JOURNAL OF CURRENT DISCOURSE AND RESEARCH (JCDR)

ASSESSMENT OF WOOD SPECIES USED FOR FURNITURE PRODUCTION IN ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE AND THEIR SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study assessed the wood species commonly used for furniture production in Ado Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti State, focusing on usage patterns, sourcing, selection criteria, and sustainability concerns. A multistage purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-five furniture workshops across five major routes in Ado-Ekiti metropolis. Data were collected with structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the sector is dominated by experienced male (92%) artisans, with the majority (56.8%) sourcing their wood from sawmills to produce a wide range of products, including chairs, tables, and beds. The species widely utilized are Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Milicia excelsa, and Mansonia altissima. Availability, durability, appearance, and cost were the primary selection criteria, while customer preference also played a significant role. Most respondents (84%) acknowledged the environmental impacts of excessive logging. Several challenges faced by furniture makers include high costs (27.3%) and scarcity of preferred species (19.5%). The major types of waste generated during production include wood shavings (34.7%), sawdust (33.3%), and offcuts (32%). The study recommends aggressive plantation establishment with fast-growing species such as Gmelina and Teak, coupled with the use of lesser-known species to reduce pressure on overexploited hardwoods.