents selected through multi-stage and simple random sampling, based on their proximity to forest areas and utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, mean, and Likert scale rating, were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that fuelwood (14.9%) had the highest proportion of NTFPs collection, followed by bush meat (12.1%), fruits (10.6%), medicinal plants (9.6%), and charcoal (9.3%). In contrast, the lowest proportions were recorded for mushrooms (3.3%), fodder (2.8%), bush mango, honey, essential oil (1.9% each), and forest insects (1.3%). The Likert scale results indicated a high level of contribution for NTFPs in food (WMS, 4.6), fuel (WMS, 3.9), medicine (WMS, 3.6), trade (WMS, 3.3), and recreation (WMS, 3.2). The findings suggest that NTFPs play a vital role in rural livelihoods, serving as a safety net. Therefore, deliberate policy measures are necessary to ensure sustainable harvesting practices and establish community-led conservation initiatives for sustainable forest management.