NTFPs Around the World

It is estimated that 80% of the population of "developing" countries relies on non-timber forest products for their primary health and nutritional needs. (FAO 1995).

Despite their widespread use and importance, NTFPs have generally been considered as minor or specialty products and not included in regional or national forest planning strategies. NTFPs are often perceived to be quaint subsistence products, that don't really add to the balance sheets of national economies. New developments in research and use of NTFPs are helping to change this perspective. In 1993, the total world trade in NTFPs was estimated to be US$ 11-billion. In addition to their economic value NTFPs can play important roles in maintaining or restoring important cultural traditions and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

NTFP use and development creates many challenges for communities and resource managers. As with other commodities, the low prices paid to harvesters often means that economic returns to forest-based communities is low and most of the profit is generated for brokers and retailers. Substitution of natural forest products for cultivated or synthetic products can threaten the long-term viability of NTFPs. Increasing interest in natural products in many industrialized nations is, however, helping to improve existing markets and create many new markets.

When new products are developed for the commercial market, they often making use of the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities. Recognizing the intellectual property rights of indigenous communities and ensuring that proper compensation is paid to these communities for their role in bringing new products to the market is an area of increasing concern. Please visit the Intellectual Property Rights Page for more on this topic.

While commercial development of NTFPs can provide income generation for rural communities, high prices for some NTFPs can lead to over-exploitation and endanger the future of local populations, or of an entire species. Increased market prices can also make it more difficult for local people to purchase traditional NTFPs such as medicinal herbs.

Harvesting of NTFPs often occurs in remote regions, across wide areas and economic transactions are often informal. These factors make monitoring harvesting intensity and the health of NTFP populations very difficult.

A number of approaches are being used to overcome the challenges associated with the sustainable use of NTFPs. Examples of these approaches can be found in the case studies below. Links and bibliographic references are provided for each case study should you desire more detailed information.

.