EVALUATION OF THE BARRIERS TO THE TRADING OF WOOD PLANKS IN AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Akinola Oluwatobiloba Emmanuel
Akinola Oluwatobiloba Emmanuel: Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the barriers to wood plank trading in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, using data collected via semi-structured questionnaires from ten sawmills and eighty wood plank sellers across selected markets in the region. The results identify key challenges such as unfavorable government policies, unreliable power supply, high labour and equipment costs, and limited wood availability, all of which adversely affect profitability, sales volume, and business success. The study employs a Chi-square test to examine associations between education level, years of experience, and the identified barriers. The findings indicate no significant link between educational level and barriers for both saw millers and plank sellers. However, while there is no significant association between years of experience and barriers for saw millers, a significant association exists for plank sellers. This highlights the varying impact of experience on overcoming trade barriers in the wood industry.
Keywords: Wood plank trading, Sawmill industry, Trade barriers, Forestry management, Government policies, Sustainable development, Deforestation impact and Wood supply chain