Understanding the Commercialization Patterns of Non-timber Forest Products and Their Contribution to the Enhancement of Tribal Livelihoods: An Empirical Study from Paschim Medinipur District, India

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide multiple opportunities for the rural economies and are considered a valuable source of income for tribal livelihoods, especially in India. A large number of rural people in India are dependent on NTFPs for fulfilment of their basic needs. Accordingly, this study assessed the role of various NTFPs, their commercial behaviour and future potential. In particular, this article assesses the contribution of NTFPs to the enhancement of livelihoods of Santal tribes of the Paschim Medinipur district of India and examines the commercialization pattern vis-a-vis highlighting the suitable management strategies. Ethno-botanical data, household survey from the forest dwellers and market survey were the primary data sources, used in this research. The use value of different species was calculated to determine the multipurpose use, as well as the importance of various NTFPs. The method of collection, marketization, and economic value of various NTFPs was determined through participatory appraisal techniques and market survey. The market channel, net return, and price spread modelling were adopted to determine the commercialization patterns of NTFPs. Multiple regression models were run to determine the price and marketization factors of NTFPs. It was observed that tribal dwellers are selling their products to local agents or intermediaries due to a lack of knowledge of value additionality, lack of restoration potentiality and lack of access to market. Consequently the price spread of the NTFPs is higher in metropolitan and global markets than in the local markets Participatory community-based development strategies can be used achieve maximum benefits from NTFPs for local communities.