EXPLORATORY SURVEY OF TRADITIONAL FOREST INDUSTRIES IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Traditional forest industries, otherwise known as forest-based small-scale industries, were surveyed in some parts of Ogun State to explore their
contribution to the gross domestic product of the nation. This was also to gather information on some major forest resources for these enterprises. The study identified five major small-scale industries, namely, pestle and mortar carving, canoe production, sponge making, spices processing and basket weaving. Basket weaving was common among the Yoruba ethnic group while sponge making was common among the Hausa. The Ibos were mainly involved in canoe carving. The natural forests still constitute dominant sources of
supply for major raw materials of these industries. Some of the plant species used were Milicia excelsa, Afzelia africana, Albizia zygia, Anogeissius leiocarpus and Cordia milleni. Altogether, 35 plant species made up of trees (28 species), shrubs (2 species), climbers (4 species) and herbs (1 species) were used by the respondents. About 26% of the total species are threatened as a result of being multipurpose species. Beyond the conventional manufacturing industries, forest-based small-scale industries could contribute to the gross domestic products of the country if their potentials are properly harnessed. Thus, there is a need to manage the national forests sustainably and encourage the cultivation of the threatened plant species, which are the raw materials of
these industries.