The Bioeconomic Profitability of Non-timber Forest Products in the National Building: A Review  

We are happy to present this compelling new publication, “The Bioeconomic Profitability of Non-timber Forest Products in the National Building: A Review,” co-authored by our esteemed contributor, Dr. I.K. Agbugba, and his distinguished colleagues. For centuries, forests have been recognized primarily for their timber and, more recently, for their essential ecological functions.  

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However, an often-underestimated resource is the rich diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) with a broad array of natural goods, including fruits, nuts, medicinal herbs, resins, fibers, and more, that can be harvested sustainably.  

This paper highlights that the contribution of NTFPs to national development is invaluable, playing a crucial, yet frequently overlooked, role in driving economic growth and sustainability, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria.  

Despite this profound potential, a significant challenge remains of awareness and knowledge regarding the true economic value and commercial prospects of NTFPs are often limited among households, rural communities, and even within key government sectors.  

The unchecked depletion of these resources due to deforestation and unsustainable harvesting further threatens the livelihoods of millions dependent on them.  

This review, therefore, synthesizes existing literature to underscore the bioeconomic profitability of NTFPs, advocating for their sustainable utilization as a viable strategy to strengthen economic empowerment in rural areas, boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and ultimately contribute significantly to holistic nation-building. 

The Paper Start Here 

K. K. Aleru, I.K. Agbugb, N. K. Taremwa  

Abstract 

This paper reviews the bioeconomic profitability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to highlight the importance, prospects, and economic profitability of these resources for nation-building. The contribution of NTFPs to national development is invaluable and plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and sustainability.  

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However, awareness and knowledge about the economic value of NTFPs for both subsistence and commercial purposes remain limited, especially among households and within government sectors.  

The sustainable utilization of NTFPs for commercial purposes is a viable strategy to strengthen people’s ability to overcome poverty while also contributing to the growth of a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  

The depletion of NTFP resources due to unchecked harvesting, deforestation, and environmental degradation is also a significant challenge that can impact livelihoods dependent on NTFPs as well as the economies of every nation.  

As such, raising the awareness of the importance of NTFPs, the economic empowerment of rural dwellers through small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), encouragement of improved product handling, and with the vast land in Nigeria, a tap into this all-important sector can bring about a boost to the economy; and reduce other social vices in the society.   

Keywords: Bioeconomy, Profitability, Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Economic Nigeria   

• Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt City, Nigeria.  

• Business Management Programme, York St John University, London Campus, E14 2BA, United Kingdom  

• Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Economics, College of Agricultural, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda.