Economic Contribution of Forest Leafy Vegetables Marketing in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Forest leafy vegetable (FLV) are edible part of indigenous plant which are harvested from within and on the fringes of natural, manipulated or disturbed forest. But little is known and documented about their commercial performance and developmental linkages. This study therefore examines the economic contribution of forest leafy vegetables to the livelihood of dwellers in Uyo LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Structure questionnaire was used to elicit information from 105 purposefully selected marketers from six (6) markets namely Akpan andeme, Ikot oku, Itam, Ikpa junction, Nung udoe and Itak uyo. Information gathered was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis of simple proportions and percentages, while simple cost analysis of profit and rate of return on investment was also carried out for economic evaluation.Result showed that startup capital rang between N1, 000- N10, 000. Among the nine (9) FLV marketed Gnetum africana has the highest profit per kg (N191.50) and Vernonia amygdalina has the lowest profit margin per kg (N79.19). The most traded FLV are Gnetum africana (Afang) and Lasianthera africana (Editan). The highest rate of return on investment was found at Itam market with a rate of 51.52% while Akpan andeme has (47.76%), Ikot oku (50.73), Ikpa junction (49.55%), Itak uyo (49.81%), and Nung udoe (45.99%).The threats to the marketing of FLVs are seasonality and perishability of products as well as sustainability of production because most FLV are collected from the wild and not planted. In other to sustain this livelihood activity, it is recommended that domestication of FLVs be encourage among farmers and home gardens in the community.

Keywords: Forest Leafy Vegetables (FLVs), Marketing, Profitability and livelihood.