Thematic reviews, briefing notes, ECPs and reports

Darwin Initiative toolkit for SMEs

2.1 Non-timber forest products (NTFPs)

2.1.1 Overview

This section is the first of five specific biodiversity related markets and focuses on Non-timber forest products (NTFPs). NTFPs are a collection of biological resources derived from both natural and managed forests and other wooded areas. Examples include a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, spices, resins, gums, medicinal plants.

2.1.2 Two key resources

These resources were chosen to provide the best overview for this field, but it is also worth checking out the other resources in this section.

FAO Marketing information systems for non-timber forest products
Presents a systematic approach that can be used by small-scale producers to gather information about markets for NTFPs.
FAO- Community-based tree and forest product enterprises: Market Analysis and Development

The goal of the Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) approach is to assist local people in developing income-generating enterprises while conserving tree and forest resources. It discusses how to assess the existing situation, identify products, markets and means of marketing, and plan enterprises for sustainable development. A main theme is the four areas of enterprise development: market economy, resource management, social/institutional issues, and science and technology. A case study from remote areas of central Vietnam is also presented.

The publication contains the following 6 sections:

2.1.3 Market research (Non-timber forest products, NTFPs)

Tools/guidelines/methodologies
FAO Marketing information systems for non-timber forest products
To help local groups establish a Marketing Information System that is user-driven, flexible and responsive to local needs.
FAO Horticultural marketing - a resource and training manual for extension officers
Aims to provide appropriate resource and training material on marketing for extension officers working with farmers who produce horticultural produce for both domestic and export markets.
FAO A guide to marketing costs and how to calculate them
To explain basic concepts of agricultural marketing costs and marketing margins. It identifies the main types of marketing costs, provides brief advice on how to calculate them and discusses the interpretation of marketing margins.
Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bio-resources (ANSAB)
ANSAB is committed to enterprise oriented solutions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development. ANSAB has been a forerunner in its field for over a decade working in ecological, technological, economic and socio-cultural fronts associated with people centered conservation, management, and use of biodiversity, especially non-timber forest products (NTFPs), in Nepal. A “Market Information System” exists with useful links and resources.
Reports/literature
Belcher and Schreckenberg- Commercialisation of Non-timber forest- a reality check
Challenges the pervasive view that commercialisation of non-timber forest products can (easily) achieve ecosystem and species conservation as well as improving livelihoods. Following a brief review of who and what is involved, it focuses on the main ecological and livelihood risks of unconsidered promotion of NTFP commercialisation, drawing on a wide range of case studies from around the world, and concludes with some recommendations for useful interventions.
Schreckenberg et al- Commercialisation of NTFPs and factors influencing success
Examines the key factors that influence successful NTFP commercialization.
CIFOR/CGIAR- Commercialisation of NTFP-review and analysis of research
Aims to reach a better understanding of the role and potential forest products in development and conservation.
USAID- US Markets for Non-traditional natural products (from Madagascar)
Identifies non-traditional markets and approaches for expanding the market presence and market linkages for Malagasy products and producers.
FAO- Marketing of Indigenous Medicinal Plants in South Africa - A Case Study in Kwazulu-Natal
The market study aims to describe the demand, supply, current marketing practices, potential and limitations within the medicinal plant market and makes recommendations for a wide range of decision-makers.
FAO- Agricultural and food marketing management
Strengthening agricultural marketing training in Eastern and Southern Africa.

2.1.4 Business planning (Non-timber forest products)

Tools/guidelines/methodologies
FAO- Handbook on Small Enterprises for Hill Tribe People in Thailand
Business planning, production and marketing advice, written to help develop small Enterprises for Hill Tribe People in Thailand, but applicable to other types of small enterprise development.
o EcoEnterprises- Technical Assistance fund
A technical assistance fund which covers fund management costs and provides business advisory services to prospective and portfolio projects which include, Business planning; Marketing; Training in technical subject areas such as ecotourism and organic agriculture; Financial control and accounting; Establishment of environmental indicators and monitoring programs.
Reports/literature
IUCN/Shell - Building biodiversity business
Collaboration between The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Shell International Limited, in a joint effort to identify potential new business opportunities and market-based mechanisms to conserve biodiversity, with a specific section on NTFPs
FAO- Non-wood Forest Products and Income Generation
Income generation reviews through sustainable management of non-wood forest products.
FAO- Paying for Biodiversity Conservation Services in Agricultural Landscapes
Describes the contract mechanism developed for the Regional Integrated Silvo-pastoral Ecosystem Management Project, which is being implemented with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project is testing the use of the payment-for-service mechanism to encourage the adoption of silvo-pastoral practices in three countries of Central and South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
VITA Publications catalogue [refer doc]

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