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The study investigates the constraints to use modern animal processing technologies in the study area. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to collect 112 respondents through a well-structured questionnaire in the study area. The objectives were addressed using descriptive statistics while inferential statistics such as Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) were used to test hypothesis. The results show that majority (100%) of respondents were male who engaged in animal slaughtering in the abattoir, 90.1% were married with 32,43% of age range 30-39 years and 45% had their primary school leaving certificate ass their level of education background in the study area. Result also revealed that availability of modern animal processing technologies were 100% ranging from Stunning machine, Bleeding machine, Effluent management, Skinning machine, Evisceration and viscera inspection, Splitting machine, Solid waste, Transportation, Security, Lairage, Cold room and Washing equipment in the study area. Result further revealed that 71.2% of the respondents had illiteracy as severe constraint while 88.3% of respondents had Culture barrier, 77.5% had inadequate transportation from the abattoir site to market in the city, 68,5% had Religious barrier and 62.2% had fluctuation of electricity as mild constraints in the study area. The result of analysis revealed that there is a negatively inverse significant relationship between constraints and utilization of modern animal processing technologies among butchers in the study area. It is therefore, recommended that Government should enact laws and regulations that will make non-compliance with utilization of modern animal processing technologies a punishable offence in the study area.

This study investigated the socio-economics, parts most commonly used and the cost and returns of investment on Bridelia micrantha. Data were collected through structured questionnaire. One hundred (100) copies of questionnaire was administered to Bridelia micrantha traders in 2 selected markets in Lagos. The markets were Ikotun and Ojuwouye markets at Alimosho and Mushin Local Government Areas (LGAs) respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools and budgetary analysis. Results revealed that marketing of Bridelia micrantha was female dominated and involved people in their active age period of 45 years and above. Majority (84.0%) of the respondents were married, source their funds from personal savings (66.0%) with formal education (45.0%) up to at least primary level. Most of them purchase their products through both wholesales and retails. It was also revealed that the part that is commonly used and requested for at the study areas was the bark. The result of the monthly profitability in the two areas showed that it was a bit profitable at Ojuwoye market which was 0.93% than Ikotun market which was 0.92%. Following the result of this study, it can be concluded that the respondents had little knowledge of Bridelia micrantha products in traditional health care and nutrition. Adequate extension services should be provided on the importance and uses of Bridelia micrantha for treatment of human illness.

This study examined the economics analysis of the major wood species sold in plank markets in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents and it involves the selection of Alimosho Local Government Area, Random selection of twelve (12) plank markets and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents in the plank markets. Data were analyzed using descriptive and budgetary analytical tools. The results showed that majority of the respondents were males (90%) and between the age of 35 to 44 (39.2%). Majority were married (90%) and mostly Yoruba (95%). Large percentage (71.7%) had secondary education and were Muslims (60.8%). Majority (98.3%) were fulltime plank marketers and 98.3% secured their business through apprenticeship while capital was mostly by means of personal savings. Most of the plank markets were over 30 years and they were all privately owned. Wood species in the study area includes mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), iroko (Milicia excelsa) Gmelina (Gmelina aborea), Teak (Tectona grandis), Araba (Ceiba pentandra), Ayunre (Albizia zygia), Obi (Cola spp) among other Rate of Return on Investment (RORI) recorded for plank size 2x6 inches for all wood species was more than other plank sizes. TheBenefit Cost Ratio (BCR) greater than 1 (BCR>1), indicating that the enterprisewas profitable. It is recommended that only trees that have attained merchantable height and girth should be felled for conversion.

There had been massive conversion of Forest Reserves into agricultural land without any meaningful effort by the authorities to halt the trend. The study evaluated the safety net roles of forests in relation to forest management and conservation in Oyo State Nigeria. The study was specifically conducted at Gambari Forest Reserve area of Oyo State. Purposive sampling method was employed in choosing the study area due to the high forest regeneration potential in Oyo state. Two hundred copies of a structured questionnaire were administered and retrieved. Both qualitative and quantitative (statistics) methods (such as Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT), Gross Margin and Somer’s D models) were used for the analysis. The results showed that forests had the capacity of improving the livelihood of the poor particularly those that ventured into forest income-generating activities. For instance, the poverty gap indices were conventionally measured to be 73% but reduced to about 66% with a drop of about 7% when forest income was included in the econometric analysis. Similarly, the inclusion of forest income reduced poverty severity measure from 69% (without forest resources income) to about 51%, a drop of 18%. Also, the study revealed that forest protection rate (49.4% timber, 21.3% non-timber) was appreciable among other factors while clearing of environment improved the management of non-timber (48%) than timber (24.5). Further, management of NTFPs had the capacity of improving peoples' welfare unlike timber forest products Forest management mechanisms related to timber products favoured forest conservation at the expense of surrounding communities’ welfare (poverty and income). Therefore, given the high dependence level of rural communities on forests and its attendant effects on the resources, balancing forest preservation and management mechanisms were recommended for creating a sustainable forest conservation model for rural communities.Keywords: Safety net; poverty; rural household, forest management; conservation strategies; forest related enterprise