Market Survey of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Sunyani Municipality

Abstract

This study sought to: (1) identify the types and sources of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) traded; (2) find the frequency of the NTFPs trade and (3) identify the challenges in NTFPs trading in the Sunyani Municipality. The survey was carried out from February, 2014 to April, 2014 mainly at the Sunyani Central and Nana Bosoma Markets in the Sunyani Municipality. The target population comprised NTFPs collectors (gatherers), sellers and consumers. Respondents were purposively sampled. A total of 100 respondents were engaged in this study. The NTFPs were grouped into six categories namely; food, medicine, building materials, packaging materials, artefacts and domestic utensils. Key informants’ interviews were also conducted at the Sunyani Forest Services Division to triangulate the data already gathered. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze the data obtained. The study demonstrated that domestic utensils (37%), food (33%), medicinal products (12%), packaging materials (9%), artefacts (6%) and building materials (3%) were the types of NTFPs traded in the two market centers. The results also showed that majority of the respondents (77%) harvest their NTFPs from forest lands as against 23% who harvest from communal lands. A significant proportion of the respondents (52%) traded in above 40 kg of NTFPs and only 4% were seen trading in 10 kg of NTFPs. The study further highlighted that food (28%) and domestic utensils (26%) were regularly brought to the market centers on weekly basis whilst significant proportions of medicinal products (9%), building materials (3%) and artefacts (4%) were brought to the market venues on monthly basis. Cumbersome permit procedure (40%), increased market demand (15%) and financial constraints (20%) were identified as some of the challenges encountered in NTFPs trading in the Sunyani Municipality. To ensure strict monitoring and sustainability of the resource, there is the need for sensitization programme on the importance of NTFPs in rural livelihood and why their conservation is vital in meeting the needs of the present generation whilst not undermining their potential in supplying the needs of future generations.