Understanding local perception on NTFP availability in the Himalayan landscape of Nepal

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are integral to the livelihoods and socio-cultural practices of forest-dependent communities in Khare village, Dolakha district, located within Nepal’s Gaurishankar Conservation Area. However, their availability is increasingly threatened by climate change and human-induced pressures. This study, conducted in 2023, applied a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach to assess both the status of NTFP availability and local perceptions of climate-related changes. A total of 95 randomly selected households were surveyed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), supplemented by key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Results show that 95.8 per cent of respondents observed noticeable changes in NTFP occurrence. While fodder (100%) and fuelwood (99%) were most commonly used, medicinal plants (42%) and honey (21%) had lower usage, largely due to ecological degradation and overharvesting. Significant altitudinal variation was observed (p < 0.05 for most categories), with decreased availability reported below 1600m and increases above. Key stressors identified included overexploitation (75%), climatechange (52%), forest fires (36%), invasive species (Ageratina adenophora), and pest outbreaks (Gazalina chrysolopha). Respondents emphasised reduced grazing and growing conservation awareness as contributors to localised recovery. The study calls for stronger regulatory mechanisms, sustainable harvesting guidelines, and community-led restoration efforts to safeguard NTFPs and strengthen rural resilience in Himalayan landscapes.