A method for the economic valuation of non-timber tropical forest products

Abstract

By drawing on quantitative studies in social anthropology, zoology, ethnobotany, and economics we present a method for conducting an economic valuation of non-timber forest products. A review of 24 studies suggests that the median value for non-timber forest products is about $50/ha/year. We discuss problems with past studies and suggest ways to get better estimates of output quantities, marginal costs, and prices. © 1993 The New York Botanical Garden.