IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

ODOEMELAM; L. E; OLOJEDE; J. C.

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

WOMEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN FORESTRY PRACTICES AS LIVELIHOOD OPTION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Odoemelam, L. E, Olojede, J. C.

Abstract :

The study evaluates the involvement of women in forestry practices as a livelihood options in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Rural women having realized that in the near future natural resources will not be sufficient at the current consumption level and having indigenous knowledge in protection and management have involved themselves in forestry practices as an alternative source. Multi stage sampling procedure was used in selection of sample size. Ebonyi state is made up of thirteen Local Government Areas and 6 LGAs were randomly selected. From each LGA, one community was randomly selected, followed by a random selection of 2 villages and 30 rural women who are actively involved in forestry practices inging the total to 180 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion and later analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics like regression model. Results revealed that majority of the women were between 50 – 55 years of age, 63% of them being married and 38% of them has no formal education. About 70% of them has no access to adequate land. Type of forestry practices involved show that 93% were involved in Boundary trees planting, 96% Agro forestry, 66% Home gardening, 48% were involved in Wood lot management and 40% in Nursery development. Forestry practices has empowered them through sales of forest products increase and improve household food security and economic stability, arrest the situation of land degradation and deforestation. Factors influencing women involvement in forestry practices indicated that marital status, educational level and household size were positive and significantly related to involvement in forestry practices. Given the significant role in, and contribution of forestry resources to rural women livelihood. The recommends that this forestry practices should be facilitated to encourage women.