Collection Of Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

Occupation Humaine De La Réserve De Faune Et De Flore Du Haut Bandama : Diagnostic Et Perspectives Pour Une Gestion Durable

The Upper Bandama fauna and flora reserve, which is part of Côte d'Ivoire's biodiversity conservation strategy, is threatened by the pressure of human activities. The purpose of this article is to make a socio-economic assessment of the exploitation of the natural resources of this protected area. Specifically, it is question of knowing the forms of activities which are developed there, the actors, the strategies of infiltration, and to determine the factors related to this occupation. Based on a data collection work that combines documentary research, semi-structured interviews and direct observation, artisanal gold mining, farming, poaching, fishing and collection of non-timber forest products have been identified as the major forms of degradation of this reserve. These activities involve different profiles of actors who have accessed the reserve under various conditions. They can be explained by the economic dynamism of the peripheral zone, the recomposition of this zone in the face of demographic pressure and land issues, the non-integration of the legal status of the reserve and the invisibility of the key actors. The study ends with perspectives for sustainable management of this reserve.

Land-Use/Land-Cover Change and Anthropogenic Causes Around Koupa Matapit Gallery Forest, West-Cameroon

This study assesses land cover change of the Koupa Matapit forest gallery, West Cameroon, in relation to anthropogenic factors. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to investigate the relationships between the local population and the gallery forest; the spatio-temporal dynamics of the landscapes around the gallery forest were studied from the diachronic analysis of three Landsat TM satellite images of 1984, Landsat ETM + 1999 and Landsat OLI_TIRS of 2016, supplemented by verification missions on field. The satellite images were processed using ArcGIS and Erdas Imagine software. According to surveys, it should be noted that agriculture and livestock are the main economic activities of the population of Koupa Matapit, agriculture and fuel wood collection for energy were the main anthropogenic activities responsible for deforestation and degradation of the forest gallery. The collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) would have a significant implication in land use and cover changes. The results indicate that the extension of savannah/agricultural land (from 6989 ha in 1984 to 7604 ha in 2016) and bare soil/built up area (from 71 ha in 1984 to 342 ha in 2016) would have led to the disappearance of much of the forest area (1465 ha in 1984 to 580 ha in 2016). The rapid population growth of Koupa Matapit would be responsible for these pressures. There is an urgent need to implement appropriate land use policy in this area.

森林減少・劣化の影響を受けやすい住民の特徴の6村間比較: カンボジアでの薪炭材・非木材林産物採取の事例

森林減少・劣化の影響を受けやすい住民の特徴の6村間比較: カンボジアでの薪炭材・非木材林産物採取の事例

Utilization Pattern of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among the Tribal Population of Chhattisgarh, India

This paper examined the utilization pattern of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among the tribal population living in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, India. The data for this study were generated from personal interviews of 135 respondents, who were randomly selected from nine villages of the Bilaspur district. The study showed that respondents were involved in collection of various NTFPs throughout the year. However, April-June month was found as the peak period for NTFPs collection by the respondents. All the respondents were engaged in mahua collection. Among the all collected NTFPs, the respondents had utilized mainly the fruit part of various NTFPs. The average quantities of various NTFPs collected by family−1 year−1 were as follows: 1483.25 stakes (bundles) of tendupatta, 144.51 kg of mahua and 79.25 kg of aam. The respondents consumed 70.18% of total collected quantity of kheksha followed by putu and chhatani (69.30%) and tendu (62.49%), whereas the respondents were selling 100% of total collected quantity of tendupatta and lakh followed by harra (97.94%). The data also revealed that the average annual income family−1 was maximum for mahua ( 2176.04) followed by char beej ( 1928.68) and gond ( 1888.98). The majority of respondents (94.81%) found bad weather as a main factor affecting the availability of various NTFPs. From this study, it could be concluded that collection, consumption and selling of NTFPs played a significant role in securing the livelihoods of the tribal population in the study area.

Community-based natural resource use and management of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Uganda, for livelihood benefits

Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands requires participation of local stakeholders, including communities. The Bigodi Wetland is unusual because it is situated in a common property landscape but the local community has been running a successful community-based natural resource management programme (CBNRM) for the wetland for over a decade. Whilst external visitors to the wetland provide ecotourism revenues we sought to quantify community benefits through the use of wetland goods such as firewood, plant fibres, and the like, and costs associated with wild animals damaging farming activities. We interviewed 68 households living close to the wetland and valued their cash and non-cash incomes from farming and collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and water. The majority of households collected a wide variety of plant and fish resources and water from the wetland for household use and livestock. Overall, 53% of total household cash and non-cash income was from collected products, mostly the wetland, 28% from arable agriculture, 12% from livestock and 7% from employment and cash transfers. Female-headed households had lower incomes than male-headed ones, and with a greater reliance on NTFPs. Annual losses due to wildlife damage were estimated at 4.2% of total gross income. Most respondents felt that the wetland was important for their livelihoods, with more than 80% identifying health, education, craft materials and firewood as key benefits. Ninety-five percent felt that the wetland was in a good condition and that most residents observed the agreed CBNRM rules regarding use of the wetland. This study confirms the success of the locally run CBNRM processes underlying the significant role that the wetland plays in local livelihoods.

Determinants of engagement in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) business activities: A study on worker households in the forest areas of Daxinganling and Xiaoxinganling Mountains, northeastern China

This study used data of 128 worker households that possessed woodland resources and owned by seven forestry bureaus (counties) belonging to the forest areas of Daxinganling and Xiaoxinganling Mountains to analyze the behavioral characteristics of worker households that engaged in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) business activities. A logistic regression model was utilized to analyze factors that influenced worker households to engage in NTFPs business activities. The study found the following: NTFPs collection activities had become the primary NTFPs business activity engaged in by the worker households in the forest areas of Daxinganling and Xiaoxinganling Mountains because of the relatively small investment needed as well as fewer production and operating risks. The engagement of worker households in the forest areas of Daxinganling and Xiaoxinganling Mountains in NTFPs business activities was still in a preliminary stage. Whether or not worker households engaged in NTFPs business activities was not affected by household head or household manpower characteristics; rather, worker households were more willing to engage in NTFPs business activities when the households had bank deposits, homes were close to the woodlands, the woodlands had good quality soil, and the households received social services.

Mushrooms and Cash Crops Can Coexist in Mountain Livelihoods: Wild Mushrooms as Economic and Recreational Resources in the Greater Mekong

Cash crop cultivation and harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are both important parts of rural livelihood portfolios worldwide. In mountainous areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion, government programs, scholars, and private-sector interests have promoted both as strategies for rural economic development. NTFPs are also often championed as an incentive for rural communities to protect forests. However, little is known about how cash crops and NTFPs interact in the daily lives and economic decisions of rural people in this region, or how they may differentially encourage forest conservation practices and values. With a focus on mushrooms as an NTFP and maca, rubber, and tea as cash crops, we conducted household surveys and key informant interviews in 2 prefectures of Yunnan, China, and 1 province in northern Thailand. Based on the results of this research, we make 4 key arguments. First, although cash crops are generally perceived to diminish the importance of NTFPs such as mushrooms in rural livelihoods, the potential also exists for complementarity between these 2 livelihood strategies. Second, while some species of wild edible mushroom incentivize forest conservation, others may incentivize practices that have a negative impact on forest ecosystems. Third, even in households where NTFPs make little or no contribution to livelihoods, people are likely to value forests for supporting, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. Fourth, even households that rely primarily on cash crops may value NTFP collection as a leisure activity. The latter phenomenon is previously unreported in NTFP research, and we suggest that it also reflects a blind spot in ecosystem services research. Mushrooms and cash crops can coexist in mountain livelihoods; wild mushrooms are both economic and recreational resources in the Greater Mekong.

Valuing the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products in Financial Valuation of Savannah Formation in Sudanian Region

This study assesses the financial value of one hectare of savannah vegetation in Sudanian region of West Africa based on the potential extraction of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Our methodology provides multiple estimations of NTFPs production from each species for two years and also takes into account variation in NTFPs prices. Given the regeneration capacity of harvested species for some NTFPs such as bark or root, we presented the annual financial value of revenue from NTFPs in contrary to some studies which determined their net present value. Results showed that the Net Annual Value of NTFPs collection is US$368 ha-1 and would justify the interest of sustainable use of these resources. The most valuable products of the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve savannah were species leaves (US$164 ha-1) followed by fruits (US$89 ha-1) and roots (US$78 ha-1). However, the Net Annual Value determined here is the potential value of the Sudanian savannah in NTFPs. The NTFPs financial valuation made in this study provided a useful details for comparing alternative land use practices. In view of the sustainable use of natural resources, a NTFP focused management system could be considered economically viable management option. However, they cannot be sustainability harvested in absence of careful species selection, yield studies, monitoring of regeneration and harvesting adjustments. Therefore, there is a need to know more about useful species availability, biology and reaction to harvesting impact, especially for those exploited for their roots, flowers or fruits.

Determinants of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and alternative livelihood activities in Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

Using primary data collected randomly from 244 households across 11 villages located in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, this study examines the extent and pattern of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and identifies and analyzes the factors that influence a household's participation in NTFP activities vis-à-vis alternative livelihood activities. Descriptive statistics and econometric techniques such as probit, tobit, and Heckman two-step selection models were used to analyze the data. The study finds that households derive a significant portion of their income from the collection of NTFPs; however, the extent and pattern of household dependence on NTFPs for income differ widely across different socioeconomic and demographic profiles. Level of education, age, landholding and household size, number of children, and gender influence the intensity of household collection of NTFPs. Households located inside the core zone of the reserve tend to depend more on NTFP collection compared to households residing in the buffer zone. Provision of non-farm employment and adequate farm land will go a long way in reducing household dependence on NTFPs and thereby improve forest conservation outcomes.

Recognized but not supported: Assessing the incorporation of non-timber forest products into Mexican forest policy

Although non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are incorporated into forest policy in Mexico, significant problems related to the importance of NTFPs for rural livelihoods, the ecological impacts from their extraction, and their cultural importance, have not been well articulated. This article explores the integration of NTFPs into forest policy discourse in Mexico as a strategy to support livelihood, conservation and cultural goals. Building on the scientific global literature on the subject, we identified 13 prominent NTFP management questions, including the ecological impacts of marketing NTFPs, the distribution of benefits of NTFP production among local populations, and rights of access to NTFP collection. To structure the analysis of Mexican policy we addressed these questions and processed three general dimensions most relevant to policy implementation - these are associated with the oftentimes competing policy goals of supporting rural people's livelihoods, environmental conservation, and strengthening culture (not only of indigenous peoples, but rural people in general). Subsequently we performed an evaluation of key forest policy instruments in Mexico, based on the three dimensions identified, in the effort to learn how successfully forest policy has integrated these dimensions. We conclude that although NTFPs are integrated into Mexican forest policy, drawbacks to their integration remain, related to the diversity in the nature, scale and marketing of these products, as well as to the diversity of local actors involved.

Gender analysis of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collection, processing and marreting in rural enclaves of Omo biosphere, Nigeria

Millions of people, especially those living in rural areas in developing countries collect Non-Timber Forest products (NTFPs) daily. Women are known to play a prominent role in forestry and agricultural production in Nigeria despite not been captured as economically productive. This work looked into gender dimension associated with collection, processing and marketing of NTFPs in Omo biosphere reserve.Simple random sampling technique was used to select 10 villages within and around the reserve.12 household respondents were interviewed with the aid of structured questionnaires in the selected villages. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and result presented inform of tables and chart.Finding showed the respondents are dominated by males (78.6%) while 90% are married, income earners with over ₦40000/month stood at 15%. It was found that apart from Theobroma cacao which is capital intensive to manage and require land ownership, there was virtually no NTFPs encountered that were not actively involved in by both sexes. Processing was found to be basically female based while collection is done by both sexes. Gender analysis of uses and benefit derived also indicated the involvement of both sexes. Much as women participated actively in collection, processing and marketing of these NTFPs, they should be given necessary opportunities to maximize their potentialsKeywords: Gender, NTFPs, collection, processing and marketing

Collection of Nontimber Forest Products from State Forests in the US South

Little is known about the harvest of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) in state forests of the US South. We asked the state forestry agencies in all 13 southern states about the products harvested and the policies regulating harvest, as well as evidence of illegal harvest and the effects of harvest on biodiversity. Of the 12 southern states that have state forests, 7 allow some harvest of NTFPs and 6 of those have evidence of illegal harvesting. The most common products cited were pine straw, pine cones, and live plants used for transplants into nurseries and landscaping. Only two states had enough data on the impacts of harvest to say that there is no negative effect on biodiversity.

Economic Valuation of Nontimber Forest Products under the Changing Climate in Kilombero District, Tanzania

Sustainable collection of Nontimber Forest Products (NTFPs) for trade is an appropriate measure to increase people’s adaptive capacity against adverse effects of climate change. However, information on the economic value for NTFPs for subsistence use and trade under the changing climate is inadequate, particularly in households around Iyondo Forest Reserve (IFR), in Kilombero District, Tanzania. The study identified and quantified NTFPs used for subsistence and trade, estimated its economic value, and examined factors influencing supply of NTFPs at household level. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews, questionnaire survey of 208 sample households, and spot market analysis to randomly selected NTFPs collectors, sellers, and buyers. The study identified 12 NTFPs used for subsistence and trade, which was evaluated in terms of the mean annual value per household. The mean annual value of the identified NTFPs ranged from TZS 4700 to 886 600. The estimated economic value of the studied NTFPs was TZS 51.4 billion (USD 36 million). The supply of NTFPs at household level was influenced by distance to the forest, change in forest management regime, seasonality, and change in rainfall pattern. NTFPs around IFR have high economic value which portrays the potential of developing them to enhance households’ adaptive capacity against climate change adverse effects.

Identifying characteristics of households affected by deforestation in their fuelwood and non-timber forest product collections: Case study in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

This study explored characteristics of households affected by deforestation in their fuelwood and non-timber forest product (NTFP) collections in Kampong Thom Province, Kingdom of Cambodia, where tropical lowland forests are decreasing in size owing mainly to agribusiness development and farming. Deforested areas were delineated by satellite image interpretation of forest cover change. A questionnaire survey was conducted for 161 households in six villages within three districts having varying degrees of forest cover changes per capita over a period of 5 years. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze characteristics of households affected by deforestation in their fuelwood and NTFP collections. The characteristics vary with the collection activity examined, either fuelwood or NTFP collection. We revealed that deforestation notably affects villagers whose non-forest fuelwood sources are scarce. People who collected fuelwood in forests after deforestation are more likely to be affected if the remaining forest area per capita near their village is less. In contrast, for NTFP collection, the size of the deforested area per capita near villages is more important than that of the remaining forest area, particularly to those who depend on NTFP collection as one of their main livelihood activities before deforestation. In contrast with much of the literature that has stated that the poor depend more on NTFPs, our results show that the relationship between household wealth and NTFP dependence was more than a simple negative correlation; i.e., the local people's material wealth was not a strong determinant in our NTFP model. The importance of stakeholder analysis and consultation with local residents in impact assessments and natural resource management involving land-use changes has been progressively acknowledged in the academic literature. In this context, we argue that it is essential to identify potentially affected groups among local residents in terms of their fuelwood and NTFP collections in a short-term period widely distributed at the provincial level. The combination of our findings, method applied and existing demographic survey networks in Cambodia provides an approach of identifying the affected residents in a transparent manner.

Non-market non-timber forest products in the Czech Republic—Their socio-economic effects and trends in forest land use

Non-timber forest products (NTFP), mainly edible mushrooms, forest berries, and medicinal plants, are of socio-economic importance in the Czech Republic (CR). They can be picked freely by forest visitors for their own use, irrespective of forest ownership. There is a century long tradition of foraging for wild food in the Czech forests and this article presents an analysis of the trends in the apparent socio-economic importance of the collection and use of NTFP for the inhabitants in the CR over the last 20 years.Data concerning the collection and use of NTFP in the CR have been systematically analysed every year since 1994 and, thus, a unique time series, even on the European level, has been obtained. The results of the analyses demonstrate that NTFP collection is an important activity for the inhabitants of the CR. Investigations based on questionnaire surveys in representative samples of CR citizens (quota selection) show that about 3/4 of the households report collecting NTFP. On average, 10.6kg of principal NTFP (mushrooms and berries) were picked by every household annually in 1994–2013, which amounts to 39.1milkg (almost 4kg/capita), and 3100mil. Czech Crowns (CZK), in the total CR. This value corresponds to 1/6 of the timber harvest value in an average year. Nevertheless, (in recent years) the share is even higher, exceeding 20% of the timber harvest value. A comparatively small part of the population collect NTFP to save money and an even lower share sell NTFP. The data obtained in these studies aims to improve the quality of the state forestry policy focused on the optimum use of NTFP, to enhance the income from forests, to support NTFP commercial production and to raise the level of forest conservation.

Swertia chirayta, a Threatened High-Value Medicinal Herb: Microhabitats and Conservation Challenges in Sikkim Himalaya, India

Assessing the impact of threats, identifying favorable growing conditions, and predicting future population scenarios are vital for the conservation and management of threatened species. This study investigated the availability, microhabitat characteristics, threat status, and community associations of Swertia chirayta, a highly threatened Himalayan medicinal herb, in 22 populations in Sikkim, India, using the vertical belt transect method. Of the 14 microhabitats identified, open grassy slope emerged as the most favorable and wet grassy slope as the least favorable for S. chirayta. The species was dominant in 8 of the 10 major plant communities identified. Among 9 major types of disturbance identified, human movement and collection of non-timber forest products appeared as the biggest threats to S. chirayta. Disturbances significantly affected the availability of the species. S. chirayta, though under high anthropogenic threat, maintains high microhabitat pliability, which is vital for its conservation a...

English

The Douala-Edea Wildlife reserve rich in biodiversity is a reservoir for the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These products are involved in the management of natural resources by providing additional income to households. This study examines the effect or contribution of NTFPs in household incomes of local residents in the reserve and has as objective to identify and evaluate the marketing of these products in the Douala-Edea reserve. The method used was based on surveys of people who practice on a daily bases the collection, marketing and consumption of NTFPs in order to determine species, harvested products and the quantities extracted from the forest. A second survey was conducted in two local markets (Mouanko and Dehaene) located in the periphery of the reserve to determine the market value of harvested forest products. A total of 18 species have been identified as NTFPs. 100% of the plants serve for human consumption as seeds (60%), fruits (30%), sap (5%), and the simultaneous use of seeds and fruits (5%). Women and children are involved in the collection and marketing, while men are associated with children only to collect. The NTFPs estimates obtained in the surveys in March and October 2012 showed 3 tonnes and 4 tonnes of Ricinodendron heudelotii, 200 and 300 kg of Irvingia gabonensis, 100 and 200 kg of Coula edulis, 500 and 800 kg of Baillonella toxisperma. NTFPs market value varied in dollars between 800 $ and 1600 $ for C. edulis 600 $ to 800 $ for R. heudelotii, 150 $ to 1600 $ in B. toxisperma, and 400 $ to 800 $ for I. gabonensis. This represents about 39% of household income in these forest zones. Key words: NTFPs, Protected area, management, market value, inhabitants.

The direct-use value of urban tree non-timber forest products to household income in poorer suburbs in South African towns

Valuation of the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household incomes has been well researched in the rural and remote areas of the developing world. In comparison, there has been little investigation of the contribution of NTFPs in urban areas and amongst the urban poor. This paper reports results from a survey of 450 households across three towns on the use and value of tree NTFPs collected by households in the poorer areas from their own homesteads, open spaces within towns and at the urban periphery. Collection (and purchase) of tree NTFPs was widespread, especially of firewood and fruits. The ratio collected from homesteads relative to other urban spaces differed between products and the amount required. Overall, approximately 20% of household income was derived from urban tree NTFPs. The highest contribution (33%) was amongst the poorest sectors represented by mostly recent migrants to towns who were living in informal settlements whilst trying to establish a foothold in the urban economy. In the formal housing areas the contribution was at least 14%, which has been overlooked by standard income surveys in urban areas.

Gender analysis of non-timber forest products utilization by neighborhood communities of cross-river national park

This study examines gender roles in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) utilization by adjoining communities to Cross River National Park (CRNP), Oban Division. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire administered on 110 respondents randomly selected from these communities. These were augmented by information from in-depth interviews, personal observations and market surveys. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The gender composition of respondents was male dominated (62.73%). Most respondents (56.36%) were within the productive age range of 20-40 years with majority of the households (80.00%) being large; comprising at least six dependants upwards. Respondents’ main occupations were farming (45.50%), NTFPs collection (21.82%), hunting (14.55%), and fishing (9.09%). In these occupations, males (49.28%) dominated females (39.02%) in farming, while females (39.02%) dominated males (11.59%) in NTFPs collection. Hunting was 100% a male vocation, and women only assisted in processing. Sixteen different NTFPs were being collected from the forests in the area, and these were variously utilized as sources of employment, income, and consumption. For the continuous sustenance of people in the area on NTFPs, the domestication of the NTFPs and extensive education of the people on best management and utilization practices were recommended.Keywords: Gender roles, NTFPs utilization, Cross River National Park, livelihoods.

Forms and Trends of Encroachments in Cross River National Park of Nigeria

Forms and trends of encroachments were investigated in Cross River National Park (CRNP) of Nigeria with the view of ascertaining the prevailing forms, trends, strategies of poaching and ecological consequences of illegal exploitations on the state of species in the biodiversity hotspot; that is contiguous with Korup and Takamanda national parks of Cameroon. Data for this study were obtained through personal observations, administrative record, structured questionnaires and in depth interview with experienced members of park protection staff who have been in the park for a minimum period of five years and are therefore quite knowledgeable about wildlife management and protection in the park. A set of questionnaire was randomly administered to 40 Park protection staff of CRNP in other to examine the forms, trends, intensity and reasons for encroachment in the park. Data on trend of arrest being an indicator of encroachment was collected from the administrative record of CRNP. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages and frequency of counts. Hunting (100%) and collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) (75%) were implicated as the highest form of encroachment in the park while fuel wood collection (15%) was the least. The highest and lowest forms of arrest between 1991 and 2014 were 12.8% and 0.2% respectively. The least annual arrest (0.2%) recorded between 1991 and 2014 was in 1994 and 1995 respectively. Out of 616 arrests made between 1991 and 2014 34.%, 28.9% and 26.1% were for logging, hunting and collection of NTFPs respectively while aiding and abetting had the least record of only 1.6%. Nevertheless most respondents implicated households of host and enclave communities as encroachers (85.00%) and aiders of encroachments (95.0%) in CRNP. Cross River National Park is porous to non-seasonal encroachment as the anti poaching operations therein are ineffective.