Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

Theme: Assessment of anthropogenic pressure on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) in the central area of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve – Republic of Guinea

The general objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of (NTFP) harvesting in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve as well as their valuation. The Accelerated Participatory Research Method was used for semi-structured interviews around the knowledge, importance and use of NTFPs. This allowed us to identify 39 species of NTFPs of plant origin and 32 of animal origin. Men exploit NTFPs at 85% while women exploit 15%. Regarding the reasons, NTFPs are exploited for the family economy 42%, followed by 23% for medicinal treatment and 18% for food, while 17% for crafts. The exploitation methods are as follows: climbing (25%), gathering (20%), hunting (15%), extraction of bark and roots (13%), piezes (10%), stem cutting (10%) and felling (7%). The proposed mitigation measures are: domestication of certain species (Piper guinneensis, Xylopia aethiopica, Garcinia cola, Raphia vinifera etc.), education and awareness of the population, development of livestock farming. However, these mitigation measures take into account the different actors involved in the use and management of Non-Wood Forest Products.

Current constraints to reconcile tropical forest restoration and bioeconomy

AbstractLarge-scale forest restoration is vital for delivering a broad array of ecosystem services benefits to society. However, it is often perceived as an economically noncompetitive land use choice. Integrating economic opportunities into restoration aligns socioeconomic and environmental goals, reducing conflicts between forest production and conservation-oriented management decisions. Supply chains focusing on high-value goods can enhance the reach of forest restoration efforts and unite ecological and economic benefits in a multifunctional manner. The bioeconomy has emerged as a potential but critical driver for attracting investments in restoration. We outline the challenges and solutions to reconcile forest restoration and bioeconomy, specifically about (i) native timber production, (ii) non-timber forest products, (iii) biotechnological products, and (iv) intangible ecosystem services. This requires collaborative and multidisciplinary efforts to improve investment in large-scale projects. The intricacies of these issues intersect with research development, market dynamics, legal frameworks, and regulatory paradigms, underscoring the necessity for nuanced and tailored public policy interventions. These integrated approaches should enable tropical countries to lead the global forest-based economy and usher in a new era of forest restoration. Graphical abstract

QUALITY OF ACACIA CARPA HONEY AS A POTENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR CHILDREN’S MOUTHWASH

Dental caries is a dental disease that is most often experienced by people. One way to prevent caries is to gargle with mouthwash. Honey has become one of the natural ingredients that can be used as a mouthwash drug content. Jambi Province is one of the provinces that makes honey a non-timber forest product (NTFP). It is necessary to carry out physical and chemical tests on honey to determine the quality of honey as a basic ingredient for mouthwash. The honey samples examined were honey harvested from honey farms in Danau Lamo, Maro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province. This type of honey is Acacia Carpa (Acacia crassicarpa) honey from Apis mellifera honey bee farming. The honey tested consisted of honey that had undergone processing and raw honey. The honey testing carried out consists of organoleptic tests, physical tests and chemical tests. Testing was carried out at the Jambi Province Department of Industry and Trade. The inspection results show test results that comply with SNI 8664-2018 such as water content, water-insoluble solids, ash content, HMF, and diastase enzyme levels. The pH of honey is 3.7 and is in accordance with the honey pH standard. Substances that do not comply with SNI 8664-2018 are reducing sugar levels and sucrose levels. Honey with high sucrose content can still be used as a basic ingredient for mouthwash, but it must be based on the results of clinical trials to ensure its effectiveness and safety

NON-TIMBER FOREST AS AN ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC SURVIVAL FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY OF RATTAN

Rattan holds significant prominence as a non-timber forest product, primarily distributed and extensively traded within the Southeast Asian region. This research aims to examine the role of rattan as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and to explore the significant economic value of rattan, in providing economic sustenance for the Orang Asli communities. The study is a case study with a mix method approach where 95 Orang Asli respondents from Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia participated. The collected data was analyzed by economic value analysis. The study found that the economic value of rattan is RM34224 per year where the highest monthly income earned by the Orang Asli is RM600 and the lowest is RM70 for each type of rattans. The Orang Asli community rely on rattan for a variety of purposes, which include selling them as raw materials, or personal use for craftsmanship, cultural practices, and the production of tools and equipment. As such, this study emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance between economic, ecological, and cultural considerations in harnessing the potential of rattan and other NTFPs to support the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Orang Asli communities.

The polyphasic approach reveals ten novel and one known Ascomycota taxa from terrestrial agarwood‐producing trees

AbstractAquilaria (Thymelaeaceae), a tropical and subtropical plant, is one of the main genera that can produce agarwood. Aquilaria sinensis and Aquilaria yunnanensis are native Chinese tree species, and A. sinensis is China's main agarwood source. Agarwood is a nontimber forest product with high economic and medicinal value. First‐grade agarwood is sold as much as $100 000 per kilogram. There has been little research on the saprobic fungi associated with Aquilaria, with only 11 records having been reported. In the present study, 10 terrestrial saprobic fungi associated with A. sinensis and A. yunnanensis were collected in China. Based on morphological and phylogenetic studies, these 10 collections are introduced herein as one new genus (Aquilariomyces), nine new species – Aquilariomyces aquilariae, Corynespora aquilariae, Melomastia maomingensis, Nigrograna aquilariae, Parathyridariella aquilariae, Peroneutypa maomingensis, Phaeoseptum aquilariae, Pseudothyridariella aquilariae, and Triangularia aquilariae, and one known species (Camarographium clematidis). Descriptions, illustrations of morphological characteristics, photo plates, phylogenetic trees, and the results of a pairwise homoplasy index test (PHI) test results are provided.

Basal Area, Soil, and Elevation Factors Affecting The Essential Oils Yield, Geranyl Acetate, and D-Limonene of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium

Andaliman (Z. acanthopodium) is an aromatic Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) plant species that contains essential oils (EOs), which have various benefits for cuisine, medicine, and cosmetics. This study is essential because it is not yet known what biotic factors (basal area) and abiotic factors (soil and elevation) influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. This study investigated whether the basal area, soil, and elevation factors influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene content of Andaliman fruit. The biotic and abiotic factors were measured from 9 sample plots representing the Andaliman habitats in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A vegetation analysis was conducted to derive the Andaliman basal area of each sample plot. Soil samples were taken randomly in each plot and analyzed for their physicochemical (pH, C, SOM, N, CNR, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, BS, SA, DU, CL, WC, and BD) contents. Elevation gradients were measured on each plot. The EOs of Andaliman fruit include yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Regression for Generalized Linear Models (PlsRglm) to determine which biotic and abiotic factors influenced the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. This study confirmed that clay soil texture was the main factor influencing EOs of Andaliman fruit yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. Apart from soil factors, basal area, and elevation factors were also essential to consider when cultivating Andaliman fruit as a source of skin anti-aging substances. HIGHLIGHTS To the best of the authors’s knowledge, the first study in Indonesia 2024 that integrated biotic and abiotic factors affecting the essential oils (EOs) yield, geranyl acetate and D-limonene contents derived from of acanthopodium fruit as skin anti-aging substance. Using Partial Least Square Regression for Generalized Linear Models (PlsRglm) method for analyzing basal area, soil factors and elevation that influence the EOs of acanthopodium fruit. Of all the abiotic and biotic factors studied, Clay soil texture is the most critical factor that influences acanthopodium fruit EOs as skin anti-aging substances. Basal area and elevation are also essential factors in the cultivation of aromatic Andaliman plants. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Research Advancement in Forest Property Rights: A Thematic Review over Half a Decade Using Natural Language Processing

This paper proposes a thematic literature review of advances in the literature on forest property rights over the first half of this decade. From a methodological point of view, we exploited a corpus of scientific articles published between 2019 and 2023, extracted from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. We then performed a co-word analysis using the Louvain algorithm to reveal thematic clusters. This approach enabled us to identify seven distinct trends over the past half-decade, each highlighting specific aspects and geographical diversity of forest property rights, which were then evaluated using a thematic map. The main findings revealed that (policies, livelihoods and agroforestry) and (institutions, sustainability and non-timber forest products) stand out as central and influential themes, which have a significant impact and present notable advances that have shaped recent discussions and practices. Furthermore, themes (forest policy and resource management) and (conservation and the rights of indigenous communities) are well developed, which have a solid research base, offering an in-depth understanding of the relevant research questions. Conversely, themes (institutional change and forest conservation) and (deforestation, indigenous rights and community management) represent emerging themes, which are receiving increasing attention and are likely to become major of focus. In contrast, (forest governance, community management and land conflict resolution) which indicates a waning influence in terms of miscellaneous implications. The findings of this thematic literature review will help guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners based on recent developments in international forest property rights, during a half-decade marked by a break with previous trends, leading to legislative changes and strategic adaptations essential for the sustainable management of forest resources, bolstered by technological advancements and environmental efforts.

Brazil Nut Semi-Defatted Flour Oil: Impact of Extraction Using Pressurized Solvents on Lipid Profile, Bioactive Compounds Composition, and Oxidative Stability.

Brazilian nuts are native to the Amazon rainforest and are considered a non-timber forest-product of extreme economic importance to local populations. This study evaluated the lipid profile, bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability of semi-defatted Brazilian nut flour oil (BNSDFO) obtained using pressurized fluids (n-propane at 40 °C and 2, 4, and 8 MPa or a CO2/n-propane mixture at 40 °C and 12 MPa). A Brazilian nut kernel oil (BNKO) processed by conventional cold pressing was also obtained. The BNKO showed a higher concentration of total phenolic compounds and saturated fatty acids, higher antioxidant activity, and the presence of gallic acid derivatives. The oils extracted using pressurized fluids showed a higher concentration of linoleic acid, β-sitosterol, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The utilization of pressurized n-propane resulted in higher yields (13.7 wt%), and at intermediate pressures (4 MPa), the product showed myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside and higher oxidative stability (OSI, 12 h) than at lower pressures (2 MPa). The CO2/n-propane mixture of pressurized solvents resulted in higher concentrations of squalene (4.5 times), the presence of different phenolic compounds, and a high OSI (12 h) but lower yield (2.2 wt%). In conclusion, oils with better fatty acid profiles (oleic e linoleic acids), phytosterol composition, and suitable radical scavenging activity may be obtained using pressurized fluids and Brazilian nut flour, a byproduct of oil extraction. The mixture of solvents may improve the concentration of squalene, whereas using only n-propane may increase oil yield.

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

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

A Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and a blue ocean analysis for titica vine composite in epoxy matrix for civil construction applications as thermal and acoustic insulation

The use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) offers a sustainable alternative to deforestation, benefiting both socioeconomic and ecological aspects. In Brazil, various species of the Heteropsis genus, known as titica vine, share aerial root emission characteristics and have been used by rural communities since colonial Brazil. This study offers a strategic analysis for the vine composite, both cost of goods sold (COGS) and blue ocean analysis were performed. An initial investigation indicates that Titica vine composites can obtain thermal and acoustic insulation properties as good as the current used material, with a lower production cost. The blending of titica vine with epoxy aims to create a composite with thermal and acoustic insulation comparable to nowadays materials. So the objective of this paper is to identify the composites fabrication costs (COGS) and best market opportunities, with a Blue Ocean Strategy analysis. Results show titica vine significantly boosts cost benefit relation, decreasing the manufacture costs. This study underscores titica vine composite as an eco-friendly material, offering sustainable solutions. Its innovative use could impact the industry.

MỘT SỐ ĐẶC ĐIỂM SINH HỌC CỦA LOÀI SÂU ĐO ĂN LÁ Pogonopygia nigralbata Warren (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) GÂY HẠI CÂY HỒI TẠI TỈNH BẮC KẠN

Illicium verum is a non-timber forest product, which is widely cultivated in Vietnam. A leaf-feeder, Pogonopygia nigralbata Warren is a moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae), has caused significant damage to plantations of this plant species in Bac Kan province. Field surveys in 2023 found P. nigralbata damage to I. verum in the districts of Cho Moi and Bach Thong, with a damage incidence (P%) ranging from 33.7% to 69.5% and an average damage index (DI) from 0.75 to 1.72. The life cycle spans 69 - 96 days, with overwintering occurring in the larval stage. Females lay 60 - 97 eggs during an oviposition period of 9 - 13 days. The larval and pupal stages last 32 - 46 days and 23 - 30 days, respectively. Adults survive for 12 - 23 days, with a longevity of 4 - 6 days. This pest should be researched in detail and included in future forest health monitoring programs in Bac Kan to determine its suitable mangement approaches.

Eco–Tourism and its Development in Tribal Regions of Jharkhand

Jharkhand, a state nestled in the lap of nature and often called the land of forests, is a haven for those seeking solace and spiritual connection amidst natural beauty. Its rich and abundant natural splendour offers many opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Whether it's observing the diverse flora and fauna thriving in its verdant forests, marvelling at the numerous enchanting waterfalls, trekking through breathtaking hills, encountering the diverse wildlife in its renowned national parks, or embarking on a profound spiritual journey through its famous temples, Jharkhand promises an unforgettable and reflective experience. Therefore, exploring ecotourism in the state of Jharkhand has the potential for significant economic growth, offering hope to marginalised communities and fostering optimism in sustainable tourism and economic sustainability. The study delves into ecotourism by exploring the rich cultural practices and traditions of tribal communities in Jharkhand. It envisions ecotourism as a unifying force, aiming to unite people from all walks of life under the shared belief of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”— One Earth, One Family, One Future. The involvement of tribals in ecotourism has the potential to promote environmental sustainability and drive social, economic, and cultural development. Key Words: Tribal, Sustainable, Ecotourism, Flora and Fauna, Non-Timber Forest Products, Forest Bath.

Contrasting Non-Timber Forest Products’ Case Studies in Underdeveloped Areas in China

Enhancing the sustainability of the non-timber forest products industry has dual significance for both the management of local forest resources and socio-economic development. This paper adopts a systems theory perspective to construct an analytical model for the sustainable development of non-timber forest products, based on a “social-economic-natural” framework. By analyzing case studies of non-timber forest products industry sustainability from four underdeveloped counties in China, the paper derives the following main conclusions and insights: The sustainability of non-timber forest products development models is influenced by factors such as resource endowments and institutional environments and includes both single and composite models. Underdeveloped regions can achieve considerable sustainability in the development of non-timber forest products, but this requires a rational allocation of six key elements—policy, model, stakeholders, natural resources, funding, and technology—to stimulate industry growth. To promote the sustainable development of this industry, optimization should be pursued across five aspects: “policy leadership and top-level design to guide industry development”, “selection of appropriate development models based on local natural endowments and socio-economic foundations”, “large enterprise-driven mechanisms to form multi-stakeholder interest connections”, “focus on product technology research and development, and establishment of technical training mechanisms”, and “market-driven funding to develop product sales markets”.

Institution-based access implications faced by traditional communities in Amazônia: towards co-managing protected areas and Terms of Compromise for socio-biodiversity

Given limitations of resource and market access reported by traditional local communities and a limiting institutional environment for socio-biodiversity in Amazônia, the main question is: how do institutions (re)shape natural resource and market access by Quilombolas in the protected area of the Trombetas River Biological Reserve (TRBR) and the Implications of the TRBR Term of Compromise (TC) – a formal institution written by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) – on livelihood-relevant access to socio-biodiversity products (Brazil nuts) and markets. Methods include semi-structured interviews (n=89) focusing on Non-timber forest products gatherers, as well as observation and focus-group interviews for data triangulation. An analytical framework is developed, combining access theory, institutions and property rights scholarship. Findings reveal that the TC overwrites institutionalised norms of Quilombola communities, which regulated such livelihood-relevant access long before the TRBR establishment (1979). The TC not only formalises BN use but also unintentionally restricts natural resources and market access, limiting Quilombolas’ bioeconomy-benefits.

Balancing the nutrient needs: Optimising growth in Malus sieversii seedlings through tailored nitrogen and phosphorus effects.

The impact of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the physiological and biochemical processes crucial for tree seedling growth is substantial. Although the study of plant hydraulic traits in response to N and P is growing, comprehensive research on their combined effects remains limited. Malus sieversii, a key ancestral species of modern apples and a dominant species in Xinjiang's Tianshan wild fruit forest, is witnessing a decline due to climate change, pests and diseases, compounded by challenges in seedling regeneration. Addressing this, a 4-year study was conducted to determine the optimal fertilisation method for it. The experiment explored varying levels of N (N10, N20 and N40) and P (P2, P4 and P8), and their combined effects (N20Px: N20P2, N20P4, N20P8; NxP4: N10P4, N20P4 and N40P4), assessing their impact on gas exchange, hydraulic traits, and the interplay among functional traits in Tianshan Mountains' M. sieversii seedlings. Our study revealed that All N-inclusive fertilisers slightly promoted the net photosynthetic rate. N10 significantly increasing leaf hydraulic conductivity. All P-inclusive fertilisers adversely affected hydraulic conductivity. P8, N20P4 and N20P8 notably increased seedlings' vulnerability to embolism. Seedlings can adaptively adjust multiple functional traits in response to nutrient changes. The research suggests N10 and N20 as the most effective fertilisation treatments for M. sieversii seedlings in this region, while fertilisation involving phosphorus is less suitable. This study contributes valuable insights into the specific nutrient needs of it, vital for conservation and cultivation efforts in the Tianshan region.

Women’s Participation in Agro-biodiversity Management: A Case Study of Kaski District

The management of agro-biodiversity is integral to developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems capable of addressing existing challenges. An investigation was carried out in Kaski district of Nepal during 2022 to explore the women’s participation in agro-biodiversity management. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was employed to gather primary data from 100 farm households. Further, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) was used to gather primary data. Mean, frequency and other measures were used to present the findings. Results revealed that women play major role in collection and preservation of Non-Timber Forest products (NTFPs) in comparison to men. Involvement of women in drying, storage, marketing and value addition was also high in comparison to men. Women farmers’ role in seed selection is predominant. Farmers are conserving traditional and exotic species of fodders, vegetables crops, and diversity on spices, cereals, oilseeds and legumes. From the above findings, it is suggested that the government and other development agencies should tailor policies and programs through the participation of women farmers for sustainability of conservation efforts. Moreover, involvement of stakeholders should be ensured in the implementation at the community level.

EFFECT OF LONG-TERM STORAGE OF CAJEPUT LEAVES (Melaleuca Leucadendron Linn) ON OIL QUALITY FROM ROTE NDAO REGENCY

Cajeput oil is one of the non-timber forest products produced by distilling Cajeput leaves of the Melaleuca leucadendron Linn type. Several factors influence the quality of Cajeput oil, including filling the leaves in the kettle, tree variety, where the Cajeputi grows, storage of the leaves, distillation techniques, distillation temperature, and age. This research aims to determine the effect of storage time for raw materials on the yield, refractive index, and sineol content of Cajeput oil and the best time to store refining raw materials before distillation. The raw materials for distillation are taken from Rote Ndao Regency and then stored for varying lengths of time ranging from 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days, and the distillation method used is the boil method. The research results showed that the highest average per parameter was obtained after 5 days of storage with a yield value of 2.43%, a refractive index of 1.45%, and a sineole content of 56.67%. The average weight of cineole content and refractive index is included in the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 06-03954-2014).

Diagnosing the status and trend of research on traditional knowledge related to non-timber forest products as food

Forest communities have a rich heritage of gathering, producing, and using non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as food. They have maintained and transferred traditional knowledge related to NTFPs through their networks over generations. Considering the food value of NTFPs, traditional knowledge has become an important social asset, and its functions in forest communities are clearly identifiable. This study systematically analyzed the research on traditional knowledge related to NTFPs as food—to demonstrate the status and trends of research in this regard—using a systematic review method and topic modeling. We found that studies predominantly focused on medicinal plants from Asian and African countries and their effect. Through topic modeling, research keywords were classified into six topics—namely, ethnomedicinal practices, biodiversity, measurement, community and food security, traditionality, and culture. This study's findings indicate three key messages—specifically, the dominance of traditional knowledge related to NTFPs as medicinal foods, a methodological gap in traditional knowledge research, and the contribution of ecosystem services of NTFPs to community sustainability.

Understanding farmers diversity in non-timber forest products activities in Ogun State, Nigeria

There is an increasing need for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan region to explore multiple income streams, which would help them to overcome the challenges of food insecurity and poverty. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide a cheap alternative for these resource constrained farmers. However, much is not known about the characterizing differences among the resource-constrained smallholding farmers engaged in NTFP activities. Understanding these differences will provide valuable insights on the challenges and potentials of NTFPs. To this end, this study developed a farmer typology among the different farmers engaging in NTFP activities in Ogun State, Nigeria, exploring their social and economic dynamics and outcomes within the sector and characterizing the farmers by different household components, access to forest lands, and income levels. Primary data of 350 households were collected by randomly sampling respondents associated with NTFPs in 15 wards in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Four distinct farmer types were identified; Type 1 - consisting of male-headed households; Type 2, comprising both male and female-headed households; Type 3, female-headed households; and Type 4, with young male household heads. Type 1 farmers have high productivity and income from NTFP cultivation, albeit with higher production costs, but Type 2 outperforms other types by employing a comprehensive approach that combines trading and collection of NTFPs. Type 3 farmers face limitations in income generation due to limited access to forest areas, whereas Type 4 farmers exhibit average income levels and limited access to forestlands. Additionally, trading and collection of NTFP in the region could be a very viable economic option for the farmers, but there are challenges, such as assessing forest areas and forest reserves and gender inequality, that need to be overcome. A future study that can explore the profitability of NTFP activities considering the heterogeneity among farmers was suggested, as such studies could be helpful to better understand the challenges facing NTFP farmers in the regions. Finally, we recommend the promotion of gender equality, enhancement of market linkages as well as skills and knowledge in the bid to enable farmers to maximize income generation and make informed decisions. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and practitioners can foster sustainable and inclusive NTFP-based livelihoods, benefiting rural communities and contributing to poverty reduction and environmental conservation.

Characterization of production and commercialization systems of camedor palm (Chamaedorea elegans Mart.).

Objective: To describe the cultivation systems of C. elegans through the analysis of production and commercialization in three municipalities in the high mountain region of Veracruz, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in Tepatlaxco, Zongolica, and Omealca, Veracruz, Mexico. From January to July 2022, a survey was administered to 84 producers of Camedor palm using convenience sampling. In addition, interviews with key informants and participant observation were conducted. Results: Camedor palm production occurs in small production units ranging from 1 ± 0.05 to 7.0 hectares, primarily managed by male producers (93%) with an average age of 48 years and 6 years of schooling. Planting densities range from 35,000 to 100,000 plants per hectare, and leaf cutting is conducted on a quarterly basis, yielding between 1000 to 3700 rolls per hectare at an average price of $14.00 Mexican pesos per roll paid to the producer. Prior to cultivating Camedor palm, 56% of producers were growing coffee. The main driving factor for cultivation is the steady generation of income. Limitations/Implications: This is a specific case study; therefore, the results are limited to descriptive statements about the study area. Findings/Conclusions: Producers utilize non-timber forest products as alternatives to crises in other crops and investment constraints within production units. The production of C. elegans is accessible, requires low investment, and is compatible with family farming. However, yields in some cases are low, and the marketing network shows high intermediation.