Quantity and Value of Non–timber Forest Products Utilized by Local People in Mae Poen District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the socio–economic conditions and the quantity and value of non–timber forest product (NTFP) utilization in Mae Poen District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The study used interviews with key informants from 380 households. Data were analyzed using statistical software based on frequency, percentage, average, maximum, minimum and one–way ANOVA of differences in the use value of NTFPs.

Based on the results of the study, the major household representative was a female with an average age of 50 years, with most respondents having completed primary school and migrated from other places. Their main occupation was in agriculture and hired as workers. Average income and expenses were in the same range (THB 75,001–100,000/year). Their living style depended on NTFP utilization, including fuelwood, bamboo, bamboo shoots, wild fruits, wild vegetables, mushrooms, edible tubers, insects and products of insects, herbs and small animals. The highest volume of NTFP was bamboo shoots (178,448.00 kg/year), followed by mushrooms, and insects and products of insects (40,157.60 and 14,787.86 kg/year, respectively). However, the highest value was for mushrooms (THB 12,883,590.00/year) followed by bamboo shoots, and insects and products of insects (THB 1,784,480.00 and 1,648,366.14/year, respectively), with the total NTFP utilization being THB 21,128,163.39/year. There were significant differences at the 0.05 level for NTFP utilization value among villages and types of NTFP (mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, insects and product of insects, edible tubers, herbs and small animals).