ABSTRACT:

This study assessed the rate of wood selection and utilization efficiency by small scale furniture industries in Benin City with the view of identifying common tree species used in furniture making, the various lumber dimensions used in furniture making, the actual volume of wood used in furniture making and the waste management practice by small scale furniture industries. Thirty percent (30%) sampling intensity was applied to the thirty-two (32) wards in the Local Government Area and six (6) wards were selected. One hundred and eighteen (118) respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview of the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and inferential statistics to test the variables which were summarized into tables and charts. The results indicated that 99% of the respondents were male, while 1% were female, it shows that Mansonia altissima and Gmelina arborea accounted for (100%) as the most commonly used woody species. The most commonly used dimension was the 1ʹʹ × 12ʹʹ × 18ʹʹ (100%), with wood shavings accounting for (48%), off cuts (33%), sawdust (19%), respectively which were the most common wood wastes generated by the furniture makers in Benin City. Forestry extension services should intensify efforts to promote and commercialize underutilized local timber species through awareness campaigns and demonstration projects, thereby reducing pressure on overexploited species.