Assessment of Economic Benefits Flowing from Collection of Non Wood Forest Products in South Dangs Forest Division, Gujarat, India

摘要

Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) are Important goods that act as a source of subsistence of forest dwellers living In the vicinity or within forest areas. In the present study, an attempt has been made to quantify collection of different types of NWFPs and the associated economic benefits derived by the communities in South Dangs Forest Division (SDFD). The study was conducted through primary survey of forest dwellers In SDFD using structured questionnaire. From the study, 25 types of NWFPs which have been classified Into 6 groups namely, leaves, flowers and seeds, culms and stems, fruits, gums and miscellaneous forms were found to be collected by local peoples. The study revealed estimated economic benefits of 1124.41 lakhs/annum of which the economic benefits derived from collection of fruits was 34.3 lakhs/ annum, culm and stem was 131.59 lakhs/annum, flowers and seeds was 27.14 lakhs/annum, leaves was 119.76 lakhs/annum, miscellaneous forms was 17.41 lakhs/annum and gums was 14.21 lakhs/annum.The study also revealed that economic benefits of NWFPs collection to the local tribal people Is available throughout the year and provide to be an Important source of their livelihood.