Harvesting and economic potential of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill. In Edo State, Nigeria

Introduction Non-timber forest products such as bush mango ( Irvingia gabonensis ) are critical to rural economies in West Africa, yet their harvesting remains poorly understood in terms of economic returns and sustainability. Methods This study assessed the harvesting and economic potential of I. gabonensis in Edo State, Nigeria, using a purposive survey of 79 harvesters. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, complemented with thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results The results showed that harvesting is predominantly male-driven (68%), with a mean respondent age of 41 years, an average household size of 6, and a mean harvesting experience of 11 years. The activity was seasonal, occurring mainly from June to September, with an average weekly harvest volume of 124 kg per household. Regression analysis indicated that household size (β = 0.28, p < 0.05), years of experience (β = 0.32, p < 0.01), and access to productive trees (β = 0.41, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of profitability (R² = 0.47). Profitability analysis indicated that on average, each household earned a gross margin of 1 ₦103,800 (USD 71.5) per season, corresponding to a rate of return on investment of 91%. Constraints included limited access to trees (63%), declining yields (56%), and overdependence on wild stocks (72%). Discussion These findings highlight that sustainable harvesting and domestication of I. gabonensis can serve as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), enhancing ecosystem services and promoting climate-resilient livelihoods in forest-dependent communities. The study concludes that I. gabonensis harvesting is economically viable but ecologically vulnerable, and that it requires domestication, sustainable practices, and improved access rights to secure its future contribution to rural incomes.