Survey of non-timber forest products (NTFPS) and their socio-economic contribution to rural household livelihood in adjoining communities in Ago-Owu forest reserve of Osun State, Nigeria

Background: This study looked into the survey of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and their contribution to rural household livelihood in adjoining communities in Ago-Owu Forest Reserve of Osun State. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select four villages around the study area. A total of 116 questionnaires were used to obtain data on NTFPs obtainable, commonly sourced NTFPs, Most used NTFPs, Profitability of NTFP, impact of NTFPs on the livelihood, constraint facing NTFPs in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive and budgetary analysis. Results: Majority of the respondents were within the age group of 41-50 (53.6%) and mostly were male (56.4%), 46.4% had tertiary education while 11.8% had no formal education. Most of them were married (63.6%). Identified NTFPs include fuel-wood, medicinal Plant, Snail, wrapping leaves, charcoal, and mushroom. The result of profitability shows that fuel-wood the highest variable cost of ₦8,076.00 followed by mushroom ₦6,477.92. The rate of return is as follows mushroom (2.89%), charcoal (48.2%), snail (4.04%), fuel-wood (29.5%), medicinal plant (31.6%), wrapping leaves (6.54%). Impact of NTFPs showed that most of them were consumed while some are for medicinal plant, source of income, fuel wood e.tc. Constraint facing the supply of NTFPs include Finances (73.6%), storage facilities (64.5%), price fluctuation (64.5%), Transportation (67.3%) and a host of others. The study established the evaluation of NTFPs in the study area. Conclusion: It is understandable that price fluctuation may be seasonal dependent, but nevertheless NTFPs collectors should always try to fix reasonable prices so as to ease the evacuation and supply of the products to the end users.