Women participation in marketing of non timber forest products: Panacea to food security and poverty

Abstract

Non -timber forest products (NTFPs) are majorly biological materials from forest biodiversity consisting of plants and fungi, animals and  animal products normally consumed either as condiments, food, medicine and spices. Women play a significant role and are majorly  involved in agriculture around the world. This study was conducted to assess participation of women in marketing of NTFPs as it  contributes to food security and poverty alleviation. A structured questionnaire designed to obtain information about the participation of  women in marketing of nontimber forest products in the three markets in the study area. Statistical techniques such as frequency and  percentage analysis were used to analyze the obtained data. Results shows respondents socio-economic characteristics had age ranged  (37-55yrs), female involvement (60.8%), married respondents (50%) and respondents with non-formal education (43.3%). 27%  respondents were involved in honey and shea-butter distribution, while 76.7% respondents had daily incomes (₦500-₦100) from  marketing NTFPs. However, the effectiveness of NTFPs and their related goods and services toward achieving sustainable development  has been questioned by some development experts as being slow and difficult to measure but to enhance the effectiveness of poverty  reduction programs, opportunities for the greater participation of women are essential to their financial empowerment for those trading  in this NTFPs. From this study, it could be concluded that women involvement in marketing of NTFPs has great potential in improving  quality of life and provision of nutritious food intake for the family.