Dependency of Rural Households on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are an important source for livelihoods for a significant portion of rural populations all over the world. The present study explores the dependence of rural households on forests managed under Joint Forest Management (JFM) in the state of West Bengal in India. Using primary data collected from 300 households from 57 Forest Protection Committees (FPCs) in the dryland areas of two districts of West Bengal in India, authors compare households' income levels across regions and investigate disparities between income groups, with particular emphasis on income from NTFPs. The study reveals that households in forest-fringe areas are highly dependent on forests in maintaining their livelihoods. The results show that dependency of household on NTFPs varies across the regions as well as income groups. Authors also find that dependency of households on NTFPs depend significantly on the factors like number of forest goers, possession of assets, level of education, location and occupational diversification of the households.