Educational Research and Reviews Vol. 1 (2), pp. 52-58, May 2006          
© 2006 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract

Research on markets and marketing of some Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) was carried out in selected locations of Osun State.  The N T F Ps considered are chewing sticks e.g. Massularia acuminata and bush meat e.g.Thryonomys swinderianus, representing both the flora and fauna aspects of NTFPs respectively. Five(5) Local Government Areas were randomly selected, namely; Odo-otin, Boripe, Iwo, Irewole and Atakunmosa L. G. As. for the research purpose and questionnaires were administered. A total of  300 questionnaires were administered i.e. 150 questionnaires for each of the NTFPs.Each NTFPs was further subdivided to production, marketing and usage or consumption which made it fifty (50)  questionnaires for each unit.It was gathered from the result that massularia acuminata tops the list of the well favoured chewing sticks. Other types of chewing sticks that rank high include fagara (Zanthophylum zanthoxonoides) and Ira (Rauwolfia vomitora).  The root and the stem are harvested respectively.  These are not however produced in large quantities compared with "Pako Ijebu" (Massularia acuminata).Bush meat is also cherished by people most especially in urban centres where it is regarded as a delicacy.  Different types exist with grass cutter being the most commonly sold followed by antelope.  Some people abhor snake and monkey due to traditional and religious beliefs.  Bush meat is cheaper when bought directly from the hunter than from the marketer. Despite the preference of bush meat, the rate of consumption is still low relative to other animal protein sources.  This is partly due to the high price of bush meat and the economic recession in the country.However, bush meat is sold in parts now a days to cater for low income earners. Restaurants are also good places to eat bush meat at minimum prices. Apart from these two NTFPs, several others of economic, nutritional and medicinal importance exist.  A list of some of them is made with their uses.  NTFPs are grossly affected by seasonal changes and this in turns affect their availability and prices. In all, considering NTFPs in the light of economic gain alone will be parochial even though analysis for the marketing of the two NTFPs shows that they are viable business ventures.  The values should extend beyond the economic gain to other values which are indispensable to the existence of man.  A major but neglected aspect is the medicinal aspect of NTFPs.

Key words: Forest Products, NTFP, Marketing, Nigeria