Non-timber Forest Products Utilization Among the Women of Support Zone Communities of Kainji Lake National Park, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract The study examined the involvement of women in the utilization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), at the Support Zone communities of Kainji Lake National Park, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to identify socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, involvement in the extraction of Non timber forest products, Utilization of NTFPs by respondents, reason for collection of non-timber forest products. Data for this study was derived from primary and secondary sources. A multistage random sampling method was used. A random selection of three villages neighboring the park was done from each of the sub divisions making a total of 21 villages. Structured questionnaires were administered randomly. Twenty (20) questionnaires were administered in each of the communities making a total of Four hundred and twenty (420) respondents for the study area. The descriptive statistical tool was used for data analysis. Majority of the respondents 342 (81.4%) are involved in gathering of Non timber forest products out of which 310 (90.6 %) of the respondents are part time gatherers of this resources and the remaining 32 (9.4%) are full time gatherers. 289 (84.5 %) of the respondents get this products outside the park, 35 (10.2 %) of them get this products from inside the park and 18 (5.3 %) get this products from both inside and outside the park The non-timber forest products are being utilized by the communities for income, food, fuel wood, Medicare, and hand craft. The study recommended improved livelihood for women, provision of basic necessities of lives to the park communities. Enhanced Conservation education programme and Establishment of community forest to reduce pressure on the park resources.