Consumption and Marketing Pattern of Non-timber Forest Products in a Rapidly Changing World: Insights from North-Eastern Bangladesh

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and their associated products received huge attention from development workers, practitioner and researchers in the past decades for their potentials for rural development. It is widely recognized that promoting the sustainable harvest and utilization of NTFPs can contribute to forest conservation. Nevertheless, with the development progressed in many regions, substitutes for NTFPs becoming readily available in the markets, challenging the NTFPs. A survey was conducted in an urban fringe of north-eastern Bangladesh to explore the NTFP-based product diversity, marketing pattern, challenges in a rapidly changing environment. A total of 38 NTFPs and NTFP-based secondary products were recorded from twenty-five markets, including- 16 permanent, 7 temporary (semi-permanent), and 2 mobile shops. Bamboo and rattan-based productsBamboo and rattan based products had the highest demand in the locality and at the same time they also suffer from a scarcity of raw materialsRaw materials. A decreasing trend in the consumption of NTFPs-based goods for urban domestic use was evident. To cope with the competitive markets, sellers mainly emphasized creative marketing strategies and durability of products. New policy guidelines and active government support targeting medium and small entrepreneurs are essential for the sustenance of this industry. Besides, an efficient product’s supply chain, technical advancement in the production process, and skill development of the relevant stakeholders can secure the future of these products and dependent livelihoods.