Potential profitability of Non-Timber Forest Products as a Livelihood Option: Evidence for Shea Butter Processing in Niger State of Nigeria | ||
| Journal of Environmental Studies | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 November 2025 | ||
| Document Type: High quality original papers | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jesj.2025.434732.1155 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Samuel Olusola Oyewole* 1; Adekemi Lizzie Oyewole2; Ibidunni Temitope Adeniji3; Olusegun Olusola Obadimu4 | ||
| 1Jericho Hill | ||
| 2Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Oyo State | ||
| 3Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State | ||
| 4Forest Economics and Extension Department, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan Nigeria | ||
| Abstract | ||
| One potential economic option for wealth creation is the agriculture and forestry sectors. These sectors are capable of addressing economic hardship and generating employment for the teeming youths. This study, therefore, considered the participation of rural households in shea butter processing, which is contributing immensely to rural development and livelihood strategies. The study was conducted in Niger State, Nigeria, where shea nut trees are abundantly found. Participants were sampled using the snowballing approach. Primary data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire with an interview schedule with 50 respondents who are involved in shea butter processing. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and marketing margin estimation. The study revealed that the shea butter business is dominated by women (96%) who are married (88%) and in their active ages, with an average of 42 years, with a standard deviation of 9.47. The majority (90%) have been in the business for more than 10 years, with a standard deviation of 6.79. The respondents had access to credit through cooperative participation (54%). The result of cost and returns indicates that shea butter processing is a profitable business with returns of ₦3,893.78/100kg per respondent. This implies that it is an option for wealth creation and business strategy development. The study therefore recommends a plantation establishment of Shea trees to ensure a continuous supply of shea nuts for processing. There is a need to intensify efforts on improved technologies in modern processing techniques | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Shea butter; Economic option; Wealth Creation; Development; Forest product | ||
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