Trade of non-timber forest products and its contribution to the livelihood in Njombe District, Tanzania

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.