The Challenges of Extension for Non-wood Forest Products

Abstract

"Interest in non-wood forest products (NWFPs) has risen in the past 15 years or so as foresters, conservationists and development workers have struggled with the issue of promoting economic returns from forests while simultaneously conserving them. An underlying assumption of the interest in NWFPs is that sustainable economic harvest of 'secondary' products will help avoid forest conversion to other economic land uses or extensive logging. However, this approach has recently been recognized as somewhat simplified; accumulated experience, including evidence of unsustainable extraction and negative socio-economic impacts, has led to a more complex view. More consideration is being given to the role of NWFPs in improving rural livelihoods and to the assistance that could or should be provided to help achieve this."