Gender Specific Factors Associated With Forest Products’ Utilization Among Rural Dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the gender specific factors associated with forest products’ utilization among rural dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of male and female rural dwellers and isolated factors associated with forest products’ utilization. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a total of 240 respondents. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results show that the mean ages of male and female respondents were 50.28±11.65 and 43.88±10.82 respectively, while the mean total annual income for male and female respondents in the study were respectively ₦374925.58±₦40000.13 and ₦345100.01±₦20000.96. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.659 for male and (KMO) value of 0.633 for female respondents showed that the patterns of the correlation were relatively compact and the analysis yielded distinct and reliable factors. Varimax factor rotation pattern was used to isolate crucial factors associated with forest products’ utilization on gender basis. It was concluded that the greatest factor influencing males on their utilization of forest products was ‘experience-knowledge’ factor contributing 25.84 percent of variance, while that mostly influencing female respondents was ‘experience’ factor contributing 20.35 percent of variance. It was therefore, recommended that gender inclusion in forestry programmes and policies are essential for sustainable rural livelihood development. This is to ensure that males and females are given liberty by eliminating social and cultural barriers acting as impediments to gender utilization of forest products