Contributions of non-wood forest products to household livelihood and poverty reduction among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the contributions of species of NWFPs to farm household's livelihood and poverty reduction. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected through multistage sampling procedure. Frequency, mean and likert scale and probit model were used for the analysis. The results indicated that the majority were male (63.33 %) and had mean age of 56 years. The most commonly collected plant species of NWFPs were bitter kola (Garcina kola), breadfruit (Treculia africana), bush mango (I. gabonenesis and wombulu), kola nut (Cola nitida), cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), Icheku (Dalium guinese), African star apple (Chrysophylum albidium), Avocado pear (Persea americana), African bush mango (Dacryodes edulis) and Oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) while the most commonly collected animal species of NWFPs were bee products (Apis mellifera linneaeus 1758), flying termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) and fish (Ictalurus punctatus). Wealth category and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Educational level had negative and significant effect on the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. The result of the proportion of household income from NWFPs shows that 54.43% indicated that species of NWFPs constituted over 50% of their household income.