Non-timber Forest Products Governance for Improved Rural Livelihood in Nigeria

Despite the significant contributions of NTFPs to the livelihood of the people there is no clear policy directed at its exploitation in the country. It is considered as minor or secondary forest products. In addition the management of many NTFPs has been neglected over the years by foresters and economic planners. Hence NTFPs have not been developed. Its management has been restricted to the local people and urban poor. It is however important that if the contribution of NTFPs to rural livelihood is to be improved, then access to it and its exploitation needs to be properly understood. It is in view of this that this paper takes a look at the theoretical framework concerning Non- timber Forest Products (NTFPs) governance and its role in improving rural livelihood in Nigeria. It shows that NTFP governance has to do with the process of rule and decision making concerning production and marketing of NTFPs. It ensures equity of access and benefits obtainable from the exploitation of NTFPs. In doing this NTFPs governance help to promote sustainable forest management, protect forest resources from destructive use, promote communal peace, improves income earnings of rural dwellers and promotes increased rural well-being with the aim of helping to preserve the forest and by extension help to support rural livelihoods especially primary livelihoods like farming, hunting and fishing