ABSTRACT

 A study was carried out to examine the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Obingwa L.G.A, Abia State Nigeria. Samples ofthree hundred (300) respondents were randomly selected from the three (3) autonomous communities of Obingwa (Ntighauzor, Abayi Ohanze and Abayi Okoroato). Structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and visual observations were employed in gathering primary information. The result obtained showed that 109 were male, 129 were female; majority of the respondents were married individuals (52.84%), singles (27.95%) while widowers were the least (5.24%) and Secondary education was the highest qualification attained by majority of the respondents (92, 40.53%), followed by primary education (74, 32%) and tertiary education (26.43%), while 0.44% of the respondents were uneducated. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistical analyses which include frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The results were presented using tables and chart. Majority ofthe respondents (41.74%) in the study area indicated that they moderately depend on the NTFPs for their food security and livelihood improvement. NTFPs of plant source ranked the highest =found and harvested in the study area with monthly Income and expenditure at below N5000. Higher percentage of the respondents 60.08% indicated handpicking as the major way of harvesting various NTFPs in their various community forests. Rural communities in Obingwa LGA depend on NTFPs for their livelihood; but the extent of use varies from community to community. Greater incentives and sensitization ofthe importance ofNTFPs should be promoted as to ensure sustainable use ofthe forest products.