The Role of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Rural Livelihoods: Evidence from District Chitral, Pakistan

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products play a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods in forest-adjacent regions, particularly in mountainous and resource-scarce environments. This study investigates the socio-economic determinants of household dependence on NTFPs and quantifies their contribution to household income in district Chitral, Pakistan. Primary data were collected from 300 households across three forest-rich villages—Ayun, Garam Chashma, and Shali—using a multistage random sampling technique. The findings reveal that 82% of households depend on fuelwood, 45% collect medicinal herbs, and 28% harvest wild fruits and nuts. The average annual income derived from NTFPs was PKR 34,000, contributing between 10% and 25% of total household income. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that household size (β = 0.346, p < 0.01), forest proximity (β = -0.411, p < 0.01), and market access (β = 0.297, p < 0.01) significantly influence NTFP income, while education (β = -0.218, p < 0.05) and landholding size (β = -0.134, p < 0.05) have a negative relationship. The model explained 49% of the variation in NTFP income (Adjusted R² = 0.49). These results highlight the continued importance of NTFPs for land-poor, remote households and suggest that forest governance and livelihood policies should prioritize sustainable NTFP management and rural market integration.