Use Value of Non-timber Forest Products at Khao Khew Community Forest, Hua Khao Sub district, Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

The objective of this study were to determine socio-economic condition, use and use value of non-timber forest products at Khao Khew community forest. Data for the study was gathered by using the designed questionnaires interviewed 36 respondents. The using statistical analysis methods including percent, mean, minimum and maximum.

            Results of the study indicated that the most respondents were female with their average age of 45.25 years and primary school was their educational level, the average number of household members 4.50, no social position. Agriculture was their main occupation and their subsidiary occupation was non-timber forest products collection. The average annual household income and expenditure were 204,056 baht and 151,905 baht, respectively. The average size of land holding was 1.95 rais. The most respondents haven’t been participated in conservation activities and received the relevant information about forest community. They dependency on 9 types of non-timber forest products namely, firewood, bamboo, bamboo shoot, wild fruit, edible plant, mushroom, edible tuber, edible insect and medicinal plant. The total use value, net use value and average net use value of the collected non-timber forest products per household were 601,163.50, 395,981.90 and 10,971.71 baht, respectively. Only, Thyrsostachys siamensis Gamble shoot production was value added in household industry with a total demand of 650 kg./annum

Keywords: use value, non-timber forest products, community forest