Effect of Commercial Harvesting of Seeds of Parkia biglobosa on the Resource Sustainability and Livelihood in Dawakin Tofa Local

Parkia biglobosa (seeds) is one amongst other nonwood forest products. Parkia biglobosa (seeds) are of commercial values that make a significant contribution to the socio-economic well being of rural people. However, continuous commercial harvesting of this resource in an unsustainable manner and absence of regeneration strategies for the resource can lead to being threatened or extricated. This study, therefore, focused on the effect of the commercial harvesting of seeds of Parkia biglobosa on resource sustainability and livelihood in Dawakin Tofa local government area of Kano State. Primary data were collected from wards in the local government. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that 90.90% of the Parkia biglobosa harvesters were men, 49.18% fall within the age range of 31-50 years, 50.82% were married, 70.49% have no formal education, while 80.32% have farming as their primary occupation. Most of the harvesters (87.70%) obtained the seeds from their farmland, 66.39% are harvested for sale, 18.88% are sold and consumed, 14.75% consume only. Also, 97.54% observed that resource is decreasing. Avoidance of cutting down of trees and increasing planting of the trees was suggested by 77.87%. The study has revealed that harvesting of Parkia biglobosa contributes to livelihood through the provision of income and employment in the area. To ensure the sustainability of this contribution, the harvesters of this resource should be encouraged to be more involved in tree planting especially the Parkia biglobosa.