Forest resource utilization assessment for economic development of rural community in northern parts of Pakistan

Abstract

A study on the ethnobotanical investigation of some multipurpose fruit plants was conducted in three important sites of District Swat of Pakistan during summer, 2008. The aim of the study was to identify the multipurpose fruit plants growing in the area and to collect information on their uses by the local people. Ethnobotanical information was collected through the show-and-tell/semi-structured method and personal interviews during field trips. The methodology is largely based on the ‘sustainable livelihood framework’, which is based on the premise that livelihood is not about resource productivity, but about people and their lives. A total of 30 fruit tree plants were identified belonging to eleven angiosperm families and has multiple use value in the area. These species were widely used by the indigenous community in traditional system of medicine for the treatment of different human ailments. Similarly, these fruit plants were also used as fuel wood (21 spp.), fodder (16 spp.), agricultural tools making (12 spp.), furniture making (6 spp.), timber (7 spp), thatching (8 spp.), condiments and spices (3 spp.), shade (6 spp.), fencing and poles (7 spp.), tannins and dyes (2 spp.), ornamental purpose (2 spp.) and soil stabilization (8 spp.). These plants are of great importance in supporting people’s healthcare, income and culture. In spite of the scarcity of natural forests in the study area, the local populations continue to depend on indigenous and exotic trees in their surroundings for their survival. There is, therefore, need for cultivation, protection and sustainable management of these valuable resources for rural livelihoods. Key words: Ethno botany, local uses, fruit plants, economic development, livelihood.