Non-timber forest Products and Tribal Livelihood - a Study from Kandhamal District of Orissa

Orissa is one of the most backward states of India with 47 per cent of the population living below poverty line. Forests constitute 37 per cent of the state's geographical area and are the major source of income for the poor, particularly tribals. For most of the tribal households, forests provide essential food and nutrition, medicine, fodder, fuel, thatch and construction materials and non-farm income. These products are particularly important in relieving the 'hunger periods' during slack periods of agricultural cycle. Tribal households get 23 per cent of their total income from NTFPs resources from the forest areas. This study suggests development models of forest management that will strengthen the life support system of the tribals keeping in view the principle of sustainable forest management.