The role of non-timber forest products in poverty reduction in India: prospects and problems

Author(s)
Rasul, Golam
Karki, Madhav
Sah, Ram P
Editor(s)
Eade, Deborah
Publication date
2008-11-01
Subject
Food and livelihoods
Approach and methodology
Keywords
Agriculture
Development methods
Livelihoods
Natural resources
Country
India

Metadata
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Publisher(s)
Oxfam GB
Routledge
Journal
Development in Practice
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10546/130956
DOI
10.1080/09614520802386876
Document type
Journal article
Language
English
Description
The vast natural resources of India's forests, including non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as medicinal and aromatic plants, leaves, fruits, seeds, resins, gums, bamboos, and canes, offer employment that provides up to half the income of about 25 per cent of the country's rural labour force. However, poor harvesting practices and over-exploitation in the face of increasing market demand are threatening the sustainability of these resources, and thus the livelihoods of forest-dependent tribal communities. This article analyses the role of NTFPs in livelihoods-improvement initiatives and considers recent initiatives intended to enhance their conservation and sustainable management. It recommends policies to optimise the potential of NTFPs, both to support rural livelihoods and to contribute to India's social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Pages
9
ISSN
0961-4524
EISSN
1364-9213
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