Earticle

초록

영어

Gnetum africanum (Welw.) is a vital non-timber forest product that contributes to food security, income generation, and rural lives in Nigeria. Despite its importance, little empirical evidence exists on its processing and trade patterns. This study assessed processing practices, profitability, sustainability strategies, and the value chain of G. africanum among 120 processors and traders in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and field observations, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and rate of return on investment (RORI), and Chi-square tests with Cramér V. Results showed women dominated processing (88%) and retailing, with middle-aged respondents most active. Processing was largely manual and labor-intensive, while traders benefited from bulk aggregation. Profitability analysis confirmed viability, with RORI of 65% for processors and 78% for traders. However, sustainability practices were weak, as 72% relied solely on wild harvesting, though awareness of ecological concerns was high. Chi-square tests indicated that gender (χ2=14.27, p＜0.01), education (χ2=12.33, p＜0.01), and experience (χ2=15.62, p＜0.01) significantly influenced enterprise outcomes. Constraints included poor preservation technologies, tenure insecurity, and weak cooperative structures. The study underscores G. africanum’s dual role as a livelihood resource and conservation concern, calling for policies to strengthen domestication, improve processing technologies, and empower women in collective marketing and governance.

목차

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Study area
Data collection
Data analysis
Results and Discussion
Socio-economic characteristics of processors and traders
Processing and marketing practices of Gnetum africanum
Profitability and economic returns of Gnetum africanum
Determinants of participation in processing and trade
Sustainability and conservation practices of Gnetum africanum
Conclusion
References

키워드

저자

• Obianife Henrrieta Opute [ Forest Economics and Extension Services Department, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan 200272, Nigeria ]
• Oghenekevwe Joy Arabomen [ Forest Economics and Extension Services Department, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan 200272, Nigeria ] Corresponding Author
• Saka O. Jimoh [ Social and Environmental Forestry Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria ]

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  Journal of Forest and Environmental Science [산림과학연구]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  2288-9744

• eISSN

  2288-9752

• 수록기간

  1981~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재

• 십진분류

  KDC 526 DDC 634