Understanding NWFPs Utilization, Marketing and Transportation in AJK, Pakistan

The study assessed the utilization, marketing and transportation of Non WoodForest Products (NWFPs) in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)with the view to improving ivelihoods of local inhabitants. Data collection were made in AJK districts of Neelam and Bagh. The respondents that were sampled for the study comprise of local ihabitants involved in collection of NWFPs. A total of 200 respondents were interviwed using simple random sampling technique. The results revelaed most of the farmers were literate having very small land holdings with farming as their prime profession. The main reason for NWFPs collection and selling is to buy food and cater for health needs of the family. Most of the NWFPs are sold directly to local traders at spot and fellow collector/trader remained most worthy source of information in NWFP collection and selling. Regarding mode of transportation manual transportation (on foot) is being used due to low quantityof NWFP collection at most of the times. There is now the need of time that the people of this area involved with NTFPs should be trained. Trainings on collection, processing and packaging of NTFPs must be carried out. Therefore the local communities would be able to add value to their products and are able to fetch high premiums to support their livelihoods.