Resource Potential of Non Timber Forest Products in Dawro Zone, South Ethiopia.

Abstract

In this study Non timber resources potential and their income contribution to the local community in Dawro zone South Ethiopia were studied. The objectives of the study were (i) to assess the resource potential of non timber forest products, and (ii) to study the income contribution of the resources in the study area. The study was designed to collect both vegetation and socioeconomic data. Tree species and products which are considered as NTFPs were collected from purposively selected primary natural forest named ‘Dodi natural forest’ by the help of local elders and development agents and taken to the national herbarium for the proper identification and naming. From a total of 215 HHs in the study area, randomly selected 41 HHs were selected and structured questionnaire was administered for individual households. A total of eleven (11) NTFPs were recorded from the study area which are serving for both subsistence as medicinal for animals, human being, windbreak and fencing, food additives like species  and income sources. It was understood some products like spice species and forest coffee are in problem of mismanagement and Bamboo products were underutilized. On the other hand, majority of the respondents (31%) indicated that products extracted from the forest are used for home consumption and commercial purpose even though, medicinal plants identified in the area are seldom used as only 2.4% of the total respondents indicated. It was suggested that better management and utilization method has to be set for diversifying products benefit for the local community.

Key words: NTFPS, value addition, primary forests, mismanagement