Important Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

Assessing the impact of voluntary sustainability standards in Amazonian enterprises involved in the açaí value chain

The diversity of sustainable certifications raises questions about the credibility, intentions, and impacts of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on Global Value Chains (GVC). Few studies show the impacts of VSS on different sustainable dimensions in sectors such as the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector. This paper aims to investigate in the value chain of the most important NTFP in the Amazon, açaí, whether VSS contributes to sustainable outcomes in the Governance, Environmental, Economic, and Social dimensions. Using case studies in enterprises of the açaí chain and the use of tools and indicators was possible to generate information that is currently scarce for NTFPs in the Amazon from the VSS perspective. The results show that there is a great distance that the weakest links of the GVC (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises – MSMEs) must walk to adopt VSS and be inserted into the global market. The requirements are based on bureaucratic management activities, which are extraordinarily complex and involve many issues and indicators. The VSS lacks supplements that evaluate and validate the results reported by the companies as sustainable. Finally, the VSS is still far from ensuring an inclusive and fully sustainable chain by itself.

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.

Bamboo research and development in Nepal

Bamboos are important sources of income for rural households in Nepal and elsewhere. This paper highlights bamboo research and development activities that have so far been carried out in Nepal and the prospects for future research and development. Bamboos, the perennial woody grasses, are one of the very important non-timber forest products of Nepal. They are an important component of rural farming system. These play a critical role in rural economy and helps sustain livelihoods of many rural households, in particular social and economically disadvantaged groups. Bamboo culms and its various products are readily sold and bought in the market (Poudyal, 1992; Das, 1999). It is in this context that Bamboo is increasingly identified as potential species for poverty reduction programs in many countries including Nepal. Box 1 indicates the importance of Bamboo for domestic as well as commercial purposes. Despite its importance, management and commercial utilization aspects are not yet fully explored to its potential in Nepal.

Informing Producers in a Nontraditional Maple Syrup Region: Red Maple and Sugar Maple Production Parameters in Kentucky

Abstract Maple syrup is an important nontimber forest product in the northern latitudes of North America but has regained popularity in more southerly regions, including Kentucky. We provide the first formal investigation of the relationships between tree attributes and sap production parameters for red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in Kentucky. During the 2020 and 2021 maple syrup seasons, we monitored per-tap sap volume production and sugar content of seventy-five red maples and seventy-five sugar maples to understand regional trends in maple production. Positive interannual correlations (r = 0.69–0.71) for sap volume and sugar content indicated that individual-tree production was relatively consistent between years. Moderate to strong positive relationships between diameter at breast height (DBH) and both annual sap volume production and sugar content were identified for both species. Predictive equations for sap volume and sugar content based on dbh demonstrated satisfactory predictive power and probable generalizability to new data sets. Trends in sap volume production and sugar content during Kentucky’s maple syrup season indicated that maple syrup production is closely related to weather patterns and site and tree characteristics, and the tools developed in this study will aid regional practitioners with feasibility analyses, operational implementation, long-term planning, and sugarbush management. Study Implications: Maple syrup production has become more popular in southern states in recent decades. Our study tracked yearly sap volume production and sugar content (the measures that control syrup yield) for red and sugar maples across two seasons in Kentucky. We found that both sap volume and sugar content increased with DBH and can be satisfactorily predicted by DBH. Trees in dominant and codominant crown classes yielded higher syrup volumes than intermediate and overtopped trees. The tools developed by this study will aid landowners and foresters in estimating the potential maple syrup yield of southern sugarbushes.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in rural livelihoods: A study of Dabhaura Forest Range in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh (India)

This study focuses on the socio-economic importance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. The research explores the demographic profile, NTFP collection practices and economic contributions of NTFPs to income of rural households in four selected villages. The findings reveal that NTFPs, particularly Tendu leaves, Mahua flowers, Mahua fruit, and Gudmar leaves, significantly contribute to the livelihoods of local communities. The study emphasizes the critical role of NTFPs, especially among rural populations and underscores the need for sustainable practices and market interventions to enhance the well-being of these marginalized communities.

Working conditions in non-timber forest products gathering in eastern Cameroon

Non-timber forest product (NTFP) contributes to the livelihoods of about 2 billion people worldwide, and are among the most valuable plant resources for current and future food security. However, their exploitation is becoming problematic due to their increasing scarcity and the rudimentary and arduous working conditions for rural populations whose incomes are inextricably linked. The aim of this study was to analyze the working conditions of NTFP harvesters in Eastern Cameroon, in order to detect bottlenecks and ultimately to propose ways of improvement. The methodological approach consisted of semi-structured surveys of 180 households belonging to two ethnic groups, including Baka and Bantou. This was done in three villages around Boumba Bek and Nki national parks (BBNNP). Surveys focused on working conditions related to five important NTFPs, namely Irvingia gabonensis, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Monodora myristica, Afrostyrax lepidophyllus and Afromomum melegueta. Distance walking from villages to gathering sites, working time and drudgery perception were studied comparatively for these two ethnic groups. Results show that the most active age group in NTFP gathering is between 30 and 45 for Bantou and Baka. Baka travel longer distances in forests, reaching records of over 23 km to gather NTFP. R. heudelotii is the most time-consuming species gathered. I. Gabonensis and A. lepidophyllus also require significant working time. Overall, the two ethnic groups have almost similar drudgery perceptions involved in all NTFP gathering activities. A. lepidophyllus and R. heudelotii showed the highest drudgery scores compared with other NTFPs. The domestication of priority NTFP species and the provision of shelling machines would improve the working conditions of local populations.

Uncovering the miRNA-mediated regulatory network involved in Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) de novo shoot organogenesis

Abstract Bamboo is an important non-timber forest product and is well-known for its reluctance to regenerate. Recently we have established a de novo shoot organogenesis (DNSO) protocol in Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) and revealed the transcriptomic dynamics during Ma bamboo regeneration, which suggested the potential roles of Ma bamboo microRNAs (DlamiRNAs) in this process. However, how DlamiRNAs regulate bamboo DNSO is poorly understood. Here we performed integrated analysis with sRNAome, degradome, and transcriptome sequencing by using samples covering the four stages of the bamboo DNSO process. A total of 727 DlamiRNAs showed differential expression during the bamboo DNSO process, and the core DlamiRNA–DlamRNA- mediated regulatory networks for bamboo DNSO were constructed. Based on the results, DlamiR156 was selected for further functional characterization of its potential roles in bamboo DNSO. Transgenic bamboos with increased DlamiR156 levels exhibited an enhancement in their regeneration efficiency. Conversely, when DlamiR156 levels were downregulated, the regeneration efficiencies of transgenic bamboos decreased. Our findings show that the DlamiRNA-mediated regulatory pathways are significant in the process of bamboo regeneration and will contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing plant organogenesis in a more comprehensive manner.

Influences of Fertilization to Selected Economically Important Palms on the Preference of Scale Insect (Aspidiotus Rigidus Reyne)

Scale insect (Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne) outbreak threatens the coconut industry and other economically important non-timber forest products like rattan, buri, kaong and anahaw. This research investigated growth, anatomy, and chemical properties of palms that influence their susceptibility to scale insect. Growth parameters (shoot and root length, leaf area, number of leaves, root/shoot ratio, and plant biomass) were measured. Chlorophyll content was determined using Apogee CCM-200 plus Chlorophyll meter. Cell size of the mesophyll layer and thickness of leaf and epidermis on the adaxial and abaxial sides were measured using Image J (1.43m) software. Population count of the coconut scale insect was determined. The silica content in leaves was obtained using SEM-EDX Analysis. Growth parameters except number of leaves, total biomass and root/shoot ratio were highly increased in inorganic than organic and control. Chlorophyll count on coconut was significantly reduced to 36.2%, 41.7% and 13.2% on zero, organic, and inorganic fertilizers, respectively due to insect infestation. Interestingly, the scale insect population was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) by 87% due to inorganic fertilization in coconut but not in other palms. However, organic fertilization encouraged infestation by 56% as compared with 69% reduction in coconut with inorganic application. The amount of silica in leaves was rattan >kaong> buri >anahaw> coconut, suggesting addition of inorganic fertilizer to address scale insect infestation and provide quality palms.

Monopodial and sympodial bamboos grown in tropic and sub-tropic countries – A Review

Bamboo belongs to the grass family and is an important non-timber forest product in tropic and sub-tropic countries. The global trade of bamboo products is worth billions of dollars and is mainly dominant with monopodial bamboo grown in sub-tropic countries such as China and Japan. Many researchers globally discuss that in addition to species and region, bamboo quality can differ based on its rhizome types because the physiology is different for both monopodial and sympodial bamboo. However, there is a massive competition within the yearly forest products due to the challenges posed by underground root system in agroforestry. This review studied the properties of bamboo with regards to their differences in terms of monopodial and sympodial types of rhizomes. It was found that most of the structural, chemical organic, and mechanical properties are higher in monopodial bamboo, but there is a greater fibre morphology and decay resistance in the sympodial bamboo.

Phenology of Terminalia chebula tree in the Dry Deciduous Forest of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, Southern India

The study was conducted at Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, India from 2015 to 2019. This study intended to understand the periodic events in biological life cycles concerning changes in the timings of seasonal events. It includes leafing, flowering, and fruiting patterns among the selected tree species of Terminalia chebula Retz., which is an important non-timber forest product (NTFPs) species in the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary. A total of 32 adult individual trees, from two transects at different places were selected and were observed at thirty days intervals. It was observed that there was a species-specific phenological relationship between the deciduous period and the initiation of seasonal rainfall and warm periods. Leaf maturity peak was in August. Leaf fall activity was in January before the arrival of an intense dry period. The reproductive phenology like flowering, fruiting, and fruit obsession was significantly varied across the different seasons among the observed tree species. The majority of tree species (56%) revealed synchronous flowering with Leaf flush activity. The results indicate that Leafing (58%) and flowering phenology (75%) occur during the dry period before the onset of first rains and fruiting, fruit fall timing was in consequence to utilize the growing season. Thus, species specificity was recorded concerning flowering and fruiting and was found to be with the seasonal rainfall distribution and in turn soil moisture availability in the study area. The results of the study would help in better management of fruiting tree species in natural forests.

Potential cultivation areas of Euterpe edulis (Martius) for rainforest recovery, repopulation and açai production in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Euterpe edulis is an endangered palm species that provides the most important non-timber forest product exploited in its natural habitat, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest hotspot1,4. From 1991 to 2017, pasturelands, agriculture, and monoculture of tree plantations were responsible for 97% of Atlantic Forest deforested areas in Brazil and Santa Catarina was one of the Brazilian states with the greatest loss of forest area14. In the last decade, E. edulis fruits reached their highest commercial value, producing the southeastern equivalent of Amazonian ‘‘açai’’ (Euterpe oleracea)5,7,8. As a shade-tolerant species, E. edulis adapts very well to agroforestry systems8,10. To evaluate potential areas for cultivation of E. edulis through agroforestry systems, we developed and applied a spatial model for mapping suitable areas. To accomplish this, we analyzed multisource biophysical data and E. edulis distribution data from the Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina. We identified two areas with potential occurrence of the species, one in the domains of coastal Dense Ombrophilous Forest where the species is more common and another in the domains of inland Deciduous Seasonal Forest where its occurrence was suspected, but not proven, until 2021. Today, Deciduous Seasonal Forest is the most fragmented and impacted by agriculture. Our model, together with confirmed areas of occurrence, indicates that deciduous seasonal forest region should be prioritized for production and recovery of E. edulis through agroforestry systems.

Utilization of bamboo resources and their market value in the western Himalayan region of India

India has the second richest diversity of bamboos, with a wide variety of indigenous and exotic bamboo species. They are found in and around forest and non-forest areas and have immense socioeconomic, cultural, and ecological significance. The various uses of bamboo mean that it is an important non-timber forest product that has multiple roles in the maintenance, development and protection of the environment. The Himalayan region has untapped bamboo resource potential; and this study reviews the existing literature. It is supported by research experience on the bamboo resources of the western Himalaya region of India (mainly focused on distribution, utilization and marketing). The western Himalayas have 14 bamboo species with a scattered to moderate distribution in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Jammu and Kashmir have low bamboo diversity. A survey of the major markets in the western Himalaya revealed that there is a wide range of useful and decorative bamboo products available in the market. Bamboo is an important resource in western Himalaya and an increase in bamboo cultivation and its use could help boost livelihoods while providing a number of environmental benefits.

Trend and Current Status of Forest Resources in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia is endowed with diverse forest resources. Amhara National Regional State, one of the administrative regions in Ethiopia, has diverse ecology and is endowed with diversified flora and fauna. Forest resources in the region provide various uses and services to the local community. But the forest resources of the region have faced huge devastation due to high human and livestock pressure. As a response, efforts have been made to conserve and develop the forest resources of the region. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the current status and trend of forest resources in the region. This review provides the current status and trend of forest resources in the region based on a literature search from different sources. The review showed that the overall forest resource of the region decreased over time, despite the expansion of plantation forests. Most of the natural forest resources of the region disappeared and remnants are found in church compounds and other forest conservation areas. Plantation forests in the region are dominated by exotic tree species, majorly Eucalyptus. Most important non-timber forest products have been neglected, and modern forest development interventions are lacking. This review paper is indispensable for decision-makers, academicians, development, and research institutions to direct their focus toward developing technologies and information for the sustainable development of the forest resources in the region. Appropriate forest management and utilization practices have to be implemented for the sustainability of the forest resources in the region. Since the forest resource in the region is under dynamic change, regularly updating and providing information on its current status is imperative for timely and proper decision-making

Domestic and export markets for Myanmar tiger grass brooms: A case study of Taunggya Village, Shan State

Tiger grass (Thysanolaena latifolia Honda), a perennial grass often found in the swidden fallows of South and Southeast Asia, is one of the most important non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Myanmar. It is traditionally used to make brooms for not only domestic consumption but also for export to other countries. This note presents preliminary analyses on domestic and export markets for Myanmar tiger grass brooms based on an interview survey on the market chain of tiger grass products from Taunggya Village in the Southern Shan State in January 2020 and export statistics for past 10 years. To aid our survey, we reviewed information on prices of tiger grass and its products in Myanmar. From the interview survey, we estimated that value-added prices of tiger grass products between producers and traders increase by almost double at the grass processing stage and by 5−8 times at the broom manufacturing stage around the Taunggya Village. On the other hand, exports of tiger grass (as raw material and broom products) drastically increased from 2014, suggesting increasing demand for tiger grass supply from local communities. The recent decline of swidden farming in Myanmar, however, replaced by permanent farming may result in habitat loss of tiger grass that grows only in the early stages of swidden fallows, which might lead to need for cultivation in some region to meet increasing demand for tiger grass.

Potential of Beekeeping to Support the Livelihood, Economy, Society, and Environment of Indonesia

The management of natural resources based on socio-economic and ecology development has led to a focus on the bioeconomy in the policy discourse of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Honey is an important NTFP with high socio-economic value, and its production involves millions of Indonesians. This article reviews the current status of honey-producing bee management, cultivation and harvesting system, marketing and socio-economic values, and the industry’s environmental function in Indonesia. This research utilized a meta-narrative review method to collect data and information from Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, ResearchGate, Sinta, and Garuda. The study showed that the four bee species, namely Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, and stingless bee, are the most common species in honey production in Indonesia. The four species have specific characteristics based on habitat, production capacity, derivative products, management intervention to meet honey product standards, and sustainable livelihoods. The value chain of bees’ major products, such as honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, wax, and other derivative products, involves the distribution of honey to all involved communities, including beekeepers, honey gatherers/hunters, intermediate traders, and the processing industry. This study also found a significant association between environmental sustainability statutes that affects functional sustainability and economic function. The finding parallels the global trends that put forward a forest-based bioeconomy approach to forest resource management. The policy must be strengthened in managing relationships among supporting actors for sustainable honey production.

Economic and medicinal importance of nontimber forest products at yoni chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Economic and medicinal importance of nontimber forest products at yoni chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products in tribal Economy of Manipur A Study of 15 villages of Thadou-Kuki tribe

The study examines the forms of forest management and the importance of NTFPs among the Thadou-Kuki tribes of Manipur. A village-level household census survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in fifteen villages of Thadou-Kuki tribes scattered in three districts – Senapati, Churachandpur, and Chandel of Manipur where this tribe settles in large numbers. The study finds that the traditional form of forest protection among the Thadou-Kuki tribes is losing its steam in the face of population pressure and limited livelihood opportunities. The study finds that among the NTFPs, firewood is the main NTFP extracted in terms of livelihood and income, while other edible NTFPs like medicinal plants, vegetables, ferns, mushrooms, fruits, etc. are gathered solely for self-consumption. Overexploitation of forest for firewood by the villages is hurting the growth of other important NTFPs which has a high market value. With limited income from grain-based agriculture and negligible cash income from forest resources, some villages are resorting to illegal poppy cultivation which has high returns. The study also observes the emergence of new forms of forest land management which serve the immediate needs of chiefs and villagers without considering its sustainability.

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.

Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Local Communities: The Case of Belete Gera Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

Forests provides non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Studies on the contribution of NTFPs to local people's livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation have grown in popularity. However, information on the contribution of NTFPs to annual household income is limited. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of NTFPs in local peoples' livelihoods. The study employed a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information during a face-to-face interview. Furthermore, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data on major NTFPs and triangulate data from HHs surveyed. An interview was conducted with 181 households in and around the forest at random. The most important NTFPs extracted from the forest were forest coffee, honey, charcoal, Aframomum kororima, fuel wood, lianas, Rhamnus prinoides, and medicinal plants. According to the findings, after crop production, NTFPs were the second most important source of income, accounting for 28% of total household income on average. Household NTFP contributions vary by wealth category, with poor (46%) and medium (40%) households contributing more than rich (14%). In general, income from various NTFPs contributes significantly to the annual income of local households, providing an important incentive to conserve forest resources in a sustainable manner. Better policies and strategies are required to sustain local people's livelihoods while conserving forest resources.

THE MAIN NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS FROM ALBA COUNTY

Non-timber forest products have a lot of other terms which are more or less synonyms like „natural products, wild products”. Non-timber forest products (NTFP) represent a category of products which are provide of wild plants and animals from the forest or from any other natural vegetation types. Around the world humans harvested NTFP from the oldest time. The most common types of NTFP at global level are forest fruits, medicinal plants, fauna of hunting interest and edible mushrooms. Romania has a high potential regarding the harvesting of these types of products due to big diversity of forest and forest site conditions. The aim of this study was to highlight the most important non-timber products from Alba county. First of all was made a selection of most common non-timber products and then were realized a ranking using a set of 19 criteria. The study conclusion was that the most important NTFP from Alba county are honey and hazelnuts follow by golden Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) and Christmas tree.