ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in Akure metropolis to evaluate the consumption characteristics of mushrooms and snails among urban households. A stratified random sampling technique was used to administer two hundred questionnaires among urban household heads in the study area. The results of the study showed that urban households consume mushrooms and snails in the study area. Chi-square test (0.05) shows that respondents' educational qualification, income level, and household size all have a significant influence on the consumption of mushrooms and snails in the study area. Some respondents however did not consume mushrooms in the study area because of the fear of the existence of some poisonous mushrooms. The forestry department can help to improve the consumption of mushrooms by raising the awareness of urban households about mushroom consumption so as to remove the fear of the people over mushroom consumption
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES
Abstract Ii
Certification Iii
Dedication Iv
Acknowledgment V
Table of contents Vi
List of tables vii
List of figures viii
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 State of the problem 2
1.3 Objectives of study 2
1.4 Justification 3
2.0 Literature 4
2.1 Non-timber forest product 4
2.1.1Classification of forest product and various forms of non-timber forest product 4
2.2 Benefits of NTFPs utilization 9
2.2.1Non-timber forest products used as food 10
2.3 Forest produce and household food security 12
2.4 Problems of NTFPs utilization 12
2.4.1Possible solution to the problems of NTFPs utilization 13
3.0 Methodology 15
3.1 The study area 15
3.2 Method of data collection 15
3.3 Method of data analysis 15
4.0 Results 17
4.1 Socio-economic characteristics of respondents 17
4.2 Problems of mushroom and snail consumption 18
4.3 Socio-economic factors influencing mushroom and consumption 21
4.2 Discussion 24
4.2.1Socio-economic factors influencing mushroom and snail consumption 24
4.2.2 Problems of mushroom and snail consumption in the study area 24
5.0 Conclusion 26
References 27
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Foods from the forest and other forest systems in Africa constitute an important component of household food security in Africa (Sene, 2000). These forest foods include a wide variety of plant and animal products found in the forests, fallow lands, and farmlands. Some of these forest foods include forest fruits (like Chrysophyllum, albidum, Bliglia sapida, Garcinia cola, etc), snails, mushrooms, and some insects like cricket, locust, and grasshopper. They make an important contribution to the supply of food and nutrition in many villages and urban centers Of particular importance among the forest, foods are mushrooms and snails. Mushrooms and snails are essential to the supply of food and towards meeting the dietary needs of rural dwellers as well as urban inhabitants in Africa. In many parts of Africa, they help to supplement and complement food supply as well as help to reduce dietary deficiencies and the monotony of the usual diet. Reports all over the country show that mushrooms and snails serve as meat substitutes in many rural households and some urban households. As such, they both help to contribute to the well-being of the people in Africa, especially the rural dwellers. Adedayo (2003) reported that rural households earn income from the sales of mushrooms and snails in the country. The warm and moist climate experienced in the country especially helps in the production of mushrooms and snails. As noted by Sene (2000) the combination of warm weather and air moisture over a long period provides excellent conditions for the production of mushrooms. He stated further that several varieties of mushrooms grow on decaying roots, deadwood, and termite mounds or directly on cultivated land. In the same vein, snails are found in the forest farmlands and abandon
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Mushrooms and snails have great potential in meeting the food and nutrition needs of the people. It is, however, unfortunate that this great potential has not been fully realized among urban dwellers. The reason for this might not be unconnected with the lack of adequate supply of mushrooms and snails to urban centers as well as lack of adequate awareness and information about them to urban dwellers. This is especially so for mushrooms because there is no enough information to urban dwellers about the various varieties of mushrooms especially those that are regarded as poisonous. Sene (2000) noted that it is still much to do in raising awareness and providing information as well as in research to increase the knowledge and use of African mushrooms for food. In the same vein many urban dwellers are not aware of the nutritive value of snails. Many of them are therefore not involved in the consumption of mushrooms and snails.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of the study is to examine the general consumption pattern of mushrooms and snails among urban households within Akure metropolis.
The specific objectives of the study are:
i) To examine what influences the consumption of mushrooms and snails among urban households in the study area.
ii) To identify problems faced by urban households in the consumption of mushrooms and snails in the study area
iii) To examine the impact of socio-economic indices on the consumption of mushrooms and snails among urban households in the study
1.4 JUSTIFICATION
The problem of lack of awareness by urban households on the nature and characteristics of mushrooms and snails have reduced their consumption of these forest foods. This has not really helped those that are engaged in the trading of mushrooms and snails in the country.
It has really reduced the income they earn from the sale of mushrooms and snails.
This study will therefore help to provide information to policymakers and development planners on how to encourage the consumption of mushrooms and snails among urban households so as to improve the income earnings of those involved in the sale of mushrooms and snails. This will not only help to boost the marketing of mushrooms and snails it will help to boost marketing of other NTFPs.
