NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

Despite the prevalence and increasing activities of Chainsaw milling (CSM), its unapproachable nature tends to limit study on its economic and livelihood implications, which could serve as a basis for policy review on the enterprise. This study reports the contributions of CSM to socio-economic development in the cities of Ago-iwoye and Isara Remo, OgunState, Nigeria. Data were obtained from community residents based on proportionate to sample of study sites using Slovin's formula and simple random sampling procedure for questionnaire administration. Results were subjected to descriptive and Chi-square test statistics at α0.05. The study was based on responses from 61.5% male respondents with age distribution cutting across those less than 20 years to those above 50 years. Chain saw milling enterprise was positively associated with employment (81.7%), women participation (76.7%), coordinated activities (74.2%) and poverty reduction (85.8%) in the study area. Also, cohesion between associations, designation of key responsibilities to women and revenue generation for the community are identified opportunities that will significantly complement the socio economic contributions of the enterprise to the study area. However, age and occupation of practitioners have the most significant effects on the enterprise while CSM operations were confirmed as negatively impacting the studied environment. Meanwhile, the negative impacts on agricultural production could be abated by ensuring that farmers get their due compensation to crop damage. The study also explicates the prospects of CSM enterprise in the study area provided learning the art of chainsaw machine handling is enforced before issuance of permit for CSM operation.