Analysis of prevalence and prioritisation of non-timber forest products used as means of livelihoods in Edo State, Nigeria

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods in Edo State, Nigeria, yet their prioritization and economic value remain underexplored. This study identified key NTFPs and examined how socioeconomic factors influence income among stakeholders, collectors, processors, traders, and consumers. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 501 respondents across the state’s agroecological zones and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Ten NTFPs, notably Irvingia gabonensis and Pentaclethra macrophylla, were found to be the most prioritized due to their culinary, medicinal, and commercial value. Income analysis showed that traders earned 34.2% more than collectors, and processors earned 27.6% more than other groups, largely due to value addition and superior market access. Regression results revealed that age (β = 120, p < 0.05), education (β = 950, p < 0.05), household size (β = – 430, p < 0.05), and market access (β = 2150, p < 0.01) significantly influenced NTFP-related income. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies to support domestication of priority species, develop rural infrastructure to enhance market connectivity, and offer vocational training to improve value addition. Establishing community-based cooperatives and formalizing NTFP trade through inclusive forest governance can enhance sustainable income generation while conserving biodiversity.