Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

A Review of the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products to Alleviate Poverty

Obed Asamoah
* ORCID logo ,
Jones Abrefa Danquah
,
Dastan Bamwesigye
* ,
Nahanga Verter
ORCID logo ,
Ebo Tawiah Quartey
,
Charles Mario Boateng
,
Suvi Kuittinen
,
Emmanuel A. Boakye
,
Mark Appiah
,
Ari Pappinen
Version 1 : Received: 27 December 2023 / Approved: 28 December 2023 / Online: 28 December 2023 (05:41:42 CET)

How to cite: Asamoah, O.; Danquah, J.A.; Bamwesigye, D.; Verter, N.; Quartey, E.T.; Boateng, C.M.; Kuittinen, S.; Boakye, E.A.; Appiah, M.; Pappinen, A. A Review of the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products to Alleviate Poverty. Preprints 2023, 2023122145. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.2145.v1 Asamoah, O.; Danquah, J.A.; Bamwesigye, D.; Verter, N.; Quartey, E.T.; Boateng, C.M.; Kuittinen, S.; Boakye, E.A.; Appiah, M.; Pappinen, A. A Review of the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products to Alleviate Poverty. Preprints 2023, 2023122145. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.2145.v1

Abstract

Non-timber forest Products (NTFPs) are a broad category of natural resources harvested from forests that do not involve cutting down trees for their wood or timber. NTFPs play a vital role in the livelihoods and economies of many rural communities, particularly in forest-dependent regions. Despite the benefits obtained from NTFPS, little is known about its potential to alleviate poverty in the local communities. The objective of this review is to comprehensively assess the potential of NTFP's contribution to poverty reduction within forest fringe communities. The study employed the systematic review method to delve into the multifaceted relationship between NTFPs and poverty alleviation. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol (PRISM-P). In all, 58 research articles were reviewed. The results indicated that NTFPs hold significant promise as a tool for poverty alleviation. Globally, NTFPs have the potential to alleviate poverty and increase household incomes between 19% and 78% within forest fringe rural communities. In addition, the review indicated that countries in Africa and Asia depend highly on NTFPs and provide substantial amounts of income to the locals. However, the potential for NTFPs to reduce poverty is not uniform. It is highly contingent upon local ecological conditions, market accessibility, community involvement, and supporting policies and interventions. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that NTFPs have a substantial role in poverty alleviation. This study underscores the need for continued research and targeted development initiatives to unlock the vast potential of NTFPs in addressing poverty challenges.

Keywords

Non-timber forest products; Potential; Poverty; livelihood; Alleviation; Locals

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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