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SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF KNOWLEDGE OF FOREST PRODUCTS UTILIZATION AMONG RURAL DWELLERS IN DELTA STATE

AUTHORS: 1Bekederemo, Betty Omoariagbon, Akpogheneoyibo-Owigho, Ogheneovo* Onwumere-Idolor Onyinye Stella,  and Okhale, O.E. 

CONFLUENCE JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES VOL. 19 (ISSUE 2), 2025

www.confluencejournal.com.ng ISSN: 1597-5827

1Department of Animal Science, Delta State University of Science & Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
2Department of Agricultural Economics, Delta State University of Science & Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author E-mail: owighoovo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study examined the socioeconomic determinants of knowledge of forest products utilization among rural dwellers in Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 240 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique, using structured questionnaires administered with the assistance of trained field assistants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise socioeconomic characteristics and assess levels of knowledge, while logistic regression was employed to identify the factors influencing knowledge of forest products utilization. Results revealed that 70.42% of respondents had high knowledge of forest products, particularly plant-based species. The logistic regression analysis showed that marital status, household size, level of education, and income significantly influenced the level of knowledge at 5% and 1% significance levels. Specifically, income had a strong positive effect, while education exhibited an inverse relationship with knowledge. The null hypothesis that socioeconomic factors do not significantly influence knowledge level was rejected, confirming that such factors are critical in understanding forest product utilization. The study concluded that tailored interventions addressing these factors could enhance sustainable forest resource management among rural populations.

Keywords: Forest Products Utilization, Socioeconomic Factors, Rural Dwellers, Knowledge Level, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Delta State, Nigeria