Abstract:
The study was conducted to assess the trade of non timber forest products (NTFPs) and its
contribution to livelihood of households in selected parts of Njombe district, Tanzania.
Data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, questionnaire
and market surveys. A total of 86 respondents both households and NTFPs stakeholders
were interviewed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and MS Excel
computer software tools were used to analyze data. Eleven economically valuable NTFPs
and products were identified to be traded in the study area. Market chain analysis of four
prioritized NTFPs (i.e. firewood, honey, wild fruits and medicinal plants) showed that each
product was channeled differently. The main actors in NTFPs trade were producers;
processors; wholesalers and consumers. Middlemen appeared to mediate producers and
wholesalers or transporters within the chain. The NTFPs trade was found to be seasonal
dependent and influenced by socio-economic factors. Traded NTFPs were found to be
subsistence in terms of income contribution to households. The NTFPs trade seems to be
male dominated and thus income generated benefits more men than women traders. The
demand for most NTFPs and products ranged from moderate to high depending on
consumers’ awareness. Lack of marketing information, specified places for collection and
marketing, poor road networks, low production, poor processing technologies and storage
are among the constraints towards development of NTFPs trade in the area. Developmental
plans like poverty reduction strategies, privatization or change in land use need to be
emphasized. The benefit gap amongst NTFPs market players need to be minimized by
improving infrastructures and processing technologies.
