Non Timber Forest ProductEdit
Non timber forest products are goods gathered from forests that are not traditional timber. They encompass a broad range of products used for food, medicine, crafts, industrial inputs, and cultural purposes. In many regions, these products underpin household survival, rural economies, and local supply chains, while also shaping broader conversations about conservation, development, and rights to forest resources.
NTFPs often fill gaps left by the formal economy, offering low-cost food and income opportunities for smallholders and communities. They can contribute to household resilience during lean seasons and provide sources of cash income that diversify livelihoods. The scale of these markets ranges from subsistence harvest for personal use to small- and medium-scale trade, and in some cases to international exports. The growing interest in sustainable and ethical sourcing has brought NTFPs into the spotlight of development policy, conservation planning, and private-sector supply chains. Forest resources Ecosystem services Rural development
Definition and scope
Non timber forest products include any forest-derived goods other than wood that people collect, harvest, or farm. The exact scope varies by country and policy framework, but common categories include edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, honey, and wild game meat used in certain cultures; medicinal plants and aromatic oils; resins, gums, and latexes; fibers such as bamboo, rattan, and sedge; cosmetics and flavoring ingredients; and craft materials like dyes, dyes woods, and carving materials. Because many NTFPs are gathered from public, communal, or private lands, questions about access, ownership, and benefit sharing are central to debates over management. Non-timber forest products Common-pool resources Indigenous rights
Sources and categories
- Food and edible products: forest fruits, nuts, edible fungi, honey, and edible oils sourced from wild or cultivated forest species.
- Medicinal and aromatic products: plant extracts, essential oils, and traditional remedies derived from forest flora.
- Fibers and construction materials: bamboo, rattan, palm fibers, and other non-wood plant materials used in crafts, construction, or textiles.
- Resins, gums, and latexes: turpentine, dammar, frankincense, myrrh, and other exudates collected from trees and shrubs.
- Crafts and cultural materials: dyes, pigments, fibers, and materials used in traditional arts and handicrafts.
- Wildlife products: some communities harvest edible or utilitarian products from forest fauna within sustainable and regulated frameworks (where legal and culturally appropriate). Each category can involve distinct harvesting techniques, seasonal cycles, and processing steps. Biodiversity Forest management Value chain
Economic and social significance
NTFPs contribute to livelihoods by providing direct consumption value as food and medicine, as well as income through local and regional markets. They often support women’s participation in harvest and processing activities, particularly in post-harvest processing, drying, and value addition. In rural economies, NTFPs can complement agriculture by offering diversification, risk mitigation, and opportunities to capture value before products reach urban markets. They also intersect with informal economies and can play a role in community resilience to shocks such as droughts or market downturns. Beyond economics, NTFPs have cultural and nutritional importance for many communities and can be tied to traditions, knowledge systems, and language. Livelihood Gender roles in development Nutrition
Governance, policy, and rights
Management of NTFPs often occurs within a mix of governance arrangements, including government-managed forests, state-allocated concessions, private lands, and community or indigenous forest regimes. Rights to access, harvest, and benefit sharing vary widely and can influence incentive structures for sustainable harvesting. Community forestry models, co-management arrangements, and legally defined harvest quotas or licenses aim to balance local livelihoods with conservation goals. Certification schemes and supply-chain standards increasingly address sustainability criteria, traceability, and fair compensation for collectors. Regulatory approaches can either empower local users or, if poorly designed, create barriers or disincentives to sustainable use. Community forestry Forest management Certification Indigenous rights
Sustainability and controversies
Sustainability in NTFP harvesting hinges on ecological considerations such as regeneration rates, habitat health, and seasonal dynamics, as well as social factors like equitable access and benefit sharing. Critics warn that overharvesting, weak governance, or poorly defined property rights can erode forests and undermine the livelihoods that depend on them. Proponents argue that market-based incentives, when coupled with community stewardship and transparent governance, can align conservation with development—supporting sustainable harvests, value addition, and long-term forest health. Debates also touch on how regulatory frameworks intersect with subsistence needs, export markets, and rural development goals. In some policy discussions, concerns are raised about outside buyers and large buyers dictating terms, while supporters highlight opportunities for better prices and formalized markets that can fund conservation. See also discussions around eco-labels, chain-of-custody requirements, and the role of private-sector partners in sustainable forest use. Sustainable development Eco-label Value chain
Technology, processing, and value addition
Advances in drying, storage, and processing technologies extend shelf life and expand markets for NTFPs. Small and medium enterprises can leverage cooperatives, digital platforms, and targeted financing to scale processing operations, improve product quality, and reach new customers. Value addition—transforming raw materials into branded goods—can increase incomes for harvesters and communities while encouraging better stewardship of forest resources. This integration of traditional knowledge with modern processing underscores the importance of strong governance, credible science, and transparent market signals. Small and medium-sized enterprises Cooperatives Digital economy Market access