From subsistence to market-driven: the role of non-timber forest products at community forests in Northeast Thailand

ABSTRACT Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are essential provisions for many households, yet mobility and socioeconomic development are changing forest connections for those who live in rural areas. Despite being far away, some villagers remain attached to their childhood residences, especially for food consumption, leading to an increased demand for NTFPs. This study examined rural livelihoods and use of NTFPs, including economic value, trade-offs, and responses to market demands. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 199 individuals at three villages in Udon Thani, northeast Thailand during 2017. In addition, 46 forest users from outside the villages participated in the study. Subjects reported eight groups of NTFPs harvested, accounting for nearly 10% of average household annual income. Although most local villagers harvested NTFPs for household consumption, 21% did so for income generation. Moreover, 55% of forest users transported NTFPs elsewhere, either by direct trading or to their children and/or relatives living in other cities. Increased market demand pressure villagers to change their selling tactics. Instead of gathering NTFPs directly from the forests, some individuals purchased and re-sold them to local traders for higher prices. Local economies are changing from subsistence to market-driven and cash-dependent livelihoods.