Traditional use of Non-Timber Forest Products in Kwar region of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, NW India

Abstract

This baseline study was carried out to ascertain the role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the livelihoods among local communities of Kwar Panchayat, Rupin Valley of Shimla district. Qualitative data was collected through random sampling where a total of 100 households were sampled in the villages. Structured interviews, group discussion and participant observation were conducted as per methodology. Secondary data was collected from the Divisional Forest Office at Rohru along with the available literature in the form of regional floras and research publications. The results revealed that traditionally, the local communities rely a great deal on forest resources as 101 NTFPs were recorded for major livelihood activities like medicine, fuelwood and fodder. Animal husbandry (cattle, sheep and goats), horticulture, agriculture and forest gathering activities were the main livelihood approaches. Surprisingly, 100 % of the respondents were gathering NTFPs from the forest of which 75% utilized them for healthcare. Other local end-use of NTFPs included food, construction materials, in cultural and religious activities, preparation of agricultural implements/ tools, etc. The study recommends interventions for reducing people’s dependence on this vital natural resource by giving them alternative avenues to reduce their collections from the wild. It also suggests vocational capacity building to enable them to take up the challenges of management of these forest resources in a more sustainable manner. Also, an exclusive quantitative study is required to provide a clear picture of the amount of NTFPs gathered and utilised over a period of time.