Rural Women's Involvement in Non-Timber Forest Resources Utilisation in Enclaves of Cross River National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Unsustainable utilisation of non-timber forest resources by rural people including women has been a major problem in the conservation of biodiversity in protected areas. This study assessed the extent of forest resources utilisation by indigenous women in enclaves of Cross River National Park (CRNP). A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 1210 households in four enclaves (Mfaminyen, Ojor-Nkonembo, Abijang and Iko-Esai) of CRNP, Oban Division, for questionnaire administration. Other sources of information included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data generated were analysed with the aid of tables, frequencies, tetra-choric correlation and Chi-square. Crop farming (61.98%) and Non-timber Forest Products collection (26.45%) were the identified major occupations of women. The forest resources often exploited include firewood, mushrooms, spices, fruits and wild vegetables. Also exploited are snails, periwinkles and fish from streams and rivers. The communal (42.15%) and park (27.27%) forests were the major sites of forest resources collection. The study showed that women exploit forest resources of the park and the pattern of their exploitation are unsustainable. Tetra-choric correlation analysis on relationship between educational status of women and awareness of park's legislation were significant [rt (1.0000) > SErt (0.0456)] in the area of study. Though statistical differences (p>0.05) exist among communities, most (70.08%) women do not have access to land. Participatory approaches to Park management, domestication of important NTFP species and women empowerment programmes are recommended for sustainable utilisation and biodiversity conservation in CRNP.