Abstract

This study was conducted in Ado LGA, Benue state, Nigeria. Various forest resources in Ado were identified along with their contributions to rural livelihood and poverty alleviation. Data collected include economic activities from forest products, income, forest products utilization at household level. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results were presented using frequencies, percentages, pie and bar charts, and tables. From the results, 78% of the respondents were married, while 14% were single. The result also showed the educational level of the respondents as secondary education constituting the majority (53%). The occupational status was also captured with (22%) of the respondents primarily involved in farming and (49.3%) trading in forest products and agricultural produce. The study also noted the benefits derived from the forests which include timber. Furthermore, the study found that forest resources contribute to household income through trade, household health through local medicine, skin care, pre-natal and post-natal care, domestic energy, and provision of edible products. The study then recommended that Community Forest reserves should be put in place in place while already existing ones should be beefed up and protected. This will help conserve the remaining forest ecosystems and its resources for future generation. The Government and local population should embark on tree planting campaign also. This will reduce the recent pressure on the forest.