The marketing of non-timber forest products in the western ghats region of Attappady, Kerala

Abstract

The marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFP) are the main source of income to earn a livelihood for the indigenous communities residing to the fringe areas of the forest. The study analyzed the significance of different marketing agencies involved in the marketing of NTFP's to the livelihood of the indigenous communities of Attappady. Primary data and secondary data were used for the study. Among the marketed 23 NTFP's, nine products were exclusively marketed through the society and one product exclusively through the private shop, 10 products through society and private shops, one product marketed through the Eco Development Committee (EDC) and private shop and 2 products through all the 3 channels. Even though the procurement price given by the private shops and EDC for commercially important NTFP's were higher than that of the Kurumba society, the indigenous people were more benefited by the marketing through the society. Because the EDC and private shops do not share their profit with the collectors, where as the society gives certain percentage of their profit back to the primary collectors in addition to the procurement price. But the financial constraints during the lean seasons are forcing the indigenous communities to sell their products to the private shops. If the society and EDC can start the value addition units of the NTFP's with the involvement of indigenous communities, it ensures effective utilization of their free time and a better livelihood through enhancement of their income from NTFP's.