ROLE OF NONTIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS IN LIVELIHOOD RESTORATION FOR FOREST BASED COMMUNITIES IN WAMAKKO LGA IN SOKOTO STATE
Abstract
This study examines the role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in livelihood restoration among forest-based communities in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Using multi-stage sampling, 100 respondents were surveyed through semi-structured questionnaires, with data analyzed descriptively in SPSS. Findings show 92% of households utilize NTFPs, primarily Goriba (64%), Kaiwa (54%), and Giginya (50%), for fuelwood (43%), food (32%), and medicine (18%), sourced mostly from nearby forests (64%). NTFPs support income (81% sell products), with high-valued benefits in medicinal herbs (mean 4.94) and biodiversity conservation (4.78). Key challenges include user conflicts (95%), distance (81%), climate change (64%), and overharvesting (62%). NTFPs are essential for livelihoods but threatened by degradation. Recommendations focus on training, market access, and policy integration for sustainable management.
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