Effects of Forest Resources Utilization on Rural Household Food Security in Ohaukwu Local Government Area Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose. The study analyzed effects of forest resources utilization on rural household food security in Ohaukwu
L.G.A of Ebonyi State Nigeria. Methodology/approach:Ohaukwu L.G.A of Ebonyi State, Nigeria is the study
area. Purposive and random sampling technique was employed to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were
collected from primary source using questionnaire augmented with an interview schedule in 2026 and analysed
using frequency tables, means scores, binary logit regression analysis and factor analysis. Results: The result of
the data analysis shows that the major forest resources utilized in the area were firewood's (x̅= 3.7), timber (x̅=
3.6), among others. Result on rural farmers' participation to forest preservation shows that campaign against bush
burning with a mean of (x̅= 3.8) rate highest. However, Result of the analysis on the major contribution of forest
resources to the rural household food security in the area shows; increase in food consumption (x̅= 3.8), increase
in income through sales of forest resources (x̅= 3.6)etc. The likelihood ratio statistics as indicated by the chi
square statistics in the binary logit regression were highly significant (p<0.01), suggesting that socioeconomic
characteristics of rural households greatly affects utilization of forest resources in the area. Finally, from the study,
it was observed that managerial, natural, technical and individual constraints were the four major constraints faced
by rural household in utilization of forest resources in the study Area. The study recommends the need for the
forest key players to be educated in order to adopt good strategies that will enable them utilize the forest resources,
among others. Originality / scientific novelty: This research is unique in that while previous studies have examined
forest resource utilization, rural livelihoods, or food security separately in different regions of Nigeria, this study
integrates these concepts within a specific geographical and socioeconomic context. Practical value / implications:
The findings of this research will provide actionable evidence for governments, researchers, extension agencies,
NGOs and rural communities on how sustainable forest resource utilization can improve household food security
while conserving forest ecosystems.
Article Details
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