Assessment of the contribution of non-timber forest products to household food security and income around Baga catchment forest in Lushoto district, Tanzania
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Date
2015
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products
(NTFPs) to household food security and income generation in villages surrounding Baga
catchment forest in Lushoto District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing
the common NTFPs utilized by households in the study area, examining socio-economic
factors influencing household members accessibility to NTFPs, evaluating the
contribution of NTFPs to household food security and income. The study used a sample
size of 120 respondents selected randomly from Mziasaa, Sagara, Baga and Malomboi
villages. A structured questionnaire was administered for primary data collection.
Secondary data of NTFPs collection and crop production were collected from District
Forest Office and District Agricultural Office respectively. Data analyzed by using SPSS
software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. Inferential statics were
employed whereas linear regression analysis was used to determine the socio-economic
factors influencing collection of NTFPs and pair t test were used to compare various
income from NTFPs and other sources
Results showed that: there was significant
increase of NTFPs collection in the villages which surround Baga catchment forest over
the period. Results also showed that there was positive relationship between collection of
NTFPs and some socio-economic variable including household size, age, education,
occupation and duration in years of staying in the area. Non-Timber Forest Products
accounted for 100.0% of all respondents in the villages; however they also engaged in
other production activities. It also indicates that NTFPs are utilized either directly or
indirectly as solution to food insecurity and low incomes among the households. Results
further showed that income from selling NTFPs is higher than from other sources such as
selling agricultural produce, selling livestock, business, labour wages and employment in
the study area. The study recommends that the government should employ more forest
officers and provide education on direct economic importance of NTFPs.
Description
Keywords
Assessment of timber forest, Contribution of non-timber forest, Forest products, Timber, Food security, Baga catchment