| Author | Roy, Rabindra |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.NR-10-01 |
| Subject(s) | Non-timber forest products--Nepal--Humla
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| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. NR-10-01 |
| Abstract | Humla is a remote and mountainous district situated in the north-west corner of Nepal, bordering with China. People in Humla or Humlis belong to the Chhetri-Thakuri, and Dalits social groups of the Indo-Aryan language group and to the Lama social group of the Tibeto-Burman language group. The main objective of the research is to assess the contribution of NTFPs to the overall livelihood of upper Humla, and to explore ways of how this contribution could be further enhanced. Research was carried out in 8 villages of Khagaalgaun and Syaandaa VDCs situated in upper Humla. Among the aims of this research was to study and to understand differences in livelihoods between the three social groups. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from June to August 2007 and May to September 2008. The sample size was 57 percent out of a total of 497 households. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered at randomly selected households. The questionnaire survey was supplemented with key informant interviews, focus group discussions, informal interaction, direct field observation and participant observation. Moreover, a herbarium was collected to identify the scientific names of NTFPs species which are consumed and used in every day livelihood. Livelihoods in Khagaalgaun and Syaandaa VDCs are based on agriculture, trading and employment. Agriculture is the major livelihood activity. Agricultural production, however, is not enough to feed family members. Thus, livelihood is supplemented with trading and employment as off-farm income generation activities. Food deficits were found to differ between the social groups and are generally experienced from mid-February to mid-June and from mid-August to mid-October. In order to overcome food deficit, the diets are supplemented with wild edible plants The study found that 47 NTFPs species were used for food, medicine and other purposes. Out of this number, 22 species were wild edible plants, 15 species were used as medicine, and 10 species were harvested for uses other than consumption and medicinal. Wild edible plants were consumed with daily meals whereas medicinal plants were used for primary health care at household whenever necessary and also for trading to make money. The main tradable and economically valuable NTFP species were “atis” (Delphinium himalayai), “jatamansi” (Nardostachys jatamansi), “kutki” (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora)and “guchchi chyaau” (Morchella conica). Trading of NTFPs is basically operated by two actors: primary collectors and local brokers. About 72 percent of the total households were found to be primary collectors whereas 9 percent of the total households were involved in trading of NTFPs species as brokers. Local brokers had more bargaining power and better access to market information through business and social networking and are thus capable of setting prices sometimes to the detriment of primary collectors. The study therefore suggests setting up village-based cooperatives for the mutual benefits of both primary collectors and local brokers. Primary collectors can sell economically valuable NTFPs species directly to the village-based cooperative, and local broker of NTFPs can be involved as a trade promoters. iv To counter overexploitation and ensure the supply of tradable NTFPs fallow and unproductive Lek agricultural land (i.e. land at higher altitudes) could be used to cultivate economically valuable NTFPs species such as “Atis” [Delphinium himalayai], wild asparagus [Asparagus racemosus], “dhatelo” [Prinsepia utilis] “chiraaito” [Swertia cordala] and seabuckthorn [Hippophae salicifolia]. Accessibility of markets is, however, a limiting factor for the trading of NTFPs species. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. NR-10-01 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Resurreccion, Bernadette P. ;Cochard, Roland ;Ingles, Andrew W.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Development Fund, Norway ;ITTO Fellowship, Japan ;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010 |