MARKETING OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT AS AN INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITY AMONG SELECTED COMMUNITES IN JOS METROPOLIS PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA

This study examine the marketing of non-timber forest product as an income generating activity among selected communities surrounding Shere Hills in Jos Metropolis in Plateau State Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting all the front line non timber forest product marketers in the study area. Structure questionnaire was used for data collection data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression model, farm budgeting model, marketing margin and marketing efficiency. The result showed that multiple regression model had R-Square value of 58.5%, mean age of the marketers was 23 years, majority (41.4%) were married, 47.5% had secondary education in terms of experience, 55.6% of the marketers had average mean of 8 years of experience in non-timber forest product marketing the regression result review cost of transportation and educational level were significant at 5% each, age, quality of non-timber forest product sold and cost of non-timber forest product sold were significant at 10% each, as they affect non timber forest product marketers in the study area. the average total cost of marketing per litre (Honey), 1.5kg (locus beans), and 10kg (fuel wood/charcoal) was N280, N060 and N2077.15 respectively, average variable cost counted for 100% with average net income of N720, N440 and N422.85 per liter, 1.5kg and 10kg respectively, marketing margin was 12.5%, 20% and 12.0% marketing efficiency was 127%, 142% and 120% with rate of return on investment N0.27, N0,42 and 0,20 respectively for every N1 invested on non-timber forest product marketing. Poor market outlet constituted the major constraint of non-timber forest product marketing with 80.9%. The conclusion was that non timber forest product marketing is a lucrative and profitable business and higher profit will be obtained if proper marketing system is in place and the constraints associated with non-timber forest product in Jos metropolises of Plateau State are removed.