Challenges of Plantation Forestry to Local Tree-Crop Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated challenges faced by members of co-operative societies in their efforts to establish forest plantations. A total of 480 respondents drawn from 1,240 members of six co-operative societies were randomly selected and interviewed using questionnaire. In addition, an in-depth interview with key informants (IDI) and a focus group discussion (FGD) were held to provide information on area not covered in the questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using both non inferential and inferential statistics. Results showed that member very low participation (22%) in forest plantation establishment of various tree species. Challenges of member of tree Crop Association to effectively involve in forest plantation forestry were found to include lack of credit (82%), lack of extension education activities (68%) lack of government support (66%), while lack of control over planting operations by members (6%) was found to pose the least challenge. Multiple Regression Analysis showed significant difference (p