Authors : O.Y. Ogunsanwo , A.A. Aiyeloja and T.O. Akerele
Abstract: Four selected wood species; Mansonia altissima (Mansonia), Nauclea diderichii (Opepe), Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche) and Khaya sp. (Mahogany) were used for the production of five wooden turned souvenir products viz; bowl covers, tea cups and saucers, flower vases, snack bowls and trays. Each souvenir product type was produced at two laminate dimension levels and four species combination levels. The compatibility tests i.e., moisture content ranges between 7.55 and 24.68%, shrinkage ability between 2.16 and 6.83% and specific gravity between 0.41 and 0.73%. Profitability analysis i.e., rate of returns on investment ranges between 66.7 and 150% and the benefit-cost ratio 1.87:1. Mansonia altissima has the least moisture content which had an effect on the spreading and absorptive ability of glue on the wood surface; it was therefore placed at the edges, while Nauclea diderichii which has the highest shrinkage level which may lead to its splitting apart as time goes on was placed in between the other laminates. The specific gravity of the four species is close which makes them physically compatible as laminate members. The profitability analysis and the benefit-cost ratio showed that wooden souvenir production is both profitable and viable as a small scale enterprise.
O.Y. Ogunsanwo , A.A. Aiyeloja and T.O. Akerele , 2007. Techno-Economic Analysis of Wood Waste Utilization in the Manufacture of Wooden Souvenirs. Agricultural Journal, 2: 127-130.