Utilization of Non Timber Forest Products by Duyoh Community, Bau District, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are natural resources collected from forests apart from timber. The use of NTFPs based on traditional knowledge is widely known among the natives in Borneo including Bidayuh community in Sarawak. An interview was undertaken with the villagers cum vendors at Duyoh Weekend Market along with a brief NTFPs survey at the nearby community forest (CF) recorded 76 NTFPs species belonging to 65 genera from 46 families used by this community. Of these, 64 species or 84.21% were recorded in the nearby forest while 33 species or 43.42% at the village’s Weekend Market. Based on four major uses, more than 68.0% of them were edible or used in food preparation and 27.6% for medicinal purposes. Only 6 species (7.9%) were used for handicrafts, and was considered the least. More than 17% were used for various other purposes including as ornamentals. Among the edible species, majority (54%) were fruits. Most (89.2%) of the edible species were also used for medicinal purposes. Most, if not all, households had collected the NTFPs from the forest, but only close to 20% of the village’s household actually sold these products at the village’s Weekend Market earning an average of RM400 to RM640 per month with higher income during fruiting season (October to December) which can reach RM200 per day. Although majority grew the commonly used plants in their own land, substantial NTFPs (43.4%) sold were collected from the forest. Although this study is very short, at least it gave an idea that NTFPs are being used and its value to the community in terms of income. Thus suggest to have a longer-term study to cover all seasons/periods of the year to understand more on the products being sold and their values. More efforts in conserving the nearby forest is also warranted to ensure a continue supply of NTFPs for sustainable supply for the present and future community use and to supplement their income.