Non-timber forest products subsistence and commercial uses: trends and future demands

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Abstract
The chapter, which begins with a brief review of the terminology associated with non-timber forest products (NTFP), stresses the need for a holistic approach to NTFP management. The following related issues are presented with regard to NTFP: 1) biological/ecological significance; 2) technical complexity of NTFP measurements and inventory involving hundreds of species and products; 3) very high social concern for local livelihood; 4) national revenue and outturn; and 5) international export and import. The introduction of an effective forest protection regime, sustainable management of timber and non-timber produce and periodic monitoring and evaluation system in the light of exponentially rising demand for these products, nationally and internationally is urgent, as great social and ecological concerns are associated with unplanned extraction from forests. Major data and knowledge gaps are identified and specific recommendations made for improving the quality of statistical information and NTFP-related knowledge.