Commercialization Of Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

The commercialisation of NTFPs and conservation of forest: a systematic review for forestry policy

PurposeThis current review examines the scientific literature report on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) commercialisation and forest conservation in different jurisdictions.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review using Scopus-indexed articles on NTFP commercialisation and forest conservation was done using the PRISMA framework.FindingsThe review categorised the factors influencing the commercialisation of NTFPs and forest conservation into five broad factors and sub-factors: socioeconomic, market-based, ecosystem, cultural and institutional factors. The scholarly publications on NTFP commercialisation and forest conservation have been undulating, with two years recording no publication on the subject matter under review. Besides, China and India in Asia are leading in the number of publications on NTFPs’ commercialisation. The review revealed ambivalence and symbiotic relationship among the factors influencing the commercialisation of NTFPs and forest conservation. Specifically, tenure arrangement, strict regulations to forest entry, market information asymmetry, bureaucracy in certification acquisition, seasonality and distance were identified as barriers to NTFPs’ commercialisation. While market demands for NTFPs increased, NTFPs’ prices and unsustainable harvesting activities were threats to forest conservation. Policymakers should focus on safeguarding customary property rights and indigenous knowledge in forest conservation, designing workable capacity-building schemes for NTFP entrepreneurs and reducing the cost and processes in certification acquisition.Originality/valueThere are reviews on NTFPs’ commercialisation and livelihoods, but a synergy between NTFPs’ commercialisation and forest conservation for forest policy direction is yet to be done in the literature. Also, while earlier studies systematically reviewed literature on NTFPs’ commercialisation, they did not relate the studies to forest conservation.

Contribution of non-timber forest products to the livelihoods of households residing adjacent to Loita Forest, Kenya

The use and commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for livelihood development and their adverse impact on forest ecosystems have received significant academic attention recently. To conserve forests and ensure continued livelihood support, it is essential to harvest NTFPs in a sustainable manner. Thus, efforts to conserve such resources must be preceded by understanding how communities interact with them. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between participation in forest conservation and income earned from forests. The primary data were collected via a socio-economic survey of 151 households residing adjacent to Loita Forest in Kenya. The population in the study area extracts NTFPs, such as firewood, natural medicine, building poles, and honey. There is a positive relationship between participation in forest conservation efforts and income earned from the sale of NTFPs. Thus, the Loita Community Forest is a crucial source of essential NTFPs for adjacent households’ subsistence. Therefore, these households should be encouraged to participate more in forest conservation efforts. Such endeavors would facilitate livelihood development of local communities and sustainable management of forests in Kenya.

Commodity chain as a negotiated process: Empirical analysis of benefit allocation, governance, and powers of upstream and downstream actors in matsutake mushroom trade in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province

The commercialization of non-timber forest products beyond in-house consumption is a strategy for alleviating rural poverty and forest degradation. With the implementation of the ecological civilization program, the Chinese government has explored the value realization mechanism of sustainable ecological products, and many successful cases of agricultural product commercialization have emerged. Focusing on the matsutake of Shangri-La as an example, this study applies both qualitative and quantitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, secondary data collection, and statistical analysis for the dynamics of the matsutake commodity chain construction in the southwest plateau of China to obtain unique insights into contemporary rural China. Specifically, the interrelationships and functional logic of diverse participants in the core process of commodity management were analyzed. We found that the upstream and downstream participants in the matsutake commodity chain are subject to institutional constraints, such as land tenure and non-unified standards, and that markets are crucial to matsutake's trading in Shangri-La. Certain participants along the commodity chain have inefficient information sources, while middlemen have greater autonomy in the matsutake transaction process and a larger profit margin. Additionally, the involvement of the government and non-governmental organizations impacts the preservation of natural resources and the creation of a stable market order, but policies and funds tend to be short-lived. To improve the commodity chain sustainability of non-timber forest products in plateau areas, it is necessary to consider social and cultural factors, ensure the equity of different participants in the commodity chain, and protect traditional local knowledge related to natural resource management.

Does commercialization lead to more intensive management strategies? Decision-making for the utilization of non-timber forest products in a Nahua area of the Sierra Negra, Mexico

BackgroundThe commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provides income for rural indigenous households. The integration of NTFPs into formal markets tends to intensify management practices to ensure production and monetary benefits. However, more research is needed to understand the motivations for managing of commercialized species. We examine the influence of social, ecological, and economic factors on traditional management and how they drive the adoption of more or less intensive practices for subsistence and commercially traded NTFPs.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Nahua community of Ixtacxochitla, in the Sierra Negra of central Mexico, where we conducted free lists and semi-structured interviews in 32% of the 88 households to assess socio-ecological variables related to management practices. In addition, we interviewed local traders to assess commercial variables used in a cost–benefit model to calculate the net annual income of commercialized species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling was used to analyze relationships between socio-ecological variables and management practices. We also explored the relationship between management and commercial factors using principal component analysis.ResultsWe recorded 64 plant and mushroom species of NTFPs used for medicinal, ornamental, ceremonial, and edible purposes, 36 of which are commercialized in the municipal market of Coyomeapan. The commercialized species generated an average annual net income of MXN 67,526 (USD 3924) per family, with five species contributing the most. Species both used for both subsistence and commercialization were managed through incipient in situ gathering, tolerance in ex situ anthropogenic areas, and intensive protection and propagation efforts in ex situ environments. Even the five species with the highest commercial returns were managed across this gradient of practices. Key factors influencing the adoption of more intensive species management practices were feasibility of management, type of species use, ecological abundance, frequency of consumption, and cultural importance.ConclusionsThe intensification of NTFPs management is not solely driven by the commercial value of the products or the level of income generated. Instead, the interaction between socio-ecological and economic factors determines the extent of management practices. The main constraint to the implementation of intensive practices has been the inability to manage species outside their natural habitats, despite their cultural significance and frequent consumption. Understanding the factors involved in the harvesting of NTFPs can serve as the basis for future research aimed at analyzing the conditions for successful and sustainable NTFPs commercialization.

Uncovering the Potential for the Sustainable Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products: Palm Fruits in Pando, Bolivia

Palm fruits are important non-timber forest products for rural people's livelihoods in the Amazon region, as many are nutritious foods and have the potential to generate income. However, in Pando, Bolivia, their commercialization is in most cases still underdeveloped. This study aimed to assess the potential of four palm fruits for sustainable commercialization and to identify their related promoting and hindering conditions. The palm fruits studied were açaí (Euterpe precatoria Mart), majo (Oenocarpus bataua Mart), motacu (Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng) and palma real (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.). We gathered data from 14 key informants using semi-structured online interviews, 10 community members using structured interviews, and literature. We analyzed the data with qualitative content analysis and a multi-criteria decision-making method. Açaí has the highest potential due to its high abundance, demand, and specialized institutional support, among others. Majo, with a medium potential, benefited from its similarities with açaí regarding harvesting and processing, but still has technical processing deficiencies. Palma real and motacu had low potential because of low demand and lack of knowledge regarding harvesting and processing. This study demonstrates the importance of considering multidisciplinary factors when assessing sustainable commercialization potentials.

Challenges for a Brazilian Amazonian bioeconomy based on forest foods

The creation of a forest bioeconomy based on the extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFP) is being recommended to create wealth from standing forests and halt deforestation in Amazonia. Current proposals do not recognize the limits of this system, nor the impacts of capitalism that drive NTFPs with elastic demand into monoculture plantations. We use a narrative review to revisit the history of these ideas and examine public policies. Among 2,253 Amazonian NTFPs, 1,037 produce edible fruits and 131 of these are extremely abundant (hyperdominant) across the biome and common in the extractive economy. Low productivity per hectare in the forest, low return on labor to harvest the production, and scarcity of labor are three critical limits to expanding supply, with the last being the most critical in forest areas. Overcoming these limitations requires changes in public policies and public investment for health care, communication, logistics, and especially for quality education designed for rural areas and a forest bioeconomy. A mix of public policies to alleviate market failures and increase supply, efficiency, and demand via R&D, minimum prices, payment for environmental services, distinct types of certifications may be able to make food NTFP harvesting, processing, and commercialization lucrative enough to halt rural exodus and keep forest specialists in standing forests. An Amazonian forest bioeconomy depends upon both social and biodiversity, and the full participation and collaboration of Indigenous People and local communities in developing these value chains that can contribute to food security.

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.

A qualitative analysis of Non-Timber Forest Products activities as a strategy to promote sustainable land use in the Brazilian Cerrado

The Cerrado is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, a key hydrological area of Brazil and home to socio-culturally diverse groups. However, the expansion of agribusiness activities in the Cerrado biome has led to acute social-ecological disturbances. Deploying strategies that promote socially and ecologically sustainable land use therein is hence imperative. One such strategy encompasses the harvesting, processing and commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This paper thus aims to uncover what interdependent social-ecological dynamics hinder and/or facilitate the consolidation of NTFP activities as a strategy to promote sustainable land use in the Cerrado and how to overcome the challenges permeating these activities. It does so by analyzing NTFP activities in Pirenópolis, Goiás, originally combining different fields of research. This research highlights social-ecological dynamics resulting in positive outcomes, such as the satisfaction of material and socio-cultural needs, the protection and planting of tree species, and a sound knowledge on the ecology and phenology of NTFPs, as well as on sustainable harvesting techniques. Notwithstanding, the results also demonstrate that power imbalances, insufficient local capacity and the agribusiness hegemony hamper NTFP activities in Pirenópolis. This paper emphasizes the urgency of addressing power asymmetries, especially considering the need for the formulation of land use policies that can tackle issues of access to land and NTFPs. This research moreover points to the importance of stronger social relations that can enhance the role of NTFP activities as a strategy to promote sustainable land use.

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.

The impact of commodified non-timber forest products on the livelihoods of San in Northern Namibia

ABSTRACT In Namibia, the commercialisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is often promoted as a means to improve rural livelihoods, especially for vulnerable communities. This paper analysed how NTFP value chains are integrated into and contribute to the livelihoods of Khwe and !Xun San harvesters. Accordingly, the working conditions, employment and upgrading opportunities of the globally traded Devil's Claw were compared to those of regionally traded products, including Natal Oranges. A mixed-method approach was applied to collect data in Okongo Constituency and Bwabwata National Park. Findings revealed that while NTFPs contribute to the harvesters’ income generation, the income is insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Interestingly, the results of both regional and global value chain integration do not lead to improved livelihoods. Further research is needed to analyse the synergies between the government, traditional and local authorities, NGOs, and other institutions in implementing laws that promote equitable sharing of benefits from NTFPs.

Impact of Conservation Policies on Households’ Deforestation Decisions in Protected and Open-Access Forests: Cases of Moribane Forest Reserve and Serra Chôa, Mozambique

Tropical deforestation is considered a global priority due to its environmental, social, and economic impacts at international, national, and household levels. Conservation policies constitute one of the pathways to reverse this scenario. This paper examines the influence of forest protection measures on local communities’ livelihood decisions regarding forest clearing. It compares deforestation, access to forest resources, and households’ strategies in protected and open-access forests: the Moribane Forest Reserve (MFR) and Serra Chôa (SCH), two environmentally sensitive areas with different conservation statuses in Manica Province, central Mozambique. Socioeconomic data were collected from September 2019 to August 2020 in 149 households in MFR and 144 households in SCH. The data were cross-examined with spatial information on deforestation from 2000 to 2020. We found that conservation status impacted household strategies, leading to less income source diversification and limited commercialization of forest products. In both areas, most respondents declared unlimited access to forest resources (89.9% for MFR and 68.8% for SCH), and the remaining proportion of respondents pointed out conservation, private forest, distance, and wildlife conflict as reasons for limited access. Shifting agriculture is the unique income source for 75.2% of the families in MFR and 28.4% in SCH. Most households in SCH diversify their income by combining shifting agriculture and livestock (68.75% against 24.8% in MFR). About 97% of the sampled households in MFR cleared forest for agriculture during the period 2000–2020, while 55.6% of the households cleared the forest in SCH during the same period. In MFR, non-timber forest products are mainly for subsistence use, except honey, which is sold by 52.2% of families. In SCH, commercialization of non-timber forest products is more diverse, with 11.1% of families selling honey, bush meat (5.5%), charcoal (3.4%), medicinal plants (2%), wood (1.3%), poles (11.1%), and firewood (12.5%). We conclude that the current conservation policies have little impact on household decisions to protect the forest, but they influence income diversification, leading to more dependency on agriculture and livestock.

The Influence of Nontimber Forest Products Development on the Economic–Ecological Coordination—Evidence from Lin’an District, Zhejiang Province, China

The influence of the nontimber forest products (NTFPs) on the coordinated economic and ecological development has received considerable attention, where the results are mixed. This study took Lin’an District in Zhejiang Province of China as an example for analysis. Using long-term (more than 40 years) data, system coupling and autoregressive distributed lag models were combined to analyze the effect of NTFP development on coordinated economic–ecological development. The results show that large-scale commercial NTFP development positively affected coordinated economic–ecological development, and a long-term stable equilibrium relationship between them existed. The degree of regional economic–ecological coupling increased from 0.05 in 1978 to 0.98 in 2019, and both area and value of NTFP had a significant effect on the coupling degree at the 5% level. These findings indicate that NTFP development is an effective method to promote the coordinated development of the economy and ecological environment especially in mountain areas, and the government should encourage NTFP development by ecological management, strengthening policy guidance, and providing technological innovation support, etc.

The contribution of frankincense to the agro-pastoral household economy and its potential for commercialization - A case from Borana, southern Ethiopia

Frankincense, gum arabic and myrrh are among the most valuable commercial non-timber forest products in the drylands of eastern Africa. This study examines the frankincense value chain and its contribution to the household economy in southern Ethiopia. The study applied a combination of sustainable livelihood and value chain framework to assess the values and the contribution of frankincense to household economies. Data were collected through a household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations. On average, the annual cash income generated from the harvest and sale of frankincense was estimated at 60 USD per adult equivalent unit (AEU) which was 35% of the total household annual cash income. Our analyses reveal that income from frankincense constitutes the second largest share of the total average household cash income after livestock, which accounted for 60%. The poorer households (44% of the sample) have a relatively higher reliance on frankincense income (49.8%), which is almost as much as the contribution from livestock and non-farm income combined (50.2%). Frankincense income functions as a supplementary source of income for the herders. The value chain analysis shows that the price increases from nearly 1 USD per kg at harvest sites to 5.5 USD per kg at the retail level. Nevertheless, despite the abundance of the resource and a growing domestic market demand, the marketed quantities are low, extraction practices are primitive and both local and national markets are poorly developed. Recommendations for researchers and development practitioners include improving harvesting and processing skills through training, introducing harvesting and post-harvest technologies, improving market access, providing credit services, and training to gatherers and local traders on value-adding activities and marketing skills. These measures could improve the economic returns from frankincense extraction and sale and contribute to increased incomes and more sustainable livelihoods.

High Species Diversity of the Family Dipterocarpaceae in Mursala Island, Indonesia

Known to have a long history of timber extraction, Mursala Island on the west coast of North Sumatra Province is a small island home to the endemic tree Dipterocarpus cinereus and many other Dipterocarpaceae species. In the present study, distance sampling using line-transect was used to assess the species diversity and population status of Dipterocarpaceae species on the Island. A total of 26 Dipterocarpaceae species from 6 genera was identified from Mursala Island. The genus that was represented by the highest number of species was Shorea (13 species), followed by Vatica (5), Dipterocarpus (4), Hopea (2), Cotylelobium (1) and Dryobalanops (1). Among these, two Mursala Island endemic were identified: D. cinereus and H. bancana. Furthermore, according to IUCN Red List category, 11 species (42.3%) were classified as critically endangered, four species (15.4%) were of endangered, 5 species (15.2%) were of vulnerable, one species was of near threatened, 2 species were of least concern and 3 species were not assessed yet. Based on distance analysis, the species with the highest individual density was S. multiflora (21.72±10.96 individual/ha), whereas species with the lowest density was S. johorensis (0.06±0.01 individual/ha). Two main threats for Dipterocarpaceae species in Mursala Island were observed during the survey: illegal logging and habitat conversion. Increasing the protection level of the island was recommended to conserve all the species of Dipterocarpaceae. Besides, providing alternative sources of living for the illegal logger through commercialization of non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and the sustainable fishery was recommended so that they could stop illegal logging activity.

Non-timber Forest Products Value Chain Toward Sustainable Livelihood: Exploring Linkages and Trends Using Visual Optimization Network Analysis

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute significantly to the livelihood, food, and nutrition security of rural communities and forest dwellers. Earlier studies on NTFPs emphasized the economic importance, sustainability aspects, and commercialization of NTFPs, and highlighted the importance of strong value chains if NTFPs were to fulfill their economic potential for communities and people who rely on them. Formulation of proper policy and commercialization of NTFPs through their value chain will require a thorough review of existing research to identify the policy loopholes. A review of literature sought to determine whether research on NTFPs links to sustainable livelihood, policy, and value chains using clustering and visual network visualization. The results of the study reveal four domain clusters indicating a mix of traditional and evolved approaches toward strengthening of the NTFP value chain. Policy issues on NTFP have also evolved as one of the important clusters of research. The study recommends the mapping of value chains in the NTFP research to guide the pursuit of holistic and sustainable livelihood security.

Non-Timber Forest Product Livelihood-Focused Interventions in Support of Mangrove Restoration: A Call to Action

Mangroves of tropical and subtropical shores and deltas contribute to ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing in numerous ways but continue to be lost or degraded worldwide at a rapid pace. Overexploitation driven by poverty is often the root cause of mangrove destruction and degradation. The negative feedback cycle between destruction and poverty can only be broken by justly valuing current or introducing new sustainable livelihood options to foster long-lasting local support for mangroves. The large array of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that mangroves offer have rarely been developed beyond the subsistence level and remain undervalued as “products of the poor”. In light of the global trends towards sustainability and bio-economy, today they represent a major business opportunity for forest communities to produce high value-added end-user products. Even though mangrove NTFPs have been recognized to have high potential toward inclusive development and poverty alleviation and to be highly gender-equal, the development of mangrove NTFPs has continued to attract very little funding or research interest. Several ecological characteristics make commercialization of mangrove NTFPs particularly challenging. Production at economies of scale, including quality standards, as well as marketing and value chain management are all essential in order to develop these products beyond their subsistence role. To be most effective, a systems perspective on NTFP development is needed, whereby product-market development occurs in unison and based on a participative, inclusive and fair development approach. The species/product of choice for value-added product-market development in any specific community or area will depend on several factors. To address many of the typical constraints and maximize the chances of success, we suggest that the use of village or district-level cooperatives may be particularly useful. A better use of the untapped potential of mangroves for local livelihoods may form a most convincing advocate for local protection and restoration of mangrove forests. Therefore, funding agencies, governments and researchers alike are called to invest in mangrove NTFP development as a way to locally incentivize sustainable mangrove protection and restoration.

Non-Timber Forest Products and their Role in the Livelihoods of People of Nepal: A Critical Review

Nepal is a rich source of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in terms of production and trading practices. The altitudinal and climatic variations in various pockets of Nepal have contributed to their diversity. This article attempts to outline the current status of NTFPs and its importance in the Nepalese economy. NTFPs provide rural people with food, medicine, construction materials, and income. About 80% of the rural population depend on the NTFPs for their livelihood and Nepal. NTFPs have commercial, socioeconomic and environmental values in rural communities. More than 700 species of plants are recognized as producing NTFPs and about 150 species of these are commonly used in international trade. The management of NTFPs has been receiving increasing attention from donors, development agencies and user groups who are involved in different aspects of NTFP promotion. Sustainable exploitation, use, and commercialization of NTFPs are important for socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and livelihood enhancement of rural people in Nepal.

Fatores limitantes da gestão dos produtos florestais não-madeireiros na APA de Guaratuba

O “acesso livre” aos produtos florestais não-madeireiros vem gerando uma série de questões críticas para o governo e para o setor florestal. Nesse contexto, a exploração sustentável dos produtos florestais não-madeireiros é apontada como uma importante estratégia para a conservação da biodiversidade e também para a geração de renda e qualidade de vida das populações rurais. O município de Guaratuba é composto em sua totalidade pela Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) de Guaratuba, onde vivem populações tradicionais que têm o extrativismo intrínseco aos seus costumes. Assim, este trabalho visa identificar os fatores limitantes da gestão dos produtos florestais não-madeireiros da Mata Atlântica do litoral do Estado do Paraná. A coleta de dados foi baseada em entrevistas com 70 famílias moradoras da APA de Guaratuba, das quatro unidades de gestão: Morro Grande, Estrada do Castelhano, Caovi-Cubatão e Baia de Guaratuba. Os dados foram submetidos à análise SWOT. Como principais resultados, cada comunidade mostrou-se heterogênea no seu sistema produtivo de uso e comercialização de produtos florestais não-madeireiros. A avaliação das fortalezas e fraquezas dos sistemas de produção avaliados indicam que a região de estudo se mostra adequada para o desenvolvimento de atividades com produtos não-madeireiros. Conclui-se que a sustentabilidade da atividade não madeireira na região está longe de ser alcançada. Programas de conservação devem reconhecer que existe, nas Áreas de Proteção Ambiental, um alto grau de ocupação humana em que oportunidades de capacitação, superação de carência de recursos econômicos e básicos de saúde e infraestrutura devem ser sanados com urgência. Dessa forma, a atividade não madeireira, na forma como está sendo gerida, não pode ser considerada como estratégia de desenvolvimento para as comunidades, no entanto, se observadas as questões levantadas neste estudo, podem tornar-se atrativas.

Local Management System of Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f.) Resin in Firmihin Forest, Socotra Island, Yemen

Various nontimber forest products (NTFPs) are produced from the forests and woodlands of Yemen. Dragon’s blood tree resin is one of the commercial NTFPs in Yemen and is produced by tapping Dracaena cinnabari trees, which are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. By applying a forest resource assessment, the present study inventoried the D. cinnabari forest with the aim of identifying and evaluating its structure, the harvesting status of the resin, and the current management system. The study was conducted in the Firmihin forest, Socotra Island, Yemen Republic. The forest resource assessment was carried out through a forest inventory by measuring trees from 12 plots following stratified random sampling. The relevant parameters of a total of 819 trees were measured, including the tree height, stem height of lowest branches, height of the highest wound, diameter at breast height (DBH), and presence of wounds. The wounds were measured on a total of 401 trees. Value chain analysis (VCA) was used to clarify the flow of dragon’s blood tree resin from the producers to the local, national, and international markets. Traditional management was examined using questionnaires in the case study area and surrounding villages. There are two tapping techniques: (1) collecting the pure dragon’s blood tree resin and (2) cutting part of the bark along with the pure resin. The second technique resulted in 84% of the trees having wounds. The tappers were mostly from the community in and around the forest. The study found that the traditional management system of tapping dragon’s blood tree resin is not sustainable.

Profitability and Determinants of the Choice of Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Kinshasa. Case of Salacia pynaertii De Wild, Gnetum africanum Welw, Pteridum centrali-africanum Hieron

The paper presents the result of the profitability and determinants of the choice of commercialization of non-timber forest products in Kinshasa. This was achieved by means of questionnaire survey administered to 207 vendors of Salacia pynaertii, Gnetum africanum and Pteridumcentrali-africanum. The objectives were to identify the factors which determine the choice of commercializing each non-timber forest product (NTFP) and determine their profitability. Descriptive analysis of all variables collected through the questionnaire survey was undertaken followed by logistic regression of selected factors. Age and marital status determine the choice of commercialization of S. pynaertii, experience is the only explanatory factor determining the choice of G. africanum; age, marital status, market access, place of supply and level of income are explanatory factors determining the choice of commercializing P. centrali-africanum. The results of the daily financial calculations gave the profitability of the 3 NTFPs studied as follows: 5300 CDF (5.7 USD) and 41, 7% for S. pynaertii, 9300 CDF (10 USD) and 86.9% for G. africanum; and 320 CDF (0.34 USD) and 32.2 for P. centrali-africanum.