NON-TIMBER PRODUCTS OF THE FOREST: SOURCE OF INCOME FOR FAMILIES AND FOREST CONSERVATION ALTERNATIVES

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe commercialization chain of four non-timber forest products (NTFP). Three of these products are used in handcrafts and one in natural medicine. The literature review was studied and interviews were conducted to a specific sampling for the analysis of the information. This paper also describes the Nicaraguan legislation related to the NTFP and the removal, processing and commercialization of the chosen producs. The importance of describing this marketing chain, is that it can be used as a basis for forest conservation and recognition as sources of subsistence for poor families to improve life quality.

Keywords: non-timber forest products, marketing chain, sustainable forest management.