Question

1. You are tasked with developing a research programme for one of the areas mentioned below. Outline (i) the main objective, (ii) the expected outcomes and (iii) at least four specific research projects to be executed. The programmes are

(a) Biochar production and utilization,

(b) Non-timber Forest Products development

Answer 1

NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVES-

NTFPs, such as wild foods, medicinal plants, and raw materials for handicrafts, make significant contributions to rural livelihoods. NTFPs can help fulfil households' subsistence and consumption needs, serve as a safety-net in times of crises, and provide cash income. In particular, the processing of NTFPs has often been suggested to positively influence sustainable economic development in rural areas. However, despite rising interest and recognition of the potential contributions of such industries as key sources of employment and their strategic role in overall growth strategies of developing countries, many NTFP processing enterprises remain in the informal sector and an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors is lacking.

OUTCOMES-

NTFP trade leads to improved access to information, often as a result of increased interaction with traders. This may contribute to improved trade, e.g. improved market information, as well as to more general livelihood improvements as people learn and apply new knowledge

RESEARCH PROJECTS

The current and potential value of NTFPs for local communities is being utilized in integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs).

Participation Behaviour of Indigenous People in Non-timber Forest Products Extraction and Marketing in the Dry Deciduous Forests of South India-

The paper examines the role of non-timber forest products (NTFP) in the rural household economy

and the demographic and economic factors determining the participation behavior in forest gathering

in the dry deciduous forests of Karnataka, South India. It is observed that though the return for labour

involved in NTFP extraction and marketing is comparatively higher to the existing wage rate of the

primary sector, the labour supply was skewed towards the latter.

Livelihood Dependency on Non-Timber Forest Products: Implications for REDD+-

Deforestation and forest degradation are occurring continuously and posing serious threats to forests and people worldwide. In Myanmar, poor regulation and unsustainable extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is affecting millions of hectares of natural forests; overexploitation of forest resources is one of the main drivers of forest degradation

Determinants of Non-Timber Forest Product Planting, Development, and Trading: Case Study in Central Vietnam-

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play an active role in economic development, improving household livelihoods, raising the value of forestry production, and supporting sustainable forest management. This study involved a comprehensive assessment of the growth, development, and trade of NTFPs in Vietnam by combining logistic and tobit methods

Forest Ecosystem Services: Provisioning of Non-Timber Forest Products-

Many past studies on NTFPs report “total market value” or “economic value.” Total market value is the total quantity harvested or traded in a locality, State, region, or country, multiplied by its market price. Economic value refers to the sum of the consumer and producer surplus for a good or service.