Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) and its Impact on Rural Communities

Author(s): Dr. Bramhanand Vitthalrao Deshmukh

Abstract:

Rural communities worldwide, comprising approximately 350 million people, have a profound reliance on forest resources as primary sources of food, nutrition, and medicinal provisions. This dependence is especially pronounced in regions where essential resources are scarce. Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) assumes a critical role in sustaining the livelihoods of these communities. This research, situated in Maharashtra, aims to assess the importance of NTFPs, analyse their impact on forest-dependent communities, and advocate for sustainable management practices. Rural communities, constituting a substantial portion of the global population, face challenges related to food security, nutritional access, and healthcare. For approximately 350 million individuals, forests serve as crucial reservoirs of sustenance and medicinal resources. The significance of forests is particularly evident in regions where conventional means of livelihood are limited or inaccessible. NTFPs, ranging from fruits to medicinal plants, emerge as lifelines for these communities, providing a diverse array of biological materials that contribute to their daily well-being. In the Indian state of Maharashtra, where the study is conducted, the reliance of rural communities on forest resources is deeply ingrained in their way of life. Agriculture and animal husbandry, complemented by the collection of NTFPs, form the backbone of their sustenance. This study aims to delve into the specific dynamics of NTFP utilization in Maharashtra, recognizing the unique cultural and ecological context of the region.

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Pages: 22-24     |    3 View     |    0 Download