Sustainable management and livelihood contributions of non-timber forest products in Onigambari Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a significant role in sustaining rural livelihoods and supporting forest conservation in tropical regions. This study assessed the utilization patterns, socio-economic contributions, harvesting frequency, and sustainability challenges of NTFPs in Onigambari Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents were purposively selected from communities surrounding the reserve. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field observations, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic approaches. The results revealed that a high proportion of respondents depend on NTFPs for multiple purposes, including fuelwood (80%), fruits (75%), edible plants (68%), and medicinal plants (52%). NTFPs contribute substantially to household livelihoods, with 61% of households involved in collection and 68% deriving income from their use. Women play a dominant role in NTFP marketing (63%), highlighting the gender dimension of forest-based livelihoods. Harvesting frequency varied across product categories, with edible plants and fruits collected more frequently than medicinal plants, indicating differential resource pressure. However, sustainability is threatened by key challenges such as overharvesting (62%), weak policy enforcement (48%), low awareness of sustainable practices (41%), and limited alternative livelihood opportunities (37%). The study concludes that while NTFPs are indispensable for livelihood support and food security, their long-term sustainability depends on effective management strategies, including community participation, policy enforcement, and livelihood diversification. Strengthening these measures is essential for balancing resource use with conservation goals in the study area.