Non-timber forest products and their contribution to healthcare and livelihood security among the Karbi tribe in Northeast India

Abstract

Introduction: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been an essential source for food, medicine, and handicraft products among the indigenous populations living in forested areas for millennia. Scientific research on the restoration of the importance of NTFPs and their value addition could potentially guide the development of new nutraceutical products in the future. The present study aims to investigate the diversity of non-timber forest products of the Karbi Anglong District of Assam in Northeast India. Methods: Multistage sampling technique was used for the study. A total of 70 respondents from 7 randomly selected villages were interviewed with a well-developed semi-structured questionnaire to explore the utilisation of NTFPs. Data analysis was done using four quantitative indices: (a) use report (UR), (b) use value (UV), (c) informant consensus factor (ICF), and (d) fidelity level (FL). Results: A total of 138 plant species belonging to 59 families distributed in 110 genera were recorded and identified as NTFPs of 1 type or the other. These include 42% having ethnomedicinal use, 33% as edible forest products, 15% as household building materials and utensils, 6% as spices and condiments, and 4% as herbal dyes. Among the medicinal plant species, Abroma augustum (L.) L. f., Amaranthus spinosus L, and Geophila repens (L.) I. M. Johnst. showed the highest ICF and FL. Conclusions: The present study confirms that NTFPs have played an essential role in the healthcare and livelihood of the indigenous people of the Karbi tribe throughout their generations and continue to do so. Also, the species with high value for both ICF and FL could be used for the development of new, cheap, effective, and eco-friendly herbal formulations for healthcare management leading to economic and social benefits to the indigenous tribe. However, anthropogenic pressure and overexploitation of NTFPs may lead to the loss of this precious natural resource from this area.