Forest Resource Utilization in Ban Luk 32 Community, Xay Distric, Oudomxay Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

This paper aimed to analyze the forest resource utilization and conservation awareness of the ethnic groups in Luk 32 village, Xay district, Oudomxay province, Northern Laos. The sample data were obtained from a survey of 100 households from five ethnic groups. Basic statistical and qualitative data were analyzed. The results showed that the sample households harvested 11 types of forest products—namely, fuel wood, bamboo shoots, broom grass, forest vegetables, mushroom, wild fruit, wildlife, herbs, rattan shoots, edible insects, and orchids. The estimated direct use value was 3,623,651.00 baht/year or 11,467.25 baht/household/year. This value comprised household consumption 5,140.81 baht (Hmong, Khamu and Phunoi, from high to low, respectively) and sale value 6,326.44 baht (Khamu, Hmong and Laolum, from high to low, respectively). Of the three indicators of conservation awareness (i.e. optimal forest resource use, forest protection, and forest resource rehabilitation), it was found that the level of awareness of each ethnic group was not significantly different for each indicator. The results imply that the people’s livelihoods mainly rely on forest products. On the other hand, some of the groups earn income from non-forest based sources; this might relieve pressure on the resource, lessen resource use competition, and reduce forest degradation. The continuous promotion to the community of the need to gain knowledge and understanding of forest resource utilization would contribute to better conservation awareness that in turn would impact stable forest resource supply and sustainable use.

Keywords:  Forest resource, Direct use value, Conservation awareness, Ethnic group, Lao PDR