Collection Of Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

Climate and humans interact to shape the fire regime of a chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest in eastern Bhutan

BackgroundChir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forests are distributed in the dry valleys of Bhutan Himalaya. In the past, these forests have been heavily influenced by human activities such as grazing, burning, resin tapping, and collection of non-timber forest products. Bhutan’s Forest Act of 1969, which shifted forest management from local community control to centralized governmental control, greatly restricted these activities. To understand the implications of the Forest Act on the chir pine forests, we used tree-rings and fire scars to reconstruct the fire history of a chir pine forest in eastern Bhutan. This provided an opportunity to characterize the fire regime before and after the Forest Act of 1969 was implemented and assess the scale and magnitude of changes that have occurred.ResultsWe developed a 120-year chir pine fire chronology from nine sites within a single forested landscape. Between 1900 and ~ 1970, fires were small and patchy. When fires occurred, they were limited to one to two sites within the larger study area. After 1970, there was a distinct shift in fire activity, with fires in 1985, 1989, 1996, 2000, and 2013 burning > 90% of sample plots. Fire activity was positively associated with La Niña conditions (wetter, cooler) in the preceding year. This is likely the result of increased accumulation and connectivity of fuels on the forest floor in wetter years. ConclusionsPrior to 1970, the fire regime in the studied chir pine landscape in eastern Bhutan was dominated by patchy, low-intensity fires indicating that the fire regime was fuel limited. After 1970, fires became larger and more frequent. This shift was associated with the enactment of the Bhutan Forest Act in 1969, which regulated grazing and implemented a policy of strict fire exclusion in government-reserved forests. This likely led to a large buildup of fuels, particularly after La Niña years. Historical patterns of grazing and low-intensity fires prior to the Forest Act kept fuel loads low and disconnected. The cessation of most human activities in these forests after 1969 resulted in an increase in fuel loads and connectivity within the landscape. This has greatly reshaped fire regimes in the chir pine forests of eastern Bhutan over the past half century.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Livelihood in Sahariya Tribal Economy of Shivpuri district Madhya Pradesh, India

This study examined the role of NTFPs in tribal economy of Shivpuri district Madhya Pradesh, India. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select sample Saharia Tribal, local villagers and households for field survey. Data were collected through structured interviews and non-participant observations and commercialization of NTFPs are the main drivers for socioeconomic development, poverty reduction and livelihood security of the tribes in the area. In the presented study, mainly how non-timber forest products are obtained by Sahariya tribals under Shivpuri district and what things they get from the forest. The product found in the forests are able to improve their economic condition and livelihood by selling it in the local market. Many major products are obtained from forests by the tribal peoples found in and around Chatori Kala village under Shivpuri district, such as Mainly Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaf which is used for making beedis Industry, Imli (Tamarindus indica) is used for making wine Industry, Mahua (Madhuca indica) flowers is used in the beverage industry. Kher (Acacia catechu) is used in the Kaththa Industries and Bamboo (Bambusa indica) is used in the building material, apart from this brooms, baskets, fans as well as other product used in the house are also made from bamboo and Palash (Butea monosperma) which is found in dominant species in Shivpuri district, is used for preparing puja and havan material and its roots are used in making rope and leaves are used in Dona Pattal industry. For many years, some indigenous tribal people have been living within the forest and fully depending on the forest products for livelihood. Since it has become a protected area, there is banned on the collection of NTFPs. Forest department forcefully displaced some tribal people outside the forest, but still many tribal people are living within the forest and depending on the forest for their livelihood. This study has made an attempt to examine the Socio-economic role of NTFPs in the livelihood of Saharia tribal people in the Chitorikala village area of Shivpuri District in Madhya Pradesh. The study found that almost all tribal people in the study villages collect NTFPs illegally and sold in local markets. The NTFPs contribute highest income shares to total household income. As there is no restriction on the collection of leaves, Stem, Seed, Root, Fruit, wood etc. They earned highest income by selling various leaves but they walk 05 to 10 km and spend whole day to collect leaves, Root and Tuber and other products. As the livelihoods of the tribal people of these villages depend on NTFPs, the study suggests that there must have markets and proper price for these products. Government should provide some financial benefits to self-help groups allow people to set up paper plate or cup factory to avoid traders’ dominance.

Perceptions of commercialisation and value-addition of non-timber forest products in forest adjacent communities in Ghana

Residents living adjacent to forests commonly gather non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for income, nourishment, ailment treatment, firewood, religious reasons, and artefacts. This study investigates local perceptions of the commercialisation and value addition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in forest-adjacent communities in Ghana. NTFPs are integral to food security and cultural practices. However, more is needed to know about local perceptions of these products' commercialisation and value addition. In this study, we collected data using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members involved in NTFP collection and sales. To determine which NTFPs are collected, we interviewed 732 residents about their perception of value addition to the NTFPs collected and if value addition has impacted the commercialisation and quality of the products obtained from the forest. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. From the survey, frequencies and percentages of responses were analysed for each indicator related to value addition and commercialisation of NTFPs. The study found that 97.5% of those surveyed frequently visited the forest to gather different NTFPs. For example, mushrooms, snails, honey, and others were the most collected. Also, most interviewees do not process or add value to the NTFPs collected from the forest; thus, adding value to these NTFPs could increase incomes in the future. The findings indicate that locals have a variety of perceptions and understandings about commercialisation and value-addition processes. The study emphasises the importance of understanding local perceptions to develop effective strategies for the commercialisation and value addition of NTFPs. By incorporating the perceptions and insights of locals, interventions can be tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of forest-adjacent communities and promote sustainable resource management and equitable distribution of benefits. Future research should focus on educating locals about the value addition to NTFPs, and processes for increasing the price of NTFPs by adding value and commercialising these products. Proper commercialising of NTFPs may well help improve the lives of the locals.

Economic Gains Obtained by the Collectors from Non-Timber Forest Products in the Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) income played a vital role in the household economy of forest-dwelling communities. This study used the data from 150 sample households in the three forest divisions of the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir State to analyze the significance of economic gains obtained from NTFPs. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. This study found that NTFP income contributed 29 per cent, and on-farm and off-farm income contribute 16 and 55 per cent to the total household income, respectively. Major NTFPs included Gucchi (Morchella esculenta), Patis (Aconitum chasmanthum), Nag chhatri (Trillium govanianum), Muskbala (Valeriana hardwickii), Banafsaha (Viola canescence), Dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala), Kaurd (Picorhiza kurroa), Zakham-e-Hayat (Bergenia ciliata), Kasrot (Diplazium esculentum), wild honey and Jungli thome (Allium sativum) were collected. Regression analyses showed that NTFP availability, agriculture as the main occupation, NTFP collection experience, and on-farm income positively contributed to the dependent variable. In contrast, the regression coefficient of off-farm income and source of information were negative contributors to the NTFPs' income. The study further suggested that providing education and other skill development training to local people in the collection, storage, and scientific grading of the NTFPs should be conducted.

Coffee Management Intensification Has Changed the Tradition of Coffee Forest Use in Southwest Ethiopia

The coffee production system has changed the notion of a forest common resources pool in southwest Ethiopia. It is weakening the customary right on forest through time. The objective of the study was to explore forest resources use in relation to coffee management intensity in southwest Ethiopia. The effect of coffee management intensification was narrated based on the nature of accessing forest resources, local control system, level of forest dependency, and nontimber forest products usage through time. Qualitative data were collected through an interview and walk-in-the-woods. It is worth mentioning that an age-old customary right is devolved, and a modified forest management arrangement is emerging along with the coffee production system. The result showed that coffee agroforest drives the use of forest resources in southwest Ethiopia. Coffee production is replacing the tradition of forest management for nontimber forest products. Collection of nontimber forest products is overwhelmed with coffee harvesting. Honey production area (i.e., Luggoo) has been changed to coffee plot. Only coffee owners hold the right to access coffee agroforest. Individual decisions are bypassing the social arrangement of forest resources usage. The nature and level of forest dependency have been changed along with the intensification of coffee management. In contrary to what most people believe, the study findings showed that better-off households are more forest dependent compared to poor households due to coffee production. The storyline depicts the need for taking into account coffee agroforest in sustainable forest management. The study suggests to revisit the notion of recognizing traditional forest resource usage brings sustainable forest management.

Contribution of Nontimber Forest Products Earn to Livelihood in Rural Households and the Type of Use: A Systematic Review

The researcher conducted a review of 83 articles published between 2011 and 2021 to determine the nontimber forest products (NTFPs) income contribution and usage types based on spatial and temporal patterns. The study used a search, synthesis, appraisal, and analysis framework for review. The review included articles that only focused on the contributions of NTFPs for livelihood income and NTFPs usage type, while others not related to these two topics were excluded. For its literature search, more than half of the articles used Google Scholar, followed by Research4life, Scopus/Elsevier, EMBASE, and PubMed, respectively. In this study, excluding papers that (i) did not provide evidence on the income contribution of NTFPs, (ii) did not include articles that did not clearly explain the NTFPs use types, and (iii) were published before 2011, the reviewer was able to reduce the number of included articles (eligibility criteria or inclusion and exclusion criteria). 83 article papers were reviewed for the current review. The majority of the research for this review was carried out in India (19%), Ethiopia (13%), and Nigeria (11%). India was the first of the 17 both Asian and African countries to do research on the NTFPs’ contribution to rural household income and type of use. NTFPs contribute significantly to rural household revenue in 17 countries, ranging from a minimum of 9.5% in Zambia to a maximum of 40.19% in Myanmar. The average percentage of revenue from NTFPs across the 17 nations was 23.56%. Wild fruit, wild vegetables, medicinal plants, firewood, and crafts were the five NTFP usage types that were used by people in every country studied. Despite the fact that different countries utilize different types of NTFPs, the most commonly used types of NTFPs do not differ statistically ( P > 0.05 ). To prevent overexploitation, those top five NTFPs must be conserved as they gather across the regions. NTFP collection is a significant source of revenue for rural poor and people who live in and around the forest. There are many types of NTFPs in both Asian and African countries. So, this study shows that the rural people depend on the forest product and get many benefits from the forest especially in the NTFP usage type. In order to secure livelihood stability in this global biodiversity hotspot and to preserve plant and animal diversity, the cultivation and scientific harvesting of NTFPs are urgently required. It is necessary to increase capacity by teaching NTFP users how, when, and how much to harvest.

Where do people vulnerable to deforestation live? Triaging forest conservation interventions for sustainable non-timber forest products

Rural households in developing countries often depend on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including foods, traditional medicines, fuelwood, fodder, and construction and craft materials such as bamboo and rattan, for their livelihoods, but the forests that supply NTFPs are subject to competition from other land uses. NTFP collectors who are unable to sustain their livelihoods because of changes caused in the NTFP collection environment by deforestation and degradation may even convert surrounding forests to agricultural land to compensate for their reduced incomes. This feedback loop of deforestation and degradation can create further conflicts among natural resource users and undermine long-term development goals. Here, we aimed to advance the discussion of forest conservation interventions in protected areas in developing countries—particularly the discussion of patrolling strategies in and around existing wildlife sanctuaries—by presenting a new approach that uses the case of NTFP collection and a human geography perspective. We used a structured questionnaire composed of closed questions to measure the awareness of village households of the impacts of deforestation and/or illegal extraction of trees on NTFP collection over a short period of time (2014–2016) near the Prey Long Wildlife Sanctuary in the eastern part of the Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. Our survey was based on the conceptual framework of Bohensky and Lynam (Ecol. Soc. 10, 11; 2005) that people in complex adaptive systems change their behaviour after becoming aware of the impact or consequences of a change. The probability of a village having an affected household (i.e., a household that was aware of the impact) was predicted by using generalized linear mixed models. By using identified geospatial indicators of environmental and socioeconomic aspects, including distance between the village and the wildlife sanctuary, size of deforested area per capita in 2014–2016 within a 10-km radius of the village and proportion of households in the village that collect NTFPs for cash income, we predicted the spatial distribution of villages with affected NTFP-collecting households. Priority areas for NTFP collection were then mapped with reference to the identified indicators. By using these results, we present an approach to breaking the deforestation feedback loop by identifying priority areas for patrolling and other forest conservation interventions in the wildlife sanctuary.

Prioritizing forest conservation strategies using a multi-attribute decision model to address concerns with the survival of the endangered dragon tree (Dracaena ombet Kotschy and Peyr.)

The globally endangered Dracaena ombet is one of the ten dragon multipurpose tree species in arid ecosystems. Anthropogenic and natural factors are now impacting the sustainability of the species. This study was conducted to prioritize criteria and alternative strategies for conservation of the species using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model by involving all relevant stakeholders in the Desa'a dry Afromontane forest, northern Ethiopia. Information about the potential alternative strategies and the criteria for their evaluation were first collected from experts, personal experiences and literature reviews. Afterwards, they were validated using stakeholders' focus group discussions. Five candidate strategies with three evaluation criteria were considered for prioritization using the AHP techniques. The overall priority ranking value of the stakeholders showed that the ecological criterion was deemed as the most essential factor for the choice of the alternative strategies, followed by the economic and social criteria. The minimum cut-off strategy, combining exclosures with collection of only 5% of plant parts from the species, soil and water conservation and habitat protection management options, was selected as the best alternative strategy for sustainable D. ombet conservation. The livelihood losses due to the selected strategy should be compensated by the collection of non-timber forest products, poultry farming, home gardens, rearing small ruminants, beekeeping and agroforestry. This approach may be extended to study other dragon tree species and explore strategies for the conservation of other arid ecosystems.

Economic Analysis of Non-Timber Forest Products with Reference to the Tribal Entrepreneurs in Jharkhand

Purpose : The present study aimed to analyze the economic benefits earned from the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as sal leaf, mahua flower, tamarind, lac, siali leaf, and chironji seeds by the tribal entrepreneurs of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Methodology : The present study was conducted in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand ; 272 samples were collected from the tribal entrepreneurs of six villages, Bila, Baraebir, Bara, Dewanbir, Gobindpur, and Bhalurangi, consisting of two blocks, Goilkera and Sonua. We asked the respondents about what forest resources they depended on, the use of products, the time of collection, and the earnings throughout the year. Findings : Collection, processing, and selling of NTFPs are the prime activities tribal entrepreneurs do to generate income. Tribal entrepreneurs are more dependent on the NTFPs as there is an enormous increase in the annual household income, which leads to improved socioeconomic conditions and poverty alleviation. Practical Implications : Policy should be made towards implementing conducive and supportive schemes for the marketing and business processes of the NTFP products. Originality : The majority of tribes of Jharkhand are dependent on the NTFPs for their livelihood development. The study is novel as literature lacks on NTFP products and their economic analysis.

Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract. Abebaw AF, Damme PV. 2023. Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 38-47. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a pivotal role as local sources of medicine, household paraphernalia, and fodder and offer income opportunities that can mitigate poverty. This study was conducted in Doba District, West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, to analyze the diversity and economic contribution of non-timber forest products. Both ethnobotanical and vegetation data were cross-sectionally collected from February 2020 up to June 2021. A total of 422 informants selected randomly from forest inhabitants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to explore NTFP utilization and their economic contributions. Vegetation data were collected from 56 sample plots of each 20m x 20m (400m2) along transects lines. Vegetation data collected were analyzed for the relative density of species, Shannon-Wiener index, species evenness, and relative frequency. From the household survey, 58 plant species categorized in 55 genera and 35 families were identified as NTFP-bearing species. Analysis of the socio-economic data shows that NTFP collection is a day-to-day activity of the local communities. These communities use NTFPs in different types of use categories, namely medicinal plants (32, 55.17%), melliferous species (20, 34.48%), wild food and condiment species (22, 37.93%), farm implements (7, 12.06%), wood and flavoring (6, 10.34%), source of energy (20, 35.71%), and household utensils and construction materials (30, 51.72%). The market survey analysis showed that NTFPs account for about 15.77% of the annual household income. The vegetation survey showed that Ades Forest has a good status with an average density of 1,450 plants ha-1, high Shannon-Wiener index (H =3.299), and species evenness (E = 0.81). Ades Forest harbors a diverse number of NTFP-bearing species used for several categories. The study reveals the real experiences of the local communities in utilizing NTFPs for their livelihood. Forest dependency rates tend to be higher among poor households. However, further study on production potential and market chain analysis should be done together with awareness creation activities to get a sustainable product for the community and conserve the forest resource.

Classification of Mountain Silvopastoral Farming Systems in Walnut Forests of Kyrgyzstan: Determining Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods

Kyrgyz walnut-fruit forests are unique ecosystems inhabited by silvopastoral farm households that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. Illegal logging, excessive collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and overgrazing of forest pastures negatively affect forest regeneration and biodiversity, ultimately impacting sustainable livelihoods in the region. Understanding farm heterogeneity is critical to identify targeted interventions that have the potential to improve livelihood sustainability for local populations. This study identifies and elucidates the typology of farms in walnut-fruit forests. Data were collected from 220 farm-households in three villages located within or in the buffer zone of protected areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used to analyze quantitative data and aggregate farms into clusters according to forest resource availability and use, production means, and socioeconomic characteristics. Three distinct silvopastoral farming systems were identified, in which farmers collect and sell NTFPs, but also have: (i) relatively high NTFP income, medium-sized livestock herds, and low off-farm income; (ii) moderate NTFP income, large livestock herds, and high off-farm income; and (iii) low NTFP income, small herds, and moderate off-farm income. Overall, all types of farms showed different livelihood strategies; specific recommendations aimed at increasing sustainability were provided for each type. While both improved forages for livestock and grazing in forests are relevant for all types of farms, in some cases, value-added processing of NTFPs and contributions from off-farm activities such as tourism are necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of forests.

Perception of Tribals on Role of Institutions in Collection and Marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

Aims: Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) form a significant source of livelihood for tribal communities living in the forest area. Various institutions have been established to help the forest-dependent communities (tribals) for collection and effective marketing of NTFPs collected by them. Study aimed to analyse the perception of tribals with respect to the role of various institutions in collection and marketing of NTFPs.
 Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the Thrissur district of Kerala State. A sample of 50 tribals from Kadar tribe involved in NTFPs collection were selected randomly. The primary survey was conducted by administrating a semi- structured interview schedule during the month of February 2022.
 Methodology: Participatory technique was adopted in elucidcating the information from tribals. Venn diagrams was used to determine the role of institutions supporting NTFPs collectors at Vellikulangara, Thrissur district. Venn diagram provide a clear picture of number of institutions, their importance, and the effectiveness of rendering services to them. Seasonal calendar used for exhibiting the monthly collection details of NTFPs collected by Kadar tribe.
 Results: The study highlighted that the Kadar tribes considered Kerala Forest and Wild Life Department as most important institution. They play predominant role to improve in the livelihood of the Kadar tribe by procuring the NTFPs. They maintain good relationship with this department as they feel that service rendered by them is useful. The role of College of Forestry and Scheduled Tribes Development Department are limited to providing training and implementing various schemes of the government respectively.
 Conclusion: Kerala Forest and Wild Life Department, College of Forestry, Scheduled Tribes Development Department and Kerala State Development Corporation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes play various roles in collecting and marketing of NTFPs. However, timely and effective services of the institutions and effective implementation of the schemes will surely help to improve the livelihood of tribal communities.

From Within and Without: Gender, Agency and Sustainable Management of Non-Timber Forest Products in Two Indian States

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) from trees are often collected using unsustainable practices, which contributes to the species’ decline and affects the livelihoods and wellbeing of the most forest-dependent groups, such as women, ethnic minorities and the landless. Here we assess opportunities to improve the sustainability of NTFP collection practices across two landscapes in India, using an agency perspective where male and female NTFP collectors themselves identified and evaluated practices and potential interventions for species of their choice. We developed a framework for identifying community-based solutions for NTFP management and carried out participatory exercises in gender-segregated groups in ten rural communities across two states. Unsustainable collection practices such as cutting branches to collect fruits were somewhat more common among women than men, and more common in the more degraded landscape with weaker forest management institutions. Participants described ecological and economic impacts of collection practices in detail, including impacts on future yields, regeneration and product prices. Proposed solutions to improve NTFP management in the less degraded landscape were focused on incentivising sustainable use and working through village institutions, external actors, or both in collaboration. In the more degraded landscape, participants emphasised sanctions and did not frequently propose the existing village institutions to take action. Women proposed collaboration with external actors less often than men. The results indicate that agency perspectives are useful in stimulating discussion about locally relevant NTFP management options, but that social and gender norms and poor relationships with forestry authorities constrain the agency of vulnerable groups in identifying opportunities for change.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Generation of the Tribal Population: A Review

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to all biological resources harvested from the forest for human use and are not having timber purposes. Two types of NTFPs such as tradable and non-tradable NTFPs are available. In international trade, tradable NTFPs are only significant. NTFPs are important components of food security and a vital source of income for the poor in many developing nations. NTFP collection accounts for almost 58 per cent of the total income earned by Kerala's tribal population. Most of the employment (54.04%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFP collection (33.77%). NTFPs were found to be collected and used by tribals for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, raw materials for making implements, and as a source of income. NTFPs are marketed through various marketing channels, depending on various factors such as the product's nature, demand and proximity to the market. If co-operative societies and EDCs (Eco-Development Committees) could develop value additional units for NTFPs with the participation of indigenous groups, it ensures effective use of their spare time as well as a better livelihood through increased NTFP income.

Problems Faced by Tribals in Collection and Marketing of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Kerala, India

Aims: NTFPs play a key role in meeting the needs of tribal communities, especially in medicine, poverty reduction and livelihood improvement. For years tribals were involved in NTFPs collection, and it’s the main occupation for Kattunayakan tribes. Considering the importance of NTFPs, the present study focuses on analysing the problems faced by the tribals in Kerala while collecting and marketing NTFPs.
 Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the Wayanad district of Kerala State A sample of 65 Kattunayakan tribes who have been involved in NTFPs collection for the last six years were selected randomly. The primary survey was conducted through a pre-tested structured questionnaire during February to April 2022.
 Methodology: Garrett’s ranking technique had been used to determine the most critical problem influencing the tribals in NTFPs collection and marketing. Garrett’s Ranking Technique provides a clear picture of the orders of problems into numerical scores. The advantage of this technique is that the problems are arranged based on their severity from the point of view of Kattunayakan tribes. Seasonal calendar used for exhibiting the collection details of NTFPs collected by Kattunayakan tribe by each month.
 Results: The study highlighted that the low price availability of NTFPs, negative interactions with wild animals no guidance and support from government officials for marketing of NTFPs, no training for value addition of NTFPs, and long distances to travel to the marketplace were the major problems encountered by the tribals while collection and marketing of NTFPs
 Conclusion: Low price availability of NTFPs, negative interactions with wild animals and inadequate availability of NTFPs in the forest were the major problems identified related to collection of NTFPs. Regarding marketing of NTFPs lack of guidance and support from government officials for marketing of NTFPs, no training for value addition of NTFPs, and long distances to travel to the marketplace were identified as the major problems by the tribals.

Characterizing the Dependence on Non-timber Forest Products Among Communities Living Around Forest Conservation Areas in Marrupa-Mecula Corridor, Niassa Special Reserve, Niassa Province of Mozambique

The role of forests across the world has been recognized as key natural assets that offer several goods and services, especially to communities adjacent to them. Given this role, there have been minimal efforts to determine the factors characterizing this dependence of communities on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), especially in developing nations. This study surveyed and assessed different factors influencing household dependence on NTFPs in the Marrupa-Mecula Corridor, Niassa Special Reserve, Niassa Province of Mozambique. In total, 377 household members from eight villages attended the interview while employing proportional random sampling. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The study revealed that 90.9% of the households participate in collecting, producing, and selling NTFPs. Three factors, namely, social, economic, and physical, with twenty sub-factors or characteristics were found to have a significant association with dependence on forest resources. They include the availability of NTFPs, taking a collection of NTFPs as a family job, strong cultural attachment to forests, seasonal engagement in collection, nearby forests being home for community leaders, distance to the nearby forest, the housing needs of forests, forests being a major source of medicine, forests being a resource for educational institutions, forests being a major source of household food security, forests being a ready income for households, forests being a tourist attraction in the area, and affordability of distance to markets. The binary logistic regression revealed that gender, age, education, family size, and time spent in the area are significantly associated with dependence on NTFPs. Additionally, strong cultural attachment to forests, seasonal engagement in collection, nearby forests being homes for community leaders, distance to the nearby forest, housing needs, a major source of medicine, education, household food security, ready income, tourist attraction, and affordability of distance to markets were found to have a significant influence. On the contrary, scary dangerous wild animals, restriction of cultivation in non-gazetted forests, restriction of hunting in non-gazetted forests, and forest fires negatively affected the dependence on NTFPs/resources. As a way of achieving sustainable utilization of NTFPs, management plans and strategies need to incorporate these factors characterizing the dependence on NTFPs.

The Socio-economic Importance and Sustainability of the Major Non-Timber Forest Products Collected in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon

Interest in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has increased due to their role in poverty reduction, conservation, and food security. However, data on the current environmental and socio-economic aspects of NTFPs harvests are sparse. Using secondary data from literature review as well as participatory rural appraisal tools, information was gathered on NTFPs collectors, and on the relative socio-economic importance of the main NTFPs collected, collectors’ access to NTFPs and sustainability of collection in major collection sites in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. An estimated 5500 collectors of NTFPs operate in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. The study revealed that NTFPs are important in the livelihoods of the village communities in the study area constituting 33% to their household income after agriculture (50.6%). The most important NTFPs collected in the study area were Gnetum spp., Irvingia spp., and Ricinodendron heudelotii. In important harvest divisions like the Manyu and Mungo divisions, the contribution of Gnetum spp. and Irvingia spp. to collectors NTFP related income is statistically significant (chi squared-test X2; p<0.05). Increasing harvests, combined with insufficient regulatory and customary control have led to a situation of long-term unsustainable collection. While NTFP collection is essential in providing income to collectors, their exploitation is failing to contribute in meeting environmental sustainability goals. This study concludes that domestication and awareness raising programs could lessen the pressure on the forest resource base and effective regulatory and customary control measures, if implemented and enforced, could limit over-exploitation and enhance sustainable collection and trade in NTFPs.

Potentials and Opportunities of Wild Edible Forest Fruits for Rural Household’s Economy in Arasbaran, Iran

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to local people’s livelihood in many regions around the world. This article investigates the types of NTFPs collected, processed, and traded in the Arasbaran region of Iran, the roles of these products in household economies, and the potential contribution to rural household economies through the collection, processing, and marketing of NTFPs. Data were collected using household and community surveys as well as through secondary sources on the role of NTFPs within Arasbaran forests in Iran. The main NTFPs harvested by local people were fruits. The fruits from 14 woody species, including trees and shrubs, were harvested by local people. The average share of forest-harvested fruit to household income was 27 percent. The mean annual income derived from the harvest and sale of sumac and reddish blackberry in the sample rural household incomes was USD 1822 and USD 142, respectively. In regard to processing efficiency, plum, cornelian cherry, and sumac exhibited the highest processing efficiency. Better policy support would be needed along the whole value chain, starting with the forest management plans, to include fruit species. In addition, measures to support processing facilities as well as to promote trade and marketing beyond the local area would be highly important to develop the potential of forest fruits and other NTFPs. Besides technical and financial support, measures should include regulatory revisions as well as information, training, and awareness raising.

Dynamics and determinants of household's non-timber forest products collection in the giant panda nature reserves of China

Although the contributions of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to poverty alleviation and resource conservation are widely acknowledged, NTFP collection is still one of the leading human activities threatening the habitats of giant pandas. This study thus explores the dynamics and determinants of household's participation in, income from, and reliance on NTFP collection in the panda reserves. Data were derived from surveying 943 households surrounding 17 reserves in Shaanxi and Sichuan, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric techniques. Our results show a decline of both collectors and income dependence in 2018 compared to 2013, while it remained a vital livelihood strategy for many households. Also, households generated lower amounts of NTFPs, walked further and spent more days collecting in 2018 than in 2013, while the proportion of NTFPs collected inside the reserves decreased. Socioecological variables, including household's connection to the reserves and their basic characteristics, affected their participation in and income generated from NTFP collection. Our findings are beneficial for a better understanding of the significance of NTFP collection and thus improve its linkage with poverty reduction and wildlife conservation.

Ecosystem services through the lens of indigenous people in the highlands of Cordillera Region, Northern Philippines

Understanding the perception, use, and prioritization of ecosystem services (ES) is important for shaping local environmental policies. This study assessed for the Cordillera Region, Philippines, Indigenous peoples (IPs) perception on the significance of ES for their well-being, influence of socio-economic factors attributing to these perceptions, and ranked the most valued ES. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaires with 922 households in 48 villages of the Region. We found that most frequently identified and valued ES are provisioning (food, income, and medicinal resources) followed by cultural and regulating ES. The study showed signficant influence (p-value 0.001) of ethnicity, occupation, gender, and age to affect local perceptions of ES provided by the landscapes. A remarkable differences appeared in prioritizing ES, e.g. younger local respondents value ES more than older ones; women have appreciated most ES; and ethnic groupings tend to have a different value of ES that are significantly connected with the landscape characteristics. Traditional rice farming systems was ranked as source providing the most valued ES followed by conventional farming systems and off-farming activities like collection of non-timber forest products. Furthermore, IPs involvement to local surveys are useful in ecosystem conservation strategies because the way society modifies an ecosystem is a function associated to perceptions, interest, and values. A relevant information to decision-makers that must be integrated into local development planning to maintain the flow of ES that support the livelihood in a community.