Determinants of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and alternative livelihood activities in Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

- Examines the extent, pattern and factors that influence household collection of NTFPs vis-à-vis other alternative livelihood sources.
- The extent and pattern of NTFP dependence differ widely across different socioeconomic and demographic profiles.
- NTFPs that are mostly used for subsistence would help maintain and conserve stock for the future needs of the forest dwellers.
- Agriculture and off-farm employment opportunities may help reduce pressure on forest and improve the household income.

Using primary data collected randomly from 244 households across 11 villages located in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, this study examines the extent and pattern of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and identifies and analyzes the factors that influence a household's participation in NTFP activities vis-à-vis alternative livelihood activities. Descriptive statistics and econometric techniques such as probit, tobit, and Heckman two-step selection models were used to analyze the data. The study finds that households derive a significant portion of their income from the collection of NTFPs; however, the extent and pattern of household dependence on NTFPs for income differ widely across different socioeconomic and demographic profiles. Level of education, age, landholding and household size, number of children, and gender influence the intensity of household collection of NTFPs. Households located inside the core zone of the reserve tend to depend more on NTFP collection compared to households residing in the buffer zone. Provision of non-farm employment and adequate farm land will go a long way in reducing household dependence on NTFPs and thereby improve forest conservation outcomes.