Socio-Economic Contributions and Marketing of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) in Ijebuode, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study examined the socio-economic contribution and marketing of Garcinia kola to human livelihoods in Ijebu-ode Ogun State. Simple random sampling was used to select 100 respondents from the study area and questionnaires were distributed to the selected respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents while Gini coefficient and cost and return analysis were used to analyze the market structure and profitability. The result showed that 95% of the respondents were females, 35-45 age category have the highest percentage (48%). The finding revealed that the Islamic religion pre-dominate the study area. Acquisition of occupational  skill by majority (64%) was through apprenticeship i.e. learning. Price fluctuation was the major challenge (78%) faced by the respondents. The valuation and utilization of the bark of Garcinia kola for treatment of malaria has highest (84%)  percentage while the seed was used by majority (60%) to cure cough. The study showed the average profitability of all the markets, New market has the highest gross profit (N8,500) while Oke-aje market has the lowest gross profit (N3,293.75).  Computation of Gini-coefficient (G) helped to reveal the structure of the market. The result, G= 0.4708 indicates the oligopolistic nature of the market, which means the study areas were characterized by few sellers. Majority (90%) of the  respondents revealed that trading in bitter kola is profitable than trading in other non-timber forest products. Based on this findings, it was recommended that bitter kola marketers in the study areas should endeavor to form a co-operative and also, banking industry in Ogun State Nigeria should be made to consider in giving out loans to the bitter kola traders to enable them to go on mass trading of the products since price fluctuation was the most severe constraint to bitter kola marketing in the study area

Economic Contribution of Wildlife to Bushmeat Market in Ikire, Osun State, Nigeria

This paper assessed the economic contribution of wildlife to bushmeat market in Ikire, Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview of targeted respondents. Bush meat sellers in Irewole local government area, Ikire were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and likert scale analysis. The result showed that majority of the bushmeat sellers were females (55.9%) with a mean age of 41 years. Most of the bushmeat sellers strongly agreed (4.91±0.09) that they generate more income from bushmeat trade, 4.71±0.17 equally noted that customers prefer to purchase bushmeat than convectional meat type while 1.56±0.19 disagreed that seasonal change affects customer’s preferences for bushmeat in the markets. Also, 5.00±0.0, 4.82±0.13, 4.74±0.17 respectively believes that bushmeat are more delicious, better source of protein, more of medicinal value when compared with conventional meat type. Furthermore, an average of 3.70±0.2 had cultural sentiments for the consumption of bush meat. An average net profit per respondent yielded ₦3,565.53, while BCR and profitability index are 1.95 and 0.95 respectively. Conclusively, bushmeat trading is a profitable and very lucrative enterprise.   &nbsp

Economic analysis of major wood species sold in plank markets in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined the economics analysis of the major wood species sold in plank markets in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents and it involves the selection of Alimosho Local Government Area, Random selection of twelve (12) plank markets and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents in the plank markets. Data were analyzed using descriptive and budgetary analytical tools. The results showed that majority of the respondents were males (90%) and between the age of 35 to 44 (39.2%). Majority were married (90%) and mostly Yoruba (95%). Large percentage (71.7%) had secondary education and were Muslims (60.8%). Majority (98.3%) were fulltime plank marketers and 98.3% secured their business through apprenticeship while capital was mostly by means of personal savings. Most of the plank markets were over 30 years and they were all privately owned. Wood species in the study area includes mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), iroko (Milicia excelsa) Gmelina (Gmelina aborea), Teak (Tectona grandis), Araba (Ceiba pentandra), Ayunre (Albizia zygia), Obi (Cola spp) among other Rate of Return on Investment (RORI) recorded for plank size 2x6 inches for all wood species was more than other plank sizes. TheBenefit Cost Ratio (BCR) greater than 1 (BCR>1), indicating that the enterprisewas profitable. It is recommended that only trees that have attained merchantable height and girth should be felled for conversion