The Visibility of the Invisible: Potentials of Wrapping Leaves in the Livelihood of Rural Women of Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study identified plant species whose leaves are used for wrapping food and agricultural products in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and determined their economic potentials to rural women. Semi-structured questionnaire matrix was used to interview randomly selected women. The interviews were focused, conversational and two-way in communication. Nineteen indigenous food and nine agricultural products were enfolded in the study area. Wrapping leaves were obtained from seven plant species. Leaves harvestings were predatory and annihilative in two of these species-Megaphrymium macrostachyum and Thaumatococcus daniellii- that were not cultivated in the study area. Leaves from T. daniellii were the preferred for wrapping and has a market value. Women dominated the harvesting, products utilization, haulage and marketing of the leaves of this species. In addition, women were familiar with the habitat and ecology of the species. Thus, it offers an opportunity to rural women in order to improve their economic status.