Involvement of rural women in gathering of forest products as a means of livelihood in South-Western Nigeria

This study evaluated the involvement of rural women in the collection of forest products. Three hundred rural women involved in gathering of forest products were selected by a three stage sampling technique while primary data were collected with the use of interview schedules as well as Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analysis of data was done using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, correlation and Chi-square. The study revealed that majority (61%) of the women were in their economically active ages, married (76.7%), with mean age and household sizes of 39years, 6 persons respectively. Majority (87%), of the women gather vegetables, fruits (77%), snails (76%), and alligator pepper (71%) and herbs (62%) among others. Women gatherers had positive perceptions that gathering of forest produces is a source of livelihood (x̄= 4.42), gathering of forest is profitable, (x̄= 4.36); and gathering business has improved their standard of living (x̄= 4.06) among others. The benefits derived from gathering activities included: provision of foods (fruits, vegetables, and soup condiments) which ranked first and provision of employment and improvement in rural living standards from sustained income among others. Respondents’ age (r=0.201;≤0.05), experience (r=0.694;≤0.01) and household size (r=0.694;≤0.01) had significant relationship with involvement in the gathering enterprise. It is concluded that rural women involvement in gathering of forest products is high enough but may not ensure sustainable livelihood. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritize programmes that would promote off-farm income- generating diversification activities through technical and financial support.