Environmental Policy Influencing the Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods: Case Studies from Himachal Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Lack of comprehension of the complexity of the elements that determine the contribution of NTFPs to local lives frequently hinders discussions about the role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in efforts to balance the aims of forest conservation and rural development. The districts of Kangra, Sirmour, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh State in India are three case studies where NTFPs are significant, and this study highlights that the effect of environmental policies, socio-cultural background, and economic status of the people on the extraction of the NTFPs. The study also demonstrates the importance of paying close attention to the socio-cultural diversity of resource users, as well as the value chain structure, and access to and control over resources, all of which have an impact on the chances for locals to profit from NTFP extraction. The rural livelihoods still rely upon the fuelwood and fodder from forests and there is a lack of knowledge and education to understand the policies and schemes related to forests and NTFPs.