Role Of Non-timber Forest Products Research Articles

The Role of Non-Timber Forest Products for Livelihood diversification in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh

Various local communities living in India have been dependent on forests for centuries. The contribution of non timber forest products (NTFPs) has been recognized globallyfor their role in preservation, income generation, livelihood enhancement and rural development. About 275 million poor rural people in various regions of India are dependent on non-timber forest produce. The present study was conducted duringthe month of January to November 2022 to assess the major NTFPs and their role in livelihood generation in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Through surveys and interviews conducted in 4 study area (Viz. Banda, Jhansi, Mahoba and Chitrakut) of Bundelkhand, among the people of local communities, it has been revealed that even today the people of study area show their dependency on forest based NTFPs. Through harvesting, collection and processing of non-timber forest produce, providing new employment opportunities in the Bundelkhand region of India. In this region local people provide an overview of the dependency of different rural communities on NTFP’s such as salai gum, kullu gum, flowers and fruit of Mahua, baskets from bamboo and Harsingar, bidi from tendu leaves, Chironji seeds, jhadu from Date palm leaves, Amla, Bahera, Satavar and Nagarmotha for sustain their livelihood. Despite their significance to employment, NTFP markets are mostly informal andscattered, with no proper records maintained, leading to an insufficient information flowon the contribution of NTFP trade at the local as well as national level. There is an urgent need to promote all these things today so that the income of local collectors can be improved.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Livelihood in Sahariya Tribal Economy of Shivpuri district Madhya Pradesh, India

This study examined the role of NTFPs in tribal economy of Shivpuri district Madhya Pradesh, India. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select sample Saharia Tribal, local villagers and households for field survey. Data were collected through structured interviews and non-participant observations and commercialization of NTFPs are the main drivers for socioeconomic development, poverty reduction and livelihood security of the tribes in the area. In the presented study, mainly how non-timber forest products are obtained by Sahariya tribals under Shivpuri district and what things they get from the forest. The product found in the forests are able to improve their economic condition and livelihood by selling it in the local market. Many major products are obtained from forests by the tribal peoples found in and around Chatori Kala village under Shivpuri district, such as Mainly Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaf which is used for making beedis Industry, Imli (Tamarindus indica) is used for making wine Industry, Mahua (Madhuca indica) flowers is used in the beverage industry. Kher (Acacia catechu) is used in the Kaththa Industries and Bamboo (Bambusa indica) is used in the building material, apart from this brooms, baskets, fans as well as other product used in the house are also made from bamboo and Palash (Butea monosperma) which is found in dominant species in Shivpuri district, is used for preparing puja and havan material and its roots are used in making rope and leaves are used in Dona Pattal industry. For many years, some indigenous tribal people have been living within the forest and fully depending on the forest products for livelihood. Since it has become a protected area, there is banned on the collection of NTFPs. Forest department forcefully displaced some tribal people outside the forest, but still many tribal people are living within the forest and depending on the forest for their livelihood. This study has made an attempt to examine the Socio-economic role of NTFPs in the livelihood of Saharia tribal people in the Chitorikala village area of Shivpuri District in Madhya Pradesh. The study found that almost all tribal people in the study villages collect NTFPs illegally and sold in local markets. The NTFPs contribute highest income shares to total household income. As there is no restriction on the collection of leaves, Stem, Seed, Root, Fruit, wood etc. They earned highest income by selling various leaves but they walk 05 to 10 km and spend whole day to collect leaves, Root and Tuber and other products. As the livelihoods of the tribal people of these villages depend on NTFPs, the study suggests that there must have markets and proper price for these products. Government should provide some financial benefits to self-help groups allow people to set up paper plate or cup factory to avoid traders’ dominance.

Environmental Policy Influencing the Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods: Case Studies from Himachal Pradesh, India.

Lack of comprehension of the complexity of the elements that determine the contribution of NTFPs to local lives frequently hinders discussions about the role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in efforts to balance the aims of forest conservation and rural development. The districts of Kangra, Sirmour, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh State in India are three case studies where NTFPs are significant, and this study highlights that the effect of environmental policies, socio-cultural background, and economic status of the people on the extraction of the NTFPs. The study also demonstrates the importance of paying close attention to the socio-cultural diversity of resource users, as well as the value chain structure, and access to and control over resources, all of which have an impact on the chances for locals to profit from NTFP extraction. The rural livelihoods still rely upon the fuelwood and fodder from forests and there is a lack of knowledge and education to understand the policies and schemes related to forests and NTFPs.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products to Local People Livelihoods in Melut Area, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Kereste dışı orman ürünleri (NTFP'ler), Güney Sudan'ın Upper Nile Eyaleti'nin uzak bir bölgesinde, epik olarak geçim ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasında önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Orman dışı ürünler, hem yerel hem de ulusal düzeyde önemli ürünler olmalarına rağmen, genellikle göz ardı edilen mallardır. Ormanlar aynı zamanda biyolojik çeşitliliğin zengin yataklarıdır ve çok sayıda fakir insanlara yemek pişirmek ve evlerini ısıtmak için yakıt sağlarken, orman temelli birçok kişiye nakit gelir kaynağı sağlar. Bu çalışma, Kuzey Upper Nile Eyaleti, Melut İlçesi çevresindeki kırsal alanlarda gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma, Güney Sudan'ın Upper Nile Eyaleti, Melut bölgesindeki doğal ormanın etrafındaki yerel halk için kereste dışı orman ürünlerini (NFTP'ler) araştırılmıştır. NFTP'lerin satışından elde edilen gelir, diğer hane halkı ihtiyaçları için giderlerin karşılanmasında önemlidir. Ayrıca, orman ürünleri, özellikle diğer gelir getirici fırsatların bulunmadığı yerlerde, insanların nakit ihtiyaçlarına katkıda bulunmaktadır. Bu tür malzemeler, ürünler sadece NFTP'leri değil, aynı zamanda kereste ürünlerini de içerirken, karşılık işi gibi orman tabanlı hizmetlerle de para kazanılabilir. Tarım, çalışma alanında baskın faaliyettir ve kereste dışı orman ürünleri sömürüsüne yönelik bir ortaklık faaliyetidir. Bu çalışma, çalışma alanının yerel topluluğunun ahşap, konut malzemeleri ve yiyecek için doğal kaynaklara bağlı olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Hanehalklarının, çeşitli amaçlar için diş etleri ve reçineler de dahil olmak üzere orman ürününün satışına ilişkin değerlendirmeleri. Tarımsal gelir, çalışma alanındaki hanehalkının gelirine ikinci katkıyı temsil etmektedir. Yerel halk, geçim ve kereste ve NTFP'ler satarak gelir elde etmek de dahil olmak üzere iki talebini karşılamak için orman ürünleriyle ilgili ürünleri hasat etmiştir.

Introduction to “Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) for local benefit and forest resource sustainment in Myanmar”

Introduction to “Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) for local benefit and forest resource sustainment in Myanmar”

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Enhancement of Mountainous People of Swat and Mansehra Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Enhancement of Mountainous People of Swat and Mansehra Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Generation of the Tribal Population: A Review

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to all biological resources harvested from the forest for human use and are not having timber purposes. Two types of NTFPs such as tradable and non-tradable NTFPs are available. In international trade, tradable NTFPs are only significant. NTFPs are important components of food security and a vital source of income for the poor in many developing nations. NTFP collection accounts for almost 58 per cent of the total income earned by Kerala's tribal population. Most of the employment (54.04%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFP collection (33.77%). NTFPs were found to be collected and used by tribals for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, raw materials for making implements, and as a source of income. NTFPs are marketed through various marketing channels, depending on various factors such as the product's nature, demand and proximity to the market. If co-operative societies and EDCs (Eco-Development Committees) could develop value additional units for NTFPs with the participation of indigenous groups, it ensures effective use of their spare time as well as a better livelihood through increased NTFP income.

The contribution of wild palms to the livelihoods and diversification of rural households in southern Mozambique

In most low-income countries, rural households combine a range of economic activities to generate income, achieve food and nutritional security and fulfill other livelihood objectives, including: small-scale farming, fishing, hunting, livestock and timber production, and non-timber forest products gathering, as well as off-farm activities such as wage labour and informal trading. This work examines the role of diversification, including palm products income, on rural livelihoods in the Zitundo area, southern Mozambique. Seven livelihood strategies were identified, with every strategy combining cash income from several sources. Most households adopt a wage-based strategy to some degree, although this strategy shows low potential for reducing poverty in the area. Households adopting a palm-based strategy show between 23% and 60% lower poverty incidence than those adopting alternatives strategies. Yet, a palm-based livelihood strategy was adopted by only 11% of households. Traders of palm products earn approximately double the annual income and per capita income than non-traders. Village of residency and some household socio-economic and demographic characteristics correlate with a households' choice of livelihood strategy and palm income dependency. The adherence of many households to a less remunerative wage strategy indicates other factors also influence the choice of livelihood strategies. The study shows that future development plans and policy interventions to mitigate poverty in the area should go beyond the usual agricultural sector and recognize the role of non-timber forest products, especially palm products, for people's livelihoods and poverty alleviation.

Potentials and Opportunities of Wild Edible Forest Fruits for Rural Household’s Economy in Arasbaran, Iran

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to local people’s livelihood in many regions around the world. This article investigates the types of NTFPs collected, processed, and traded in the Arasbaran region of Iran, the roles of these products in household economies, and the potential contribution to rural household economies through the collection, processing, and marketing of NTFPs. Data were collected using household and community surveys as well as through secondary sources on the role of NTFPs within Arasbaran forests in Iran. The main NTFPs harvested by local people were fruits. The fruits from 14 woody species, including trees and shrubs, were harvested by local people. The average share of forest-harvested fruit to household income was 27 percent. The mean annual income derived from the harvest and sale of sumac and reddish blackberry in the sample rural household incomes was USD 1822 and USD 142, respectively. In regard to processing efficiency, plum, cornelian cherry, and sumac exhibited the highest processing efficiency. Better policy support would be needed along the whole value chain, starting with the forest management plans, to include fruit species. In addition, measures to support processing facilities as well as to promote trade and marketing beyond the local area would be highly important to develop the potential of forest fruits and other NTFPs. Besides technical and financial support, measures should include regulatory revisions as well as information, training, and awareness raising.

Contribution of non-timber forest products to the livelihoods of the forest-dependent communities around the Khadimnagar National Park in northeastern Bangladesh

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a significant role in the improvement of the forest-dependent people’s livelihoods around the world, strengthening protection for the sustainable use of forests. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of occupational category-wise (fuelwood collectors, farmers, small-scale businessmen, day labourers, and tea estate labourers) dependency on NTFPs and the role of NTFPs on household income around the Khadimnagar National Park (KNP) in northeastern Bangladesh. In 2014, 178 purposively selected respondents from four villages (out of 22 villages around the KNP) were interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study observed that these forest-dependent communities utilized resources of the KNP mainly for domestic energy supply, household income, and house construction. Results showed that income from NTFPs made a significant contribution to family income. Income data analysis indicated that small-scale businessmen earned relatively more income from NTFPs, followed by tea estate labourers and day labourers. The study revealed significant negative relationships of the distance of households from the forest with the amount of NTFPs collected (P ​< ​0.01) and monthly income from NTFPs (P ​< ​0.01). Positive significant relationships were found between the amount of NTFPs collected and the time spent in NTFP collection (P ​< ​0.001), as well as between monthly income from NTFPs and family size (P ​< ​0.001). The fuelwood collectors and farmers collected significantly greater amounts of NTFPs per trip (P ​< ​0.001) than other occupational categories. The households that were moderately to highly dependent on NTFPs collected significantly higher amounts of NTFPs per trip (P ​< ​0.01) than the households that were moderately dependent and less dependent on NTFPs. Community dependence on KNP’s resources, community’s appreciation of the KNP’s ecosystem services for villagers’ livelihoods, and community’s high levels of concern for forest conservation provided a foundation for the sustainable management of the KNP. The study findings will be useful for designing an effective forest management plan and policy for NTFP management and forest conservation with the active involvement of the forest-dependent people in northeastern Bangladesh.

Socio-economic analysis of non-timber forest products: A case of wrapping leaves in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria

The significant role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) cannot be over emphasized in nation building. Despite the tremendous benefits derived from the NTFPs in supporting the rural dwellers financially, it is perceived as less important to national development especially in developing countries. This study analyzed the economic benefits of non-timber forest products in Oluwa forest reserve, Ondo State with a view to encouraging sustainable forest management. Purposive and random sampling were used to select 213 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics and the budgetary techniques analyses were used for the study. Results indicated that majority of the respondents were male (56.10%), 30.00% were between the age of 30-39 years, 78.10% were married, 55.90% had household size between 1-5 people and 47.10% had secondary education. Major non-timber forest products identified in the study area include; wrapping leaves (23.20%), fuel wood (22.60%), bush meat (14.80%), snails (9.70%) and wild fruits (7.70%). The study showed that respondents used more of wrapping leaves and fuel wood with average ranking of 0.84 and 0.83 respectively. The result showed a positive profit (₦20,700.00) for wrapping leaf business and returns ₦1.80k for every ₦1 invested. The study calls for sustainable forest management of non-timber forest products to be taken up as a developmental strategy in the study area.&#x0D; Key words: NTFPs, Oluwa forest reserve, rural dwellers, sustainable forest management, wrapping leaves

From subsistence to market-driven: the role of non-timber forest products at community forests in Northeast Thailand

ABSTRACT Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are essential provisions for many households, yet mobility and socioeconomic development are changing forest connections for those who live in rural areas. Despite being far away, some villagers remain attached to their childhood residences, especially for food consumption, leading to an increased demand for NTFPs. This study examined rural livelihoods and use of NTFPs, including economic value, trade-offs, and responses to market demands. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 199 individuals at three villages in Udon Thani, northeast Thailand during 2017. In addition, 46 forest users from outside the villages participated in the study. Subjects reported eight groups of NTFPs harvested, accounting for nearly 10% of average household annual income. Although most local villagers harvested NTFPs for household consumption, 21% did so for income generation. Moreover, 55% of forest users transported NTFPs elsewhere, either by direct trading or to their children and/or relatives living in other cities. Increased market demand pressure villagers to change their selling tactics. Instead of gathering NTFPs directly from the forests, some individuals purchased and re-sold them to local traders for higher prices. Local economies are changing from subsistence to market-driven and cash-dependent livelihoods.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Local Economy: A Case of Jajarkot District, Nepal

Non-timber forest products are the major source of income for mountainous countries like Nepal. This article attempts to explore a case of traded non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Jajarkot district and its contribution to the economy. Collection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and resin tapping are some of the major sources of employment for a large number of rural people. 53 different types of NTFPs are traded from the Jajarkot district. Local people collect these NTFPs from the forest and export them within and outside the district mainly to India and China. Jajarkot district on average exported 1,590,681.72 kg NTFPs worth NRs. 3,819,271.6 (equivalent to USD 32,081.88) from the year 2015 to 2020 to the national economy through royalty. NRs. 2,246,719.4 (equivalent to USD 18,872.44) per year came from MAPs and NRs. 1,572,552.2 (equivalent to USD 13,209.4) from resin during the years 2015 to 2020. If this district could produce all the commonly available NTFPs in a large scale, then there would be a high possibility of transforming the current unviable economy into a practical and vibrant economy. A proper inventory, identification and sustainable harvesting, are essential to promote and conserve these NTFPs.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in National Economy: A Case of Jajarkot District, Nepal

Non-timber forest products are the major source of income for mountainous countries like Nepal. This article attempts to explore a case of traded non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Jajarkot district and its contribution to the economy. Collection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and resin tapping are some of the major sources of employment for a large number of rural people. 53 different types of NTFPs are traded from the Jajarkot district. Local people collect these NTFPs from the forest and export them within and outside the district mainly to India and China. Jajarkot district on average exported 1,590,681.72 kg NTFPs worth NRs. 3,819,271.6 (equivalent to USD 32,081.88) from the year 2015 to 2020 to the national economy through royalty. NRs. 2,246,719.4 (equivalent to USD 18,872.44) per year came from MAPs and NRs. 1,572,552.2 (equivalent to USD 13,209.4) from resin during the years 2015 to 2020. If this district could produce all the commonly available NTFPs in a large scale, then there would be a high possibility of transforming the current unviable economy into a practical and vibrant economy. A proper inventory, identification and sustainable harvesting, are essential to promote and conserve these NTFPs.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal and edible plants used in Nhamacoa area, Manica province–Mozambique

Ethnobotanical relevanceMiombo woodlands are an important source of food and medicine for rural communities in Mozambique. Despite their importance as a source of livelihood and healthcare, logging for charcoal production and conversion of forest relicts to agricultural land threaten their biodiversity along with the traditional knowledge associated with this vegetation type. Aim of the studyTo document ethnobotanical knowledge and to identify medicinal and economic species that can be used as potential alternative sources of livelihoods for the inhabitants Miombo woodlands in Mozambique. Materials and methodsThis study was carried out in the Nhamacoa area, Macate district of Manica province, Mozambique. Free listing and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. The informants were heads of families randomly selected from the 329 ha of the area of study. Information about medicinal and edible plants, their uses, harvesting practices, management, preparation and possible commercialisation was recorded and voucher specimens were collected. From October 2019 to January 2020, data collection was carried out and later, plant samples were identified. All the collected data was structured in a database and analysed by using the ethnobotanyR package in R. ResultsA total of 106 species from 52 families were reported as medicinal or edible: 55.2% used as food and 43.1% as traditional medicine. It was possible to identify 94 of the voucher specimens collected (90.3% of the botanical collection). Out of 32 uses, 29 were as medicine. The quantitative indices showed different culturally important species and the local markets situation showed the potential for commercialisation. The results of this study indicate that ailments or illnesses in the digestive system, alleviation of wounds and sexual-reproductive system problems are commonly treated with medicinal plants within the area of study. ConclusionsBotanical knowledge, cultural value, utilisation and management practices of 106 plant species were documented. Promoting the planting and commercialisation of some of these species could offer alternative sources of livelihoods or income to the inhabitants of the region, while ensuring exploitation is sustainable. The important role of non-timber forest products and the need to conserve Miombo woodlands relicts for the communities within and around Nhamacoa have been reaffirmed.

\u201cNon-timber forest products and climate change adaptation among forest dependent communities in Bamboko forest reserve, southwest region of Cameroon\u201d

BackgroundForests are naturally endowed to combat climate change by protecting people and livelihoods as well as creating a base for sustainable economic and social development. But this natural mechanism is often hampered by anthropogenic activities. It is therefore imperative to take measures that are environmentally sustainable not only for mitigation but also for its adaptation. This study was carried out to assess the role of Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as an adaptation strategy based on local perception to cope with the impacts of climate change among forest-dependent communities around the Bamkoko Forest Reserve in the South West Region of Cameroon.MethodsDatasets were collected through household questionnaires (20% of the population in each village that constitute the study site was sample), participatory rural appraisal techniques, transect walks in the 4 corners of the Bamboko Forest Reserve with a square sample of 25 m2 × 25 m2 to identified and record NTFPs in the reserve,and direct field observations.). Both qualitative and quantitative (statistics) methods were used to analyze the collected data.ResultsA total of 18 plant species were identified as being harvested as Non Timber Forest Products by the residents around Bamkoko Forest Reserve. The majority of the respondents (88%) perceived that there has been a change in climate patterns due to increased temperatures and unpredictable rainfalls. Eru was the most affected NTFPs with a standard deviation of 1.66799 and agricultural crops was the most affected livelihood activity by climate change around Bamboko Forest Reserve with a standard deviation of 1.20459 and local population used more than one strategy to cope with these adverse effectsConclusionsThe study concluded that with the increasing climate change effects on crop production and other livelihoods, non-timber forest products still play a safety net role to assist communities. The need to ensure sustainable harvesting, improved processing, and access to non-timber forest products markets cannot be over-emphasized.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Rural Economy of Farmers

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), also known as non-wood forest products (NWFPs) and secondary forest products are useful substances obtained from forests. The key feature of NTFP’s is the continuous flow of returns against timber returns that are available intermittently at an interval of rotation period. An estimated 80% of the population of the developing world uses NWFP to meet some of their health and nutritional needs. NTFPs provide greater opportunities to the people by providing employment in the lean agriculture season. Most of the activities pertaining to NTFPs like collection, processing, transportation, marketing etc. are labour intensive and provide employment. India holds monopoly in world trade over some of the natural resins and gums such as lac, gum karaya and guar gum. Tribals derive 20-40% of their annual income from minor forest produce on which they spend major portion of their time. It has been established that a number of tribal, rural and forest department communities derive a significant part of their needs, income food and nutrition. The edible NTFPs play an important role in food &amp; nutritional security of rural people. However, due to number of factors like destruction of natural habitat, fluctuating prices, population growth is hindering the development of NTFPs.

Non-Timber Forest Products use in the Gazetted Forest of Dogo-Kétou, Benin (West Africa)

The role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for livelihood improvement among local communities and to support forest management has nowadays received increased attention. Although knowledge about the importance of NTFPs is not new, their consideration in the management plans of several protected forests in Benin has been poor. This study aimed at assessing the socio-cultural importance of NTFPs in sustaining livelihood of adjacent local communities to the Dogo-Ketou forest in order to help forest managers to enhance strategies for NTFPs valorisation in this forest management. Data on popular NTFPs were collected through structured interviews administered to 254 households. A total of 78 plant species were harvested by the local people. About 66.53% of households were mostly dependent on Dogo-Ketou forest for medicine, food, firewood and construction. Food use was the NTFPs category of high consensus (ICFFood = 0.98). Khaya senegalensis (RFC = 0.73) represented the most important local plant species used for medicinal purposes. High cultural significant index was recorded for Elaeis guineensis (CSI = 33.81). NTFPs harvest was significantly influenced by households’ size, average monthly income, gender and distance to forest and households’ home (p&lt;0.05). This research suggests key species which can be promoted by the forest managers in order to sustain the adjacent communities’ livelihoods and to enhance their participation in forest conservation.Keywords: Food plant, medicinal plant, NTFP, Cultural Significant Index, Dogo-Kétou forest.

Non-timber Forest Product and its Impacts on Livelihood in the Middle Hill: A Case of Lamjung district, Nepal

Lamjung is highly rich in its vast and valuable Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) including different kinds of valuable medicinal and aromatic plants. Nepal is a mountainous country, where most of the people are depend on forest resources for their livelihood. Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFPs) plays a crucial role in the rural livelihood. NTFPs serve as a source for their primary health, nutrition, income generation, energy (fuel wood) and material for a social-cultural and religious ceremony. The research was carried out the specific objectives of identification availability NTFPs, Role of NTFP in local livelihood, prospects, and problems to develop NTFP in the study area. The study was carried out in Chiti, Jita and Taksar Village Development Committee (VDC) of Lamjung District. Primary data were collected through Focus Group Discussion, House Hold Survey, Key Informant Interview, use inventory sheet and direct field observation. Secondary data were collected from different DFO office, library, journals, published articles, reports, online reports etc. The quantitative data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools. The qualitative data were analyzed by descriptive measure and presented in forms of charts, figure and tables. There were 52 major NTFPs identified in the study area and all respondents have knowledge about NTFPs, but they are not involved to collect NTFP for commercial purpose. They use only household purposes such as firewood for energy, leaf litter for religious purpose, and wild food and fruits are used for domestic use. The main problems of the development of NTFPs people are gradually leaving use traditional knowledge about medicinal plants. Slowly they became dependent at modern product and most of the people are depending on remittance. NTFPs play a safety net role to assist communities in adverse situation such as crop failure under the current change in climate and variability. Most of the people have knowledge about value of NTFPs and traditional knowledge about medicinal herbs, but such a valuable knowledge regarding use value of NTFPs seems to be disappearing into the younger generations.

Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products in Rural Communities’ Livelihoods around Chilimo Forest, West Shewa, Ethiopia

In recent decades there has been growing interest in the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for rural people livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation. However, as to the knowledge of the present researcher, limited studies have been done to analyze the role of non-timber forest products for rural livelihood diversification. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify main NTFPs used by local communities around Chilimo Forest. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine socioeconomic factors influencing collection of NTFPs in the study area. Multistage sampling techniques were used for the study. Data for the study was generated through household survey comprising of 313 respondents selected through simple random technique and substantiated by in-depth interviews of key informants, focus group discussion and field observation. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were used to analyze and summarize data. The results revealed that, crop production, animal husbandry, non timber forest product and non-farm activities were the major livelihood strategies in the study area. On average, income from NTFPs accounted for 29.34% of total household income. The commonly collected NTFPs were firewood, charcoal, grasses, herbal medicine and honey. The study found that, households derived a significant portion of their income from the collection of NTFPs; however income derived from the collection of NTFPs significantly influenced with gender, family size and wealth status while age, education, marital status and distance from forest were found to have no significance association with income sourced from NTFPs. This study also revealed that, enrichment planting of the most utilized tree species, participatory forest management and setting of harvesting levels and cycles in Chilimo forest reduce impacts on plant species that are in high demand by local communities. The findings suggest that NTFPs play an important role in supporting livelihoods, and therefore provide an important safety net for households throughout the year particularly during periods of hardship. Therefore the current research would be useful in preparing an ecologically viable policy for the subsistence of forest dwellers and better management of the forest resources in Chilimo forest. Keywords: Chilimo forest, non timber forest product, rural community socio-economic factors DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-22-04 Publication date: November 30 th 2019