Profitability Analysis of Non-timber Forest Products Collected from Block A and Golf Course Forests of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study was designed to analyse the profitability of non- timber forest products collected from Block A and Golf course forests of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (I.I.T.A). A total of 105 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using copies of well structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, Gross ratio, Operating ratio, Expense structure ratio, Return per capital invested and Benefit-cost ratio were used to analyse the data. The study showed that all the respondents involved in the collection of NTFPs were female and native of the area with the average age of 51 years. Majority were not educated, were married with 5-7 household size, 11-20 years of experience and are closer to forest by 2-5 km. The study further revealed that eight types of NTFPs which includes firewood, bamboo, palm kernel, water leaf, pseudocolocynth, gum tree, Oil bean seed and drum tree were collected with the total weight of 12,385 kg. Firewood formed the highest quantity of NTFP collected. The collection of NTFPs was profitable with a value of N3, 405.11 per respondent. Thus, it can be concluded that the collection of NTFPs from Block A and Golf course forests of I. I. T. A is a profitable and lucrative business. The study therefore recommends that the quantity, types and frequency of collection of NTFPs from the forests should be moderated to prevent degradation and loss of the forest for future generations. Also, the collectors should be restricted to Golf and Block A forest which serves as buffer zone and not encroaching into west bank forest which is protected.