A STUDY ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS TO RURAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME

ABSTACT

This study was carried out on the contribution of non timber forest products to rural household income using residents in Abor town Delta State as case study. To achieve this 4 research questions were formulated. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of the  indigenous residents and farmers in Abor Delta State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 67 respondents while 50 respondents were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. The result of the findings reveals that; 1non timber forest products has supported the livelihood of residents in rural communities, Fuelwood, Medicinal Herbs, Fodder For Livestock, Honey, Gum Arabic, Fruit Nuts, Timber Off Cuts, Canes, Bamboos, Rattans, and Poles are all non timber forest products that has supported the livelihood of residents in rural communities, non timber forest products been used in a high extent by rural communities for domestic and income purpose, and the exploitation  of non timber forest products has reduced poverty rate among residents in rural communities. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that the Government should prioritize technical and financial support programs that would promote off-farm income generating activities such as value addition for agricultural produce, handcraft etc. In the long-run, diversification into formal sector employment, coupled with education and skill development, is recommended. This will help reduce household