ECONOMIC VALUATION OF UNDERUTILIZED FORESTRY PRODUCTS IN SOUTH NANDI FOREST

The public views on resource use in relation to conservation by communities adjacent to South Nandi Forest were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. Sixty questionnaires were distributed to 5 of 9 villages surrounding the forest over a period of 3 months. A design and implementation of different activities (community forest management, institutional strengthening programmes, monitoring and livelihood programmes) to sensitize the population in accordance with community based associations was done. 88.3% of the population benefits readily available fuel wood while practicing agroforestry, 91.7% food crops, 68.3% apiculture and 51.7% livestock. Comparative market survey with the past showed 100% income increase. It was generally observed the community involvement in the conservation of natural resources is a success at South Nandi Forest ecosystem with high level of population awareness as shown by formation of community forest associations (CFA’s) and water users associations (WRUA’s). The forest provides the communities with food such as mushrooms, honey and meat, fuel wood, building materials such as poles, and creepers for tying, wood for carving and traditional medicine.