Economic Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products in Rural Livelihood of Dolakha, Nepal

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are reported to have significant contribution in household economy supporting their subsistence. The study focuses on the share of NTFPs income in household income along with other sources. Forty-six households were sampled to carry out the targeted study. To analyze the contribution of NTFPs in household income, structured household questionnaires were designed for quantitative data and focus group discussion and key informant interview was conducted to obtain in-depth information guided by a checklist of questions. The major NTFPs found in the study area are Asparagus, Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus, Terminalia bellerica, Edgeworthia (Argeli), Daphne (Lokta), Swertia (Chiraito), Taxus, Cinnamomum, mushrooms, firewood, and bamboo. Ninety six percent of community is involved in NTFPs collection either for subsistence or income. The study reveals that the agriculture share the highest income of 45.65% and NTFPs share 26.08% to average monthly income of household. District Forest Office and middlemen made CFUGs collect the NTFPs according to the prevailing market demand for which the collectors are paid certain amount. However, these days there is less demand of NTFPs collection as they are not getting the market for the collected NTFPs and do not have idea regarding the market demands to cultivate those products.