IITA Forest Center’s green ventures for sustainable fortunes in non-timber forest products

At the IITA Forest Center, sustainability goes beyond conserving trees to creating opportunities that allow forest communities to thrive. The Forest Center continues to explore innovative, profitable, and environmentally sustainable ventures that transform non-timber forest products into viable livelihoods. These efforts directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Recognizing that poverty often drives deforestation, the Forest Center has taken a proactive approach to provide alternative sources of income that are both environmentally friendly and rewarding for forest-edge communities. One major success story is bee-keeping, an initiative that trains local farmers in hive management, harvesting, and packaging of honey and beeswax, while also supporting pollination and biodiversity.

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