Economic Valuation Of Non-Timber Forest Products Under The Changing Climate Around Iyondo Forest Reserve In Kilombero District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The study on the economic valuation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and its implication for adaptation to climate change was conducted in four villages surrounding Iyondo Forest Reserve (IFR). The study specifically aimed at identifying and quantifying NTFPs for subsistence use and trade, examining factors influencing supply and demand of NTFPs, examining the total economic value of NTFPs and determining profit margin between different actors along the NTFPs market value chain. Data were collected through PRA techniques, household and market surveys. Analysis of data through descriptive and inferential statistics was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Ms Excel software tools. 14 NTFPs were identified including firewood, mushrooms, wild fruits, herbal medicines and honey which were used for trade by local communities surrounding IFR for their livelihoods and during adverse climatic conditions. The results at p