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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Potential of Non-Timber Forest Products of Botswana |
Author: | Parratt, N.T. |
Year: | 1996 |
Periodical: | Botswana Notes and Records (ISSN 0525-5090) |
Volume: | 28 |
Pages: | 203-218 |
Language: | English |
Notes: | biblio. refs. |
Geographic terms: | Botswana Southern Africa |
Subjects: | forest products Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Development and Technology Bibliography/Research Economics and Trade Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry Non-timber forest products rural economy |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/40980143 |
Abstract: | Nontimber forest products have traditionally played an important role in Botswana. The most important include foods, medicine, building materials and fuelwood. The range of nontimber forest products is vast and many are available throughout the year. They would appear to have the potential to diversify the rural economy, reduce current levels of land degradation and increase food and household security. Although certain types of nontimber forest products have been successfully exploited on a commercial basis, the full potential of many has still to be realized. Limiting factors to their commercial development include inadequate policy measures, for example to prevent overexploitation, pressure on the resource base of nontimber forest products through the expansion of agriculture, the breakdown of traditional management systems, lack of support infrastructure, lack of incentives for rural communities to become involved in the management of their natural resources and restricted access to technology. There are also potential risks and dangers. The harvesting of nontimber forest products could give rise to conflicts and competition over common resources, lead to commercialization at the expense of conservation, and have possible adverse effects for the rural poor. The management of nontimber forest products requires, of necessity, a holistic approach. Bibliogr. |