Impact of Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) on Food and Livelihood Security: An Economic Study of Tribal Economy in Dang's District of Gujarat, India

The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensuring food and livelihood security for the tribal economy in Dang's district of Gujarat. This indicates that most employment (42.51%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFPs collection (31.67%) and livestock rearing (15.85%) respectively. About 42 species of NTFPs were found to be collected and utilized for various purposes such as food, medicines, and raw materials for making implements and also as a source of income. It suggested that alternate sources of income to the villagers to improve their socio-economic conditions as well as increasing the income level and employment opportunities by effective collection and selling of Non-Timber Forest Products.

Dominate tribal community in Dang's district of Gujarat are Gamit, Chaudhari, Bhil, Vadvi, Vasava, Konkani, Naik, Kotawalia and Warli.

NTFPs has played significance role in socio-economic in the context of employment and income generation for very large population especially the weaker section of society including tribal's.