Investigation of non-timber forest products and their contribution to poverty alleviation of rural communities in northern Zagros Forests (Field force analysis of issues and problems)

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play an important role in supporting rural livelihoods and food security. Due to a shortage of productive and arable lands and the resulting poverty, many rural households in northern Zagros forests follow a livelihood strategy which is highly dependent on forest products. This study was conducted to 1) investigate challenges and conflicts of NTFPs utilization, which were tested by participatory appraisal of natural resources in three forested villages in Baneh, Kurdistan province. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. Field force analysis was used as a theoretical framework. Interviews, questionnaires, brainstorming and group discussion techniques were used. Value of tree fodder was evaluated by Replacement cost method, whereas direct-cost pricing method was used for other products. Results showed that the main product of harvesting across the study area include oak tree fodder, firewood, Gazou, acorn and Mazooj Gaal.  NTFP income of the households’ was estimated to be 8510000 IRR.  Moreover, more than 50% of collected NTFPs-related household income was shown to be used for subsistence, and the rest was gained by selling the products. More subsistence income for the villagers comes from tree fodder and firewood. The most important problems with NTFPs harvesting were insufficient rules and administrative facilities, deforestation, overgrazing, drought and weakness of market network. Eventually, the main solutions to those problems towards a framework of an ‘integrated’ approach towards the natural resource management were identified as strengthening the cooperative society, development of market network and marketing service, organizing NTFPs harvesting plans and establishing the small scale agro-food industries in this area