Abstract

The study examined the collection of gum arabic as non-wood forest products for enhancing rural livelihood in Adamawa State through a questionnaire survey administered on a sample of 100 gum arabic collectors obtained through a multi stage sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (general entropy class of measures). Results of the analysis revealed that gum collectors were educated and had one form of formal education or the other. Minimum and maximum quantities of gum collection were 182.56 kg and 748.68 kg with corresponding income of N10,223.36 and N41,906.48.Findings also indicated total income and expenditure among collectors were N2, 137,139.20 and N 977,141.76. Empirical results of the analysis of the general entropy class of measures result showed significance in income inequality and expenditure among respondents as computed general entropy (GE) values for income (1850.60) and expenditure (2092.96) were significantly greater than zero. The study recommends that government and non governmental agencies support farmers in the cultivation of gum arabic in organized plantations by providing them with improved seedlings and other production inputs.

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