Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS) and their Role in Livelihood Economy of the Tribal People in Upper Brahmaputra Valley, Assam, India

Apurba Saikia and Manash Pr

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a crucial role in development and livelihood of tribal people across the world. In earth more than two billion people are dwelling in the forest, depending on NTFPs for subsistence income and livelihood. NTFPs are considered to be important for sustaining rural livelihoods, reducing rural poverty, biodiversity conservation and improving rural economic growth. The present study has the objectives of documenting the knowledge pertaining to the NTFPs and its used pattern in the livelihood of the tribal people in upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India. The Present paper summarizes the use of 47 plant species belonging to 31 families in various activities of day to day life of different tribal communities of upper Brahmaputra valley region.