Non-timber Forest Products Species Research Articles

How can dry tropical forests respond to climate change? Predictions for key Non-Timber Forest Product species show different trends in India.

The present study provides an assessment of the distribution of key Non-Timber Forest Product species in India, namely Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Buchanania lanzan Spreng., Madhuca longifolia (J. Koenig ex L.) J. F. Macbr., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. The suitable habitat was analyzed under current climate scenarios and subsequently, the future distribution (2050s and 2070s) was mapped under RCP 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios, along with the past distribution (mid-Holocene, ~ 6000calyear BP) using the MaxEnt species distribution model. The distribution of all species is primarily driven by key bioclimatic factors, including annual precipitation (Bio_12), mean annual temperature (Bio_1), isothermality (Bio_3) and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio_19). The results indicate that the present distribution of these species is mainly centred in the Western Ghats regions, Central Highlands, North-eastern India and Siwalik hills. The current study suggests that under the future climate change, the suitable habitat for A. marmelos and T. bellirica is expected to increase while for B. lanzan, M. longifolia and P. emblica, it is projected to decline. A. marmelos and T. bellirica are anticipated to exhibit resilience to future climate changes and are expected to be minimally affected, while B. lanzan, M. longifolia and P. emblica are highly sensitive to high temperature and alteration in rainfall pattern expected under future climate changes. The projections of habitat suitability areas can be used as a valuable foundation for developing conservation and restoration strategies aimed at alleviating the climate change impacts on NTFP species.

Enhanced local governance as response to threats on vulnerable non-timber forest product species: Case of Garcinia kola Heckel in East Cameroon

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) on which there is high reliance by the local population are often highly threatened. Hence, the current study was carried out to assess the local governance of vulnerable NTFPs and to find prospective strategies for enhancing local governance using Garcinia kola Heckel, a Vulnerable NTFP highly solicited by local communities for their livelihoods in Eastern Cameroon. Focus group discussions were used to collect data in 14 villages adjacent to Belabo-Diang Communal Forest on the major constraints of local governance, and prospects for enhancing local governance to guarantee the conservation and sustainable management of G. kola through a key stakeholders engagement workshop. Synthesis and analysis of the data identified twelve major constraints of the local governance of G. kola. The study also revealed the low power of local authorities over the regulation of the resource rights and its sustainable use, and the laxity and poor participation of different stakeholders in the management of G. kola. The most feasible local governance strategies identified that can enhance the conservation and sustainable use of G. kola were: sensitization on its threats and need to conserve; build capacity of council forest managers and local people on sustainable harvesting practices and planting techniques; the use of incentives to promote regeneration and private plantation and ownership; value chain organisation and the enforcement of the customary regulations. The study concludes that for enhanced local governance to play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of vulnerable NTFPs, all key stakeholders need to play their respective roles in a collaborative and responsible manner within the confines of good policies and pragmatic institutional arrangements.

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.

Secondary vegetation provides a reservoir of non-timber forest products and agroforestry service options for forestry plantation systems, Maputaland, South Africa

Tree species providing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have the potential to enhance the socio-economic value of forestry plantation systems and mitigate biodiversity loss associated with production landscapes in Southern Africa. This can be accomplished by integrating NTFP agroforestry systems with forestry plantation systems but raises questions around which species and products are suited to the different environments that exist within large plantation systems or plantation landscapes. These questions can be answered by assessing the NTFP and agroforestry system (AFS) value of native species that form part of secondary vegetation within forestry plantations by shedding light on the disturbance regimes and environmental conditions that NTFP species prefer. This study assessed the NTFP value of secondary vegetation growing within abandoned clear-felled and abandoned unharvested forestry compartments. It addressed differences between the NTFP value of secondary vegetation and natural forest while providing options for how native species could be integrated into a forestry plantation system using agroforestry. We found that secondary vegetation growing in abandoned compartments provided roughly two-thirds of the NTFP uses provided by natural forest. The state of the compartment at the time of abandonment influenced which NTFPs were available. Secondary woodland developing in clear-felled compartments contained NTFPs which were associated with fire-adapted woodland species (e.g. fruit and oils from Marula trees). Naturalising forest in unfelled plantation compartments contained a composition of NTFPs associated with the provision of wood products. Our results show that native vegetation growing as secondary vegetation in forestry plantation systems has the potential to guide the development of native species agro-forestry systems and, in general, can contribute to a more formalised approach for integrating NTFP supply in forestry plantation systems.

The concurrent impacts of drought and leaf harvesting on two traditional African vegetable non-timber forest product species.

Investigating the concurrent impacts with harvesting on wild vegetables can guide their sustainable management while contributing to the understanding of such impacts on NTFP species. This study investigated leaf production, morphological and growth responses to the concurrent impacts of drought and leaf harvesting between two wild vegetables. A randomized greenhouse experiment was implemented with 1,334 plants of Amaranthus sp. and 391 of B. pilosa. A drought treatment was first implemented through six levels of drought stress and a control treatment. The harvesting treatment consisted of four harvesting levels and was implemented twice. Measurements were recorded before first and second harvests and at end of experiment. Data were separated into two periods (after first and second harvests) and analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and log-linear analysis. The results showed significant effects of drought on both species. However, Amaranthus sp. appeared more resilient to reduction in the daily amount of water than reduction in the frequency, while B. pilosa was resilient under both facets of drought stress. For Amaranthus sp., basal diameter, its growth, leaf production and survival increased with increase in the harvesting level (with some exceptions) after first harvest. After second harvest, there was decrease in plant height and leaf production. In B. pilosa, the impact was only significant on survival and leaf production (after first harvest). The effect of the interaction of the two drivers was significant for Amaranthus sp., but not for B. pilosa. The results also highlighted the possible negative impact of a prolonged high rate harvesting on the species performance, especially under severe drought. Basal diameter, its growth, survival and leaf production appeared more resilient to reduced amounts of watering in Amaranthus sp., and under both types of drought stress for B. pilosa. This suggests that both species could be sustained under medium drought stress.

Seedling Recruitment of Rhododendron arboreum: an important NTFP species of North-Western Himalaya, India

We examined the recruitment, survival, mortality, growth, and development of Rhododendron arboreum Smith, one of the important Non- Timber forest Product species (NTFPs). Ten permanent plots (10 x 10 m2) were created in four sites of mixed broad-leaved temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya. We measured seedling shoot length and collar diameter at the beginning of the experiment and re-measured at three-month intervals with maximum seedling recruitment recorded in Triguginaryan (36.36 %, during Nov and Aug), and most seedlings were found established either on the boundary or in either partially or fully gaps. While a higher rate of mortality occurred in the winter season. Maximum height increment for seedlings was recorded in Adhwani (1.005 cm-1). R. arboreum recorded the highest recruitment during post-rainy, with an overall increment of 0.60 cm-1. Seasonal variations were seen in the overall relative growth rate for height (RGRH) for Rhododendron seedlings. Seasonal variation in temperature and light is a crucial factor in determining growth. Because of the favorable temperature and soil moisture during the rainy season, vigorous shoot growth continued for the longest period of time at all four sites. The current study's findings also show that seedlings develop and survive better in gaps than in the understory. The current study also demonstrates that ideal soil moisture and temperature conditions are essential for seedling growth and development.

Habitat suitability mapping for a high-value non-timber forest product: A case study of <i>Rauvolfia serpentina</i>

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are essential for rural livelihoods but are often threatened by deforestation and overexploitation. Rauvolfia serpentina is a critical NTFP species; however, there have been no studies on the impact of future climate change on its potential habitat distribution. We used the Maxent modeling approach to address this knowledge gap and determine this species’ current and future suitability under climate change scenarios. The areas more suitable to its occurrence were mainly located near the southwestern coastal regions of Myanmar and India. Based on our predictions, these ‘very high’ suitability areas are likely to decrease in 2070 under both low and high CO2 emission scenarios, indicating the future vulnerability of this species’ habitat to the impact of climate change. This species is a highly valued NTFP species in the study region; therefore, such a reduction in habitat suitability may result in reductions in NTFP production and economic benefits for the dependent populations. Our findings can help define and conserve areas containing the natural habitats of this high-valued NTFP species.

Exploration Exploration of Species and Spatial Distribution Non-Timber Forest Products Using Geographic Information System (GIS)

This study was conducted to look at the types and spatial distribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Data on NTFPs species, distribution, and parts used was obtained through species identification. Meanwhile, NTFP mapping activities use GIS. The results showed that there were 8 types of NTFPs used by the villagers, namely Arenga pinnata, Hevea brasiliensis, Durio zibethinus, Areca catechu, Theobroma cacao, Parkia speciosa, Lansium parasiticum, and Archidendron pauciflorum. They use it for daily consumption and sell it to collectors in the form of fresh fruit, palm sugar, leaves, roots, seeds, and sap. Non-timber forest products are scattered in clusters and unevenly in the village area.

Understanding the Phyllanthus and Terminalia chebula Species Population Change, Dependency and Sustainability: A Study in Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are vital sources of livelihood for forest-dependent communities across the globe. This study examined the NTFPs species (Phyllanthus emblica, P. indofischeri, and Terminalia chebula) population change determined by the dependency, disturbances, and accessibility in the dry tropical forest of Malai Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills wildlife sanctuary. The long-term monitoring population data were analyzed across three time periods; 2000-01, 2010-11, and 2020-21. The participatory research methods were used to assess the dependency and accessibility which influence the population structure. The multi-factor linkage approach was used to identify the significant drivers of population decline. The results indicated that grazing, fire, hemi-parasite infection, and Lantana invasion influenced the tree population structure and regeneration of study species. This study has also indicated variations and changes in the interrelationship among factors that have a significant role in shaping NTFPs species population structure. Multiple factor analysis determined that grazing, fire, and lantana have significant impacts on population structures, regeneration, and fruit production of NTFPs species. The study recommended that forest managers should consider a site-specific adaptive approach and multiple factors models and inclusive management tools provisioned in recent policies like the Biological Diversity Act -2002 and Forest Rights Act-2006 would hold great potential for developing sustainable use and co-management practices.

Insights from Local Community on Changing Availability of Non-Timber Forest Products under Climate Change in Panchadeval Binayak Municipality, Achham District, West Nepal

Local people in the hilly area depend upon different varieties of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as foods, medicines, spices, etc. for income generation, except timber. This paper highlights the perception of local people over current situation including status of availability of NTFPs under changing climate. Data were collected by using questionnaire survey and key informant interview (KII) in 9 wards of Panchadeval Binayak Municipality during April, 2022. Altogether 225 interviews were taken with the oldest family members of each household. Total 89 species of NTFPs were noted. Majority of species were used for medicinal purpose (53.92%), followed by edible (30.33%) whereas 15.73% species were used for fodder, fuelwood and other purposes. Climate change and availability of NTFPs were analyzed according to people’s perception. The study showed that about 96% of respondents agreed to increase in temperature, 84.83% believed in decrease of rainfall, whereas13.33% agreed the rainfall to be unpredictable. Due to those climatic changes, the availability of NTFPs is predicted to decrease and the dependency of people on NTFPs is in critical condition in this municipality. Therefore, it is urged to develop some climate change coping strategies at the local and national level which will assure the NTFPs availability for the local people.

Non-timber Forest Products Survey of Forest Landscape Restoration: A Case Study of Hybrid Ecosystem Restoration in Invaded Hawaiian Forest

ABSTRACT Forest restoration of landscapes benefits both biodiversity and multiple stakeholder groups. We examined how the concept of hybrid ecosystem restoration could be employed in invaded lowland wet forest in Hawai′i to examine biological, economic, and sociocultural benefits of restoration. We quantified the market prevalence of all species found within the Liko Nā Pilina experimental plots in comparison to an invaded lowland wet forest reference site with remnant native species. Using a combination of formal market and informal interviews with cultural practitioners, we examined the use of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from these species and determined the composition of native and introduced species. We found that the restoration experiment drastically increases the number of desirable species present onsite by more than five-fold, and that the majority of the NTFP species were introduced. Many different plant parts (e.g., stems, leaves, roots, flowers, and fruit) and most species in the restoration site were present in markets as raw and processed ingredients, with a majority sold as value-added products. The incorporation of agroforestry crops and native species is a multi-use perspective that greatly improves the condition of heavily-invaded forest ecosystems, and provides critical cultural and economic benefits to local people.

Diversity and Regeneration Potentials of Some Non-Timber Forest Product Species (NTFPS) in Bagale Hill Forest Reserve, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State

This study assessed diversity and regeneration of some Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) species in Bagale Hills Forest Reserve Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Parameters evaluated included; species diversity of NTFPs in the study area and regeneration potentials of NTFPs in the study area. A sampling design consisting of an approximately 250m baseline and 5 transects of 20m was used. Thus, all NTFPs individuals, from seedlings to adult individuals, of each species were recorded and their DBH measured. The distance between consecutive transects was 50m. Diversity indices and Importance Value Index (IVI) of the species were determined using relevant formulae. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare results of Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices amongst transects and amongst tree, sapling and seedling species. The results of tree, saplings and seedling species in study site revealed 12, 9 and 10 species respectively. The individual trees, saplings and seedlings species were 41, 39 and 53 belonging to 7 families in the study site respectively. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significant difference in Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices among tree, sapling and seedling species in the forests (p ≥ 0.05). Results show species of NTFPs tree which included; Annona senegalensis, Adansonia digitata, Bombax Costatum, Detarrium microcarpum, Haematostaphis barteri, Hexalobus monopetalus, Parkia biglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Ximenia americana, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ziziphus Mauritania and Ziziphus spina-christi. The families with the highest number included Annonaceae, Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae which had 2 species each. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica were the most abundant in Transects I-III, while Parkia biglobosa, and was the most abundant in Transects IV-V. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis, Tamarindus indica and Parkia biglobosa are further shown to have the highest Importance Value Index in all Transects. Results further showed saplings species as they occurred in all the Transects with Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Detarrium microcarpum as the most abundant saplings species and highest Importance Value Index. Results showed seedling species of NTFPs encountered in all transects in which Hexalobus monopetalus, Ziziphus Mauritania and Detarrium microcarpum occurred as the most abundant seedling species. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices were; H´ = 1.16223, H´ = 0.86756, H´ = 1.62602, H´ = 1.05492 and H´ = 1.32966 in the respective transects. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices of all NTFPs trees, saplings and seedlings were; trees H´ = 2.39016, saplings H´ = 1.70359 and seedlings H´ = 1.86854 respectively.

Impact of end‐of‐century climate change on priority non‐timber forest product species across tropical Africa

AbstractPlant species providing Non‐Timber Forest Products (NTFP) are economically important across Africa. How this heterogeneous and understudied resource will respond to ongoing climate change remains understudied. Here, we modelled the impact of end‐of‐the‐century climate change on the distribution of 40 NTFP plant species distributed across tropical Africa. Occurrence data were extracted from a taxonomically verified database and three different ecological niche modelling algorithms were used. Species distributions were modelled under two end‐of‐century (2085) climate change models (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and two dispersal scenarios (limited and expanded). We show that for the 40 NTFP plant species studied here, different responses are modelled with some species gaining in suitable habitats (47.5%–65% under RCP4.5), whereas others will lose in suitable habitats (35%–52.5% under RCP4.5). Nevertheless, we also show that our results vary between the different methods used, such as modelling algorithms, dispersal scenarios and general circulation models. Overall, our results suggest that the response of NTFP species to climate change depends on their distribution, ecology and dispersal ability.

Application of Stubble and Root Cutting in Artificial Cultivation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): A Study Case of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem

The increased demand for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has led to the over-exploitation and disordered utilization of wild NTFP resources. Thus, it is important to determine how to sustainably utilize and cultivate NTFPs. Stubble and root cutting are two important methods for artificial cultivation, but little is known about their effects on the artificial cultivation of NTFP species with strong sprouting ability. Aralia elata is an important understory economic plant with high medicinal and edible values, and its wild resources are decreasing rapidly due to increasing demand. Therefore, A. elata, with its strong sprouting ability, was taken as an example to explore the effects of stubble (plant size × stubble height) and root cutting (root-cutting distance × root-cutting ratio) on its growth and sprouting ability for three years. The results showed that both stubble and root-cutting treatments could effectively facilitate the root sprouting ability of A. elata. The short stubble height treatment (6–15 cm) was the optimum stubble method for large A. elata (the mean height and basal diameter of plants were 256.65 cm and 4 cm, respectively). For small A. elata (plant basal diameter ranged from 1.5 cm to 3.4 cm), the optimal root-cutting method was 100% root-cutting ratio at a root-cutting distance of 0.25 m. However, the effects of stubble and root cutting on the growth and sprouting ability of A. elata were time-dependent, and repetitive treatment might be applied at an interval of two years to maintain its continuous growth and sprouting.

PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN KETAK (Lygodium circinnatum (Burn.F.) Swartz) DENGAN PEMUPUKAN PADA BEBERAPA POHON RAMBATAN DI KHDTK RARUNG LOMBOK TENGAH

Ketak (Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.F) Sw.) is one of the main species of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in West Nusa Tenggara. Ketak produce tendrils that was used as a raw material for the woven handicraft industry. The sustainability of the handicraft business has constraints in decreasing the supply of raw materials because the potential is very reduced in nature so that it is necessary to make efforts to cultivate L. circinnatum plants. The aim of the study was to determine the success of planting L. circinnatum with fertilization and different types of vines. The research used a randomized block design which was arranged factorially with a combination of different types of fertilizers (goat manure, cow manure, NPK fertilizer) and vine trees (Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina variegata, bamboo). For six months, the application of fertilizers and different types of climbing stems significantly affected the increase in tendril length and number of leaves and there was an interaction between the two treatments tested; while the increase in the number of tendrils and life percentage occurred the effect of a single treatment. Goat fertilizer and climbing species G. sepium were the best treatments for the increase in tendril length (73.4 cm) and number of leaves (88 sheet). The best NPK fertilizer treatment for the growth of the number of tendrils (3 tendrils), climbing species G. sepium and goat manure produced the highest percentage of life (80.42% and 85.56%)

Current Challenges and Prospects of Indonesian Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): A Review

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) management can lead to various benefits for community livelihood and forest sustainability. However, such management has not been carried out optimally and sustainably in Indonesia, due to various limiting factors including ineffective policies, undeveloped cultivation technologies, and inadequate innovation in processing technologies. Further, the diversity of NTFPs species requires that policy-makers determine the priority species to be developed. Agarwood (Aquilaria spp. and Gyrinops spp.), benzoin (Styrax spp.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), and cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) are aromatic NTFPs species in Indonesia that forest-dwellers have utilized across generations. This paper reviews the current governance, cultivation systems, processing and valuation, and benefits and uses of these species. We also highlights the future challenges and prospects of these NTFPs species, which are expected to be useful in designing NTFPs governance, in order to maximize the associated benefits for the farmers and all related stakeholders.

Effects of harvest intensity on the marketable organ yield, growth and reproduction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs): implication for conservation and sustainable utilization of NTFPs

BackgroundNon-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an important part of forest biodiversity, and the subsistence and trade of local people, especially in less developed countries. Because of the high ecological and economic value, NTFPs have faced the problem of over-exploitation, and the key to solve this problem is to determine the feasible way of sustainable utilization of NTFPs. Harvest intensity is one of the most important and easily controlled utilization factors, which can greatly influence the plant individual survival, growth and reproductive performances, and even the population structure and dynamics. Therefore, we chose two common and important NTFPs species with different marketable parts (i.e., Acanthopanax senticosus with tender leaves and Aralia elata with tender buds) as our study objects. Aiming to determine the optimum harvest intensity for sustainably utilizing both NTFPs species, five levels of harvest intensity treatments (i.e., control, light, medium, high and severe) were designed to assess the effects of harvest intensity on their marketable organ yield, plant growth and reproductive performances.ResultsThe biomass growth rates of marketable organ and plant growth of A. senticosus under light harvest intensity treatment were significantly higher than those under other harvest intensities. The plant height growth and 1000-seed weight of A. elata under severe harvest intensity treatment were significantly lower than those under control treatment.ConclusionsThe light harvest intensity with 25% leaf removal and the high harvest intensity with all terminal buds harvested are the optimum harvest intensity to maintain the sustainable utilization of A. senticosus and A. elata, respectively. These findings could provide managers with basic but practical guidance for making decisions about the sustainable harvest management plan for the cultivated NTFPs species, and further provide a theoretical basis for managers to establish the harvest regulations for wild NTFPs species. Consequently, the local residents or communities can improve their income while ensure the sustainable development of wild NTFPs.

Potentiality of income generation through Non-timber Forest Products: A case study from the Sallipatan Trishakti Community Forest, Bajhang district, Nepal

Non-timber Forest Products are the major source of livelihood support for rural communities in Nepal. A case study was performed to determine the potentiality of income generation through Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Sallipatan Trishakti community forest of Bajhang district, Nepal from February to April 2020. The Questionnaire surveys, key informant surveys, focus group discussions and forest resource inventory have been used for the data collection. A total of 37 species of NTFPs from 31 families were identified out of which only five species were found to have high market potential. Xanthoxylum armatum (Timur), Phyllanthus emblica (Amala), and Cinnamomum tamala (Tejpat) were found in good frequency and have a good market but the yearly earnings and the number of households involved were low. Bergenia ciliate (Pakhanbed), Valeriana jatamansi (Sugandhawal), and Rhododendron arboretum (Lali gurans) were present in high density in the forest and have high market value but locals didn’t prefer and market them due to lack of knowledge and processing technology. Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta, Among the total respondents, 59% collect NTFPs for household purposes, 30% for selling purposes, and 11% for traditional uses. Swertia chirayita, Rhododendron arboretum, Cinnamomum tamala, Drepanostachyum sps., Asparagous racemous and Taxus wallichiana would have the potentiality for small scale business from the community forest if they were promoted and managed properly.

Forest Farming: Who Wants In?

AbstractForest farming is an agroforestry practice defined as the intentional cultivation of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) underneath a forest canopy. Forest farming perspectives and preferences among family forest owners are generally understudied, particularly in Appalachia, where many marketable native NTFPs species are found. We surveyed Appalachian family forest owners in 14 Southwest Virginia counties about their interest in forest farming and likelihood of leasing land for this purpose. We also asked about the owner’s residency and historical connection to the region as well as contemporary land uses, and identified the following types of uses: absentee and vacationers, newcomers, longtime farming residents, and longtime nonfarming residents. We mailed 1,040 surveys and 293 were returned (28.9%). Forty-five percent were interested or extremely interested in forest farming and 36% were likely or extremely likely to lease land. Rates of interest in forest farming and leasing were similar across owner types, suggesting broad appeal among family forest owners.

Socio-Cultural Factors That Hinders the Domestication of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) By Farmers in Manyu Division, South West Region of Cameroon

This study seeks to examine the socio-cultural challenges faced by the people of Manyu in the domestication of some Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and the role of the extension workers in enhancing the domestication. Manyu Division has several NTFPs species which are of great benefits to its people. These benefits are not void of socioeconomic, environmental and cultural challenges. These trees species have been domesticated by some members of the community to ease access, enable shorter gestation period, and enhance their economic values. However, despite the importance attached to these domesticated species, some members of the community are reticent in adopting the new domestication strategies. The study made use of the qualitative approach in collecting data for this study with interviews, direct observation, and focus group discussions as our main data collection methods. Results of the study indicate that cultural stereotypes have hindered the domestication of some NTFPs in Manyu Division. However, the extension workers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in this sector have not relented their efforts in encouraging farmers to domesticate NTFPs in Manyu Division.