Economic Contribution of NTFPs to Tribal Livelihoods and Income Inequality in Gurez Valley of Kashmir Himalaya

The study investigated the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) extracted, consumed and traded; their economic value; livelihood contribution; income inequality mitigation; and determinants of NTFP income in the Shina tribe in Gurez Himalaya. The survey used a random sampling procedure in multiple stages to select subdivisions (03), villages (18), and households (337). The methods used for the household survey included non-participant observations, structured interviews, focus group discussions, and rapid market assessments. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and OLS multiple regression. Total economic value of NTFPs extracted was ₹ 30733.4/household/year, including subsistence (61.63%) and cash (38.37%). NTFP income was dominated by herbal medicines, which accounted for 44.68%, while incense was the lowest (0.33%). Household average annual income was ₹ 92811.24, of which NTFP is the 3^rd major contributor (20.41%) of the tribal economy. Gini coefficients, with (0.2873) and without (0.3539) NTFP income, indicated that NTFP income exerted a stronger (6.66%) equalizing effect on income distribution. The regression analysis revealed that the variables, namely, main occupation, herd size, annual income, proximity to forests, family forestry, and forest visits, had a significant impact on NTFP income. R² (0.920) implies that all the factors jointly explained 92.00% of variation on the NTFP income.

⓿ The Shina tribe extracts diverse NTFPs from forests to secure their livelihoods.

⓿ NTFPs contributes substantially to the tribal economy, and NTFP income exerts a stronger equalizing effect on income distribution.

⓿ Findings can facilitate the development of specific strategies for strengthening forest conservation, NTFP-based livelihoods, and inequality mitigation.