Action Research on Inclusive Model of Forest Based Enterprises Development and Documentation in Kalinchok VDC,

Northern Dolakha

A Study Report Submitted To Ecology, Agriculture and Rural

Development Society (ECARDS) - Dolakha Charikot, Dolakha

Submitted By Khilendra Gurung November, 2007

Table of Content

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Objectives 2

1.3 Study area 2

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Methodology 6

2.1.1 Key informant survey and resource mapping 6

2.1.2 Identification of NTFPs 6

2.1.3 Data processing and analysis 6

2.1.4 Population distribution parameters 6

2.1.5 Prioritization of NTFPs 7

2.1.6 Rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA) 7

2.1.7 Focus group discussion 8

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Population distribution parameters of NTFPs in Kalinchok 9

3.2 Prioritization of NTFPs 9

3.3 Prioritization of NTFPs in Kalinchok 9

3.4 Threat analysis 10

3.5 RVA of NTFPs in Kalinchok 11

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Trade and trading pattern of NTFPs in Kalinchok 12

4.2 Marketing status/trade value of NTFPs in Kalinchok 12

4.3 Trading pattern of NTFPs 13

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok 14

5.2 Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok 14

5.3 Potential markets of the value added NTFP products 15

5.4 Value addition techniques of NTFPs 16

5.5 Processing technology 16

CHAPTER SIX

6.1 Biological sustainable harvesting 18

6.2 Harvesting impact on population dynamics 18

6.3 Establishing sampling areas 19

6.4 Developing a raw material sourcing plan 20

CHAPTER SEVEN

7.1 Conclusion 22

7.2 Recommendations 22

References 24

Lists of Tables

Table 1: Class distribution of NTFPs in different sites 6

Table 2: Matrix preference ranking 7

Table 3: Criteria for RVA 7

Table 4: Class distribution of NTFPs in Kalinchok 9

Table 5: Matrix preference ranking of NTFPs in Kalinchok 10

Table 6: RVA analysis of NTFPs in Kalinchok 11

Table 7: Marketing status/trade value of NTFPs in Kalinchok 12

Table 8: Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok 14

Table 9: Potential markets for NTFPs products 15

Table 10: Value addition techniques of NTFPs 16

Table 11: Processing technology and application 16

Table 12: Rapid assessment of harvesting effects on population dynamics 19

Table 13: Recommended optimal harvesting practices for sustainable NTFPs

product use 20

Lists of Boxes

Box 1: Checklist to assess harvesting sustainability of forest products 18

Box 2: Check list for raw materials sourcing plan 21

List of Map

Map 1: Map of study area 5

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ANSAB: Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources

BDS-MaPS: Business Development Service: Marketing Production and

Services

CFUGs: Community Forest User Groups

ECARDS: Ecology, Agriculture and Rural Development Society

FUGs: Forest user groups

Ha: Hectare

HMG: His Majesty's Government

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

M: Meter

MAPs: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

MIS: Marketing Information System MPR: Matrix Preference Ranking

NSCFP: Nepal Swiss Community Forestry Project

NTFPs: Non Timber Forest Products

RVA: Rapid Vulnerability Assessment

SNV: The Netherlands Development Organization

Sp: Species

VDC: Village Development Committees

WGs: Women Groups

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction The diverse geography and climate of Nepal has rendered it a unique land of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) along with other natural resources. NTFPs have been welfare, subsistence or livelihood commodity for the people residing in rural mountainous areas of Nepal since long. The high mountain NTFPs are highly praised for high potency and organic nature, hence they fetch higher prices.

The importance of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) has increased progressively over the last two decades. Herbal remedies are increasingly becoming mainstream consumer products manufactured by multi-national companies amongst other, and sold in super market chains and in a variety of other outlets, globally. Food supplements, cosmetics, fragrances, traditional cuisine, dyeing and coloring agents are just a few of the application where NTFPs are finding increasing use by the day. As a result there is growing demand of Nepalese MAPs and other NTFPs for these purposes.

In spite of all advantages, the government is still not able to harness the full potential of NTFPs for the welfare of rural communities. The major constraints for such situation are considered to be low capital investments both by the government and private sectors for the overall promotion of NTFPs including commercial cultivation, enterprise development and the perpetual marketing of quality products; government’s unclear investment policy, lack of proper documentation on species availability (or bio-prospecting) and uses and poor awareness among public on its values.

Northern region of Dolakha harbors rich source of NTFPs diversity. Local communities have been using NTFPs as food supplements, medicines, dyes, fiber, clothing, construction, energy and support to farm nutrients and livestock feed. However, they are not benefited from the resources due to the lack of knowledge on the resources, their market value and their potentiality for cultivation and value addition.

Conservation initiatives through sustainable use of NTFPs would uplift livelihood of local communities if: a) communities take on increased responsibility for management of forest resources; b) ecological monitoring

and biologically sustainable harvesting practices are developed; c) communities have greater access to market linkage; d) communities sustain forest based enterprise with equal benefit sharing mechanism and e) communities adopt both indigenous and scientific knowledge for appropriate management systems.

To address the current needs, one way would be the initiation for the commercial cultivation of valuable NTFPs, their processing at local level and market linkage of raw or processed products via community initiatives. It is essential that women groups (WGs), underprivileged groups and community forest user groups (CFUGs) are included in such a model. The women and underprivileged groups should be transformed to skillful entrepreneur and CFUGs, a commercial entity taking the responsibility of resource conservation and management. The semi processed and processed NTFPs products produced from such enterprises should be market linked after the value addition at the local level thereby benefiting the local communities.

In this aspect, the proposed study would be justifiable in terms of linking local livelihood with resource conservation and management, initiating community based forest enterprise and its linkage to market through product promotion. It would certainly assist in conserving the biodiversity of the Northern Dolakha and assist in livelihood of the local communities, which is the ultimate goal set up by Ecology, Agriculture and Rural Development Society (ECARDS)-Dolakha. 1.2 Objectives The overall objective is to perform the action research on inclusive model of forest based enterprises development and documentation in Kalinchok. The specific objectives are as follows: 1. To prioritize NTFPs on the basis of trade value and threat 2. To identify NTFPs products that can be value added locally 3. To assess the current market status of NTFPs at local level 4. To document the different inclusive model of forest based enterprises that can be set up 5. To recommend steps to be followed by community for sustainable harvesting of NTFPs

1.3 Study area Kalinchok Village Development Committees (VDC) of Northern Dolakha was chosen for the study. A great variety of vegetation types is present, ranging from sub-tropical forest to alpine meadows in the studied areas. The ecological zones of the study area encompass the following forest and vegetation types:

1. Chir Pine-Broadleaved forest

The chir pine-broadleaved forest occurs between 1000-2000m. It is generally composed of Pinus roxburghii, Quercus spp, Rhododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Erythrina stricta and Schima wallichii. This forest type represents the hygrophilic (humid) form of the chir pine forest.

2. Schima-Castanopsis forest

True representation of Schima-Castanopsis forest type in natural state is scarce. Studies on the remaining vegetation have revealed that this zone may be identified as Schima-Castanopsis zone. Schima wallichii is associated with Castanopsis indica at lower elevations (1000-1500m) and with Castanopsis tribuloides at higher elevations (1500-2000m). However, in some areas both the species of Castanopsis is found associated of Schima wallichii because their range of altitudinal distribution is not sharply differentiated. Other common associates of this forest are Rhododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifoila, Eurya acuminata, Quercus sp, Juglans regia, Duabanga sp etc.

3. Alder forest

Alder (Alnus nepalensis) forms a dense forest in the sub-tropical region (1000-2700m) along moist sites such as ravines, river banks and fresh landslides with excessive moisture. Alder trees have proved to be useful for restoring fresh landslides and also for providing green cover of abandoned terraces. The role of Alnus nepalensis supported closely by Eupatorium adenophorum as a pioneer species has been significant in the restoration ecology of Nepal.

4. Himalayan Oak-Laurel forest

This forest type occurs between 2000-2500m on the south of the main Himalayan range. This forest is characterized by the occurrence of oak (Quercus lanata) and a number of evergreen lauraceous trees as Litsea sp,

Dodecadenia sp, Neolitsea sp, Lindera pulcherrima, Persea sp, Symplocos sp and Lyonia ovalifolia.

5. Mixed Rhododendron-Maple forest

This forest is also known as mixed broadleaved forest lying between elevations of 2600-3000m. Rhododendron arboreum and species of maple (Acer campbelli and A. pectinatum) remain prominent in this forest type. A number of laurels and other evergreen shrubs as Symplocos spp. and Ilex spp. form the second storey; in some areas, Tsuga dumosa are found in this forest type.

6. Temperate Mountain Oak forest

The oak forest (Quercus semecarpifolia) occupies montane level at altitude of 2500-3000m. On humid slopes, oak is associated with hemlock (Tsuga dumosa), rhododendrons and maples. Some understorey layers of laurels (Neolitsea sp, Lindera pulcherrima and Dodecadenia grandiflora) occur in this forest.

7. Fir-Hemlock-Oak forest

It occurs in lower sub-alpine and upper temperate zones at 2800-3400m, characterized by the dominance of silver fir (Abies spectabilis) mixed with hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) on the northern aspects and with oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) on southern aspects.

8. Rhododendron forest

Rhododendron arboreum forest is widely found in coniferous forest zone with scattered Abies spectabilis layer above it. In some areas, Arundinaria sp. occurs as a shrub layer and herb layer is hardly developed. This forest ranged from 2900-3300m.

While R. campanulatum forest is found frequently as a second layer of Abies spectabilis forest near its upper limits, but generally this formed dense thicket above the timber line. The second and shrub layers are lacking. In the herb layer, mosses dominate in most cases. This forest occurs between 3000m to 3700m.

R. barbatum is localized forest to stream-side or concave slope in Abies spectabilis forest.

9. Silver Fir forest

Pure fir forests are generally found at 3000-3600m. Fir forest is associated with a number of rhododendrons as Rhododendron arboreum, R. barbatum, R. hodgsonii, R. campanulatum as the second layer of the canopy. A small stature bamboos Arundinaria spp. Occur at the forest destruction sites. Herbs such as Meconopsis sp, Rosa sp, Primula sp, Anemone sp, Androsace sp, Geum sp cover the grassy floor.

10. Birch-Rhododendron forest

Birch-rhododendron association is regarded as the tree line vegetation in Nepal Himalaya. Massive stands of birch (Betula utilis) are formed on north facing, shady slopes and ravines with an understorey of rhododendrons, Sorbus sp and maples (Acer sp). Birch forest is often mixed with fir trees rising above the birch canopy.

The associated rhododendron species include, Rhododendron campanulatum, R. campylocarpum, R. hodgsonii. Small stature bamboos as Arundinaria maling form an important component of ground cover with herbs as Primula sp, Rheum sp, Aconitum sp and Swertia sp.

11. Dry alpine scrub

This forest type occurs from elevations 4000-4500m. The forest is dominated by dwarf and prostrate junipers (Juniperus recurva and Juniperus indica) along with other xerophyllous plants as Ephedra gerardiana, Cassiope fastigiata, Potentilla fruticosa, Lonicera sp and Berberis spp (Berberis erythroclada, B. insignis and B. wallichiana).

12. Moist alpine scrub

Alpine meadows are rich in species of Primula and Meconopsis. Drier sites are occupied by sedges, grasses and Ephedra sp. While, moist sites are occupied by some commercially important medicinal herbs as Nardostachys grandiflora, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Aconitum sp, Selinum tenuifolium, Swertia sp, Potentilla sp, Fritillaria cirrhosa etc.

The study area is inhabited by a variety of indigenous communities. Majority of the inhabitants of the study area are Thamis followed by Tamangs, Chhetris and Brahmins.

Map 1: Map of study area Location of study area

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Methodology The current work was completed in four phase viz. primary data collection, secondary data collection, data analysis and report writing. Primary data was collected from the field while secondary data was compiled from various other related documents. 2.1.1 Key informant survey and resource mapping Information about the availability, current status and use of NTFPs were collected from CFUCs. Discussions were held with key informants for identification and listing of available NTFPs, their priority ranking and for suitable site selection for the study. 2.1.2 Identification of NTFPs NTFPs were identified visually on the basis of researcher's knowledge and with the help of local key informants. Unidentified species were identified consulting with the reference literatures as HMG/Department of Medicinal Plants, 1976; Stainton and Polunin, 1984; Stainton, 1988; Shrestha, 1998; Lama et al. 2001; Manandhar, 2002 and IUCN, 2004. Documentation of all available NTFPs was carried out according to Press et al., (2000). 2.1.3 Data processing and analysis Data obtained from the field were analyzed to find out population distribution parameters, matrix preference ranking (MPR), rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA), potentiality for value addition and market linkage, etc. 2.1.4 Population distribution parameters

Distribution of NTFPs parameters were categorized in following ways:

Table 1: Class distribution of NTFPs in different sites

Frequency Relative Frequency

High Medium Low High Medium Low

>75 31-74 <30 >15 5-15 <5

Population density/ha Relative density

>800 300-800 <300 >15 5-15 <5

Source: Pyakurel (2005) 2.1.5 Prioritization of NTFPs Matrix preference ranking (MPR) was used to find out most preferred NTFPs. By using this tool, the most preferred NTFP species were identified from forests of each VDC for the detail study. The criteria of preference were made by the users, availability of the resources and potential for value addition.

Moreover, the prioritization criteria of other development organizations like NSCFP, SNV, ANSAB, BDS-MaPS and matrix ranking criteria have been thoroughly examined to attain the set objectives with proper justification.

Table 2: Matrix preference ranking SN Criteria Scale and value 1 Market demand High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 2 Margin/profit High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 3 Availability (in time ) Almost always (3), occasional (2), seasonal rare

(1) 4 Geographical

distribution Widespread (3), moderate (2), low (1)

5 Conservation status High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 6 Potential for cultivation High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 7 Regenerative potential High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 8 Contribution to income High (3), moderate (2), low (1) 9 Gender impact Only women (3), both men and women (2),

only men (1) 10 Potential for value

addition High (3), moderate (2), low (1)

11 Processing technology Manual/local technology (3), mechanical/expertise required (2), sophisticated/foreign technology (1)

12 Ethnobotanical value Diverse uses (3), medium use (2), single use (1)

Source: Gurung and Pyakurel (2006) and Gurung (2007)

2.1.6 Rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA) Rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA) method was used to collect information to identify species, resources or sites that may be at risk of over exploitation. It was developed as a quick way of collecting both scientific and indigenous information about species and has been used to recommend whether or not that resource species is suitable for harvest.

Table 3: Criteria for RVA

Criteria Potential for sustainable use

Low High

Ecology

Low abundance (1) High abundance (2) Slow growth (1) Fast growth (2) Slow reproduction (1) Fast reproduction (2) Sexual reproduction only (1)

Both sexual and vegetative reproduction (2)

Habitat - specific (1) Habitat - non specific (2) High habitat diversity (1) Low habitat diversity (2) High life form diversity (1) Low life form diversity (2)

Life forms Tree and shrub (1); herb (2) Parts used Roots, rhizomes and bulbs (1); leaves, flowers, barks, fruits (2) Harvesting methods

Size/age classes not selected for harvesting (2); particular size/age classes selected for harvesting (1)

Source: Watts et al., 1996; Cunningham, 1994, 1996a, 2001; Wong and Jenifer, 2001; Gurung and Pyakurel (2006) and Gurung (2007) 2.1.7 Focus group discussion Discussion program was held at Kalinchok village with members of CFUGs, ECARDS-Dolakha social mobilizers regarding the exchange of NTFPs based activities conducted so far and their prospects for the future collaboration and coordination. Also, the interaction was held with NTFPs collectors and traders to discuss about NTFPs farming, trading pattern and trade value at local level.

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Population distribution parameters of NTFPs in Kalinchok Table 4: Class distribution of NTFPs in Kalinchok

SN

Botanical Name Frequency R. Frequency

Density

R. Density

1 Artemisia dubia Low Low High Low 2 Artemisia indica Low Low High Low 3 Arundinaria racemosa Low Low High Low 4 Berberis asiatica High Low High Low 5 Daphne bholua Medium Low High Low 6 Daphne papyracea Low Low High Low 7 Drepanostachyum

intermedium Low Low High Low 8 Edgeworthia gardneri Medium Low High Low 9 Eupatorium

adenophorum Medium Low High Low 10 Girardinia diversifolia Low Low High Low 11 Lycopodium clavatum Medium Low High Low 12 Paris polyphylla Medium Low High Low 13 Parmelia sp Medium Low High Low 14 Persea clarkeana Medium Low High Low 15 Potentilla fructicosa High Low High Medium 16 Rhododendron arboreum Medium Low High Low 17 Rubia manjith Medium Low High Low 18 Swertia chirayita Medium Low High Low 19 Valeriana jatamansii Low Low High Low 20 Viburnum mullaha Low Low High Low 21 Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum Medium Low High Low 3.2 Prioritization of NTFPs The species were prioritized based on 8 principal criteria viz. (i) highly demanded commercial species (ii) species having high market price (iii) having potential for domestic value addition (iv) species available over wide geographical range (v) species harvestable in short rotation period (vi) land

fertility requirement for species (vii) species importance in ethnobotany and (viii) species conservation status. 3.3 Prioritization of NTFPs in Kalinchok Prioritized NTFP species of Kalinchok for value addition and marketing linkage and further assessment are Titepati (Artemisia dubia and A. indica), Chirayito (Swertia chirayita), Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), Argeli (Edgeworthia gardneri), Lokta (Daphne bholua and D. papyracea), Timur (Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum), Satuwa (Paris polyphylla), Majitho (Rubia manjith) and Chutro (Berberis asiatica). The details are given in table below:

Table 5: Matrix preference ranking of NTFPs in Kalinchok SN Criteria⇒

NTFP species ⇓ M

arke

t de

man

d

Mar

gin

/ P

rofi

t

Ava

ilabi

lity

( in

tim

e )

Geo

grap

hica

l d

istr

ibut

ion

Cons

erva

tion

sta

tus

Pote

ntia

l for

cul

tiva

tion

Rege

nera

tive

pot

enti

al

Cont

ribu

tion

to

inco

me

Gen

der

impa

ct

Pote

ntia

l for

val

ue

addi

tion

Proc

essi

ng t

echn

olog

y

Ethn

obot

anic

al v

alue

Tota

l

1 Artemisia dubia 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 33 2 Artemisia indica 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 33 3 Arundinaria

racemosa 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 26

4 Berberis asiatica 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 29 5 Daphne bholua 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 2 29 6 Daphne papyracea 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 2 29 7 Drepanostachyum

intermedium 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 26

8 Edgeworthia gardneri

3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 30

9 Elaeagnus parvifolia 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 23 10 Eupatorium

adenophorum 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 27

11 Girardinia diversifolia

3 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 32

12 Lycopodium clavatum

3 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 27

13 Paris polyphylla 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 3 29 14 Parmelia sp 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 2 1 1 3 28 15 Persea clarkeana 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 22 16 Potentilla fructicosa 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 1 2 25

17 Rhododendron arboreum

3 3 2 3 3 1 1 3 2 3 2 2 28

18 Rubia manjith 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 3 29 19 Swertia chirayita 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 33 20 Valeriana

jatamansii 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 1 3 30

21 Viburnum mullaha 1 1 3 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 2 2 25 22 Zanthoxylum

oxyphyllum 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 32

3.4 Threat analysis Rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA) analysis was carried out for the prioritized NTFP species of Kalinchok VDC. RVA was conducted on the basis of the following criteria: 1) ecology, 2) life form, 3) parts used and 4) harvesting method. 3.5 RVA of NTFPs in Kalinchok The most vulnerable NTFP species of Kalinchok VDC are Gurans (Rhododendron arboreum, Timur (Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum), Mollo (Viburnum mullaha), Bhulna (Persea clarkeana), Jhyau (Parmelia sp), Satuwa (Paris polyphylla), Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), Malindo (Elaeagnus parvifolia), Nigalo (Drepanostachyum intermedium and Arundinaria racemosa) and Lokta (Daphne papyracea and Daphne bholua). The details are shown in table below:

Table 6: RVA analysis of NTFPs in Kalinchok

SN

Criteria⇒

NTFPs ⇓ A

bund

ance

Gro

wth

Rate

of

repr

oduc

tion

Mod

e of

rep

rodu

ctio

n

Hab

itat

Hab

itat

div

ersi

ty

Life

for

m d

iver

sit y

Life

for

m

Part

s us

ed

Har

vest

ing

met

hod

Scor

e

1 Artemisia dubia 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 17

2 Artemisia indica 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 173 Arundinaria racemosa 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 164 Berberis asiatica 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 185 Daphne bholua 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 166 Daphne papyracea 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 167 Drepanostachyum intermedium 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 168 Edgeworthia gardneri 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 189 Elaeagnus parvifolia 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1610 Eupatorium adenophorum 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 1811 Girardinia diversifolia 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1612 Lycopodium clavatum 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1813 Paris polyphylla 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1614 Parmelia sp 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1615 Persea clarkeana 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1516 Potentilla fructicosa 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1817 Rhododendron arboreum 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1418 Rubia manjith 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1719 Swertia chirayita 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1720 Valeriana jatamansii 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1721 Viburnum mullaha 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1522 Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 15

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Trade and trading pattern of NTFPs in Kalinchok The local communities of the study areas depend on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, trade labor and foreign employment for their livelihood support. However, few villagers are engaged in the collection and trade of NTFPs as seasonal and additional source of income.

The traded NTFPs/products and their trading pattern in the study areas are as follows: 4.2 Marketing status/trade value of NTFPs in Kalinchok Mostly the elder members of villages of Kalinchok VDC collect nigalo and malingo culms from the nearby community forests. They process the culms using traditional methods for making products like chitra, bhakari, dala and doko. These products are either sold or barter with rice to the villagers of other VDCs.

Similarly, they collect Lichens from the nearby forests and sell them to the middleman at Charikot or Singhati.

They harvest the NTFPs, process locally and sell them to the road head traders at Charikot or Singhati or sometimes sell directly to Kathmandu market.

Table 7: Marketing status/trade value of NTFPs in Kalinchok SN NTFPs Products Trade value 1 Culm of Tite nigalo

(Drepanostachyum intermedium)

Chitra NRs. 150-160 per piece or barter with rice in other villages

2 Culm of Sano malingo (Arundinaria racemosa)

Bhakari NRs. 100-110 per piece or barter with rice in other villages

3 Culm of Malingo (Thamnocalamus spathiflorus and Yushania microphylla)

Dala NRs. 40-50 per piece or barter with rice in other villages

4 Culm of Sano malingo (Arundinaria racemosa)

Doko NRs. 25-30 per piece or barter with rice in other villages

5 Rhizomes and roots of Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatamansii)

Raw/Crude form

Rhizomes-NRs.140 per kg Roots-NRs.105 per kg

6 Whole parts of Chirayito (Swertia chirayita)

Raw/Crude form

NRs. 200-225 per kg

7 Argeli white skin (Edgeworthia gardneri)

Raw NRs. 40-50 per kg

8 Lokta bark (Daphne bholua and D. papyracea)

Raw NRs. 70-80 per kg

9 Jhyau (Parmelia sp) Raw NRs. 70-90 per kg 4.3 Trading pattern of NTFPs 1. Trading pattern of Malingo/Nigalo products Collectors Value addition/processing or basketry in villages Trade or barter to other villages 2. Trading pattern of herbs and NTFPs Collectors Middleman Road head traders - Shinghati or Charikot or directly to Kathmandu market 3. Trading pattern of Lokta bark/ Argeli white skin Collectors Middleman Handmade paper enterprises at Charikot or Kathmandu market 4. Jhyau (Lichens) Collectors Middleman Road head traders - at Charikot or Singhati Kathmandu market

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok Forest based enterprises exist in various modalities, which can be outlined in aspects of ownership structure, linkages to raw materials, target markets, seasonality of operation, technological sophistication, management structure, product types and similar other characteristics.

On the ownership dimension, 5 different modalities can be set up in Kalinchok, they are as follows: a) Sole enterprise, b) Woman group enterprise, c) Consortium of CFUGs enterprise, d) Cooperatives and e) Private limited company

In terms of linkages of raw materials, economic and enterprise activities are based on raw materials drawn from the community forests and government forests.

On the basis of the resource availability, processing technology, communities’ willingness and market linkage, the following are the potentiality for enterprise development in the studied Kalinchok VDC:

5.2 Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok

Table 8: Potentiality for enterprise development in Kalinchok SN NTFPs/ Products Potentiality for enterprise

development 1 Lokta bark (Daphne bholua and

D. papyracea), Argeli white skin (Edgeworthia gardneri), Allo fiber (Girardinia diversifolia)

1. Collective marketing centre- A co-operative model 2. Establishment of handmade paper enterprise-FUG and private entrepreneur partnership model 3. Establishment of Allo bark/fiber processing enterprise- Women group model

2 Titepati leaves (Artemisia dubia and A. indica)

Processing of Artemisia oil from Titepati leaves–Establishment of

processing unit at Kalinchok village 3 Nigalo and Malingo culms

(Drepanostachyum intermedium, Arundinaria racemosa, Thamnocalamus spathiflorus and Yushania microphylla)

Basketry and handicraft enterprises- Household level enterprise

4 Titepati leaves, Timur leaves and barks, Angeri leaves (Lyonia ovalifolia), Bulu leaves (Pieris formosa), Ketuke (Agave americana)

Organic insecticides/pesticides making -Household level enterprise

5 Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatamansii), Chirayito (Swertia chirayita), Lek Timur (Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum), Padamchaal (Rheum australe), Zanthoxylum armatum (Timur), Satuwa (Paris polyphylla), Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus), Argeli (Edgeworthia gardneri), Mal Bans (Bambusa nutans) and Amriso (Thysanolaena maxima)

1. Establishment of multipurpose nursery; 2. Commercial cultivation enterprises in private lands of the respective villages; 3. Formation of collection and marketing cooperatives - Household level /FUG level enterprise

6 Flowers of Gurans (Rhododendron arboreum), fruits of Mallo (Viburnum mullaha), Bhaki amilo (Rhus javanica), Malindo (Elaegnus parvifolia) and Bhulna (Persea clarkeana)

Juice and herbal drinks making- Women group model enterprise

7 Seeds of Kholme/ Kharane (Symplocos pyrifolia/ S. ramossissima)

Edible oil expelling- Women group model enterprise

8 Ban mara (Eupatorium adenophorum) and Titepati (Artemisia spp.)

Bio briquette making- Women group model enterprise

5.3 Potential markets of the value added NTFP products

The enterprise models and the NTFPs products to be value added are designed with the motive of markets linkage assurance focusing basically at the local level consumption.

Table 9: Potential markets for NTFPs products SN Specific products Potential markets 1 Allo fiber/Allo thread Clothes weaving enterprises of Kathmandu 2 Amriso broom Local markets/ Household level 3 Argeli white skin Handmade paper enterprises at

Kathmandu 4 Bio briquette Hotels and restaurants of Charikot or

Kathmandu 5 Crude herbs (Sugandhawal,

Chirayito, Padamchaal, Satuwa, Kurilo etc.)

Roadhead traders of Singhati and Charikot or Herbs and herbal products traders of Kathmandu

6 Edible oil Local markets/ Household level 7 Essential oils (Artemisia oil

and Abies oil) Various essential oils traders/exporters and health care herbal products manufacturers at Kathmandu

8 Handicrafts and basketry Basketry: Porters/ local markets/Household level Handicrafts: Souvenir shops

9 Herbal incense Local markets/ Household level 10 Juice (Mollo juice and

Gurans Juice) Hotels and restaurants in Charikot or Kathmandu market

11 Lokta bark Handmade paper enterprises at Charikot or Kathmandu

12 Organic insecticide/pesticides

Farmers/ Household level

13 Seedlings and saplings of multipurpose herbs and NTFPs

Other VDCs or user groups for cultivation / Household level

14 Timur fruits Singhati and Charikot markets or Kathmandu market

5.4 Value addition techniques of NTFPs Value addition techniques at local level includes; cleaning, drying, grading, packaging and improved marketing. Commonly practiced methods of value addition of NTFPs and their techniques are presented below:

Table 10: Value addition techniques of NTFPs SN Type of value

addition Techniques

1 Drying Sun drying: For medicinal herbs Shade drying: For aromatic plants

2 Cleaning Cleaning with water for roots/rhizomes, using clothes and brushes for other parts

3 Grading Grading on the basis of the quality 4 Packaging Packaging in polythene bags ensuring free of

moisture 5 Improved trading Adopting collective bargaining 5.5 Processing technology Simple and locally available technologies are more sustainable than the imported and more sophisticated ones. Through the technological interventions there is a scope to improve the quality, reduce the loss, increase the efficiency of operation and thereby reduce the cost.

Technological improvements can also be made building on the traditional and existing technologies to match the current market requirement.

Few processing technology on NTFPs that can be adopted in Kalinchok are as follows:

Table 11: Processing technology and application SN Technology Examples of application 1 Bio briquette Banmara, titepati 2 Compacting Chirayito 3 Debarking Lokta bark and argeli white skin 4 Drying (traditional sun drying,

fire drying, shade drying and improved solar drier)

All medicinal and aromatic plants

5 Extraction of juice Mollo, bhulna, bhaki amilo 6 Fiber extraction Allo and ketuke 7 Grinding and mixing Herbal incense 8 Oil expeller Fixed oil extraction from

kholme/kharane 9 Packaging All raw NTFPs, value added products

and finished products 10 Paper making Lokta bark and argeli white skin 11 Steam distillation Essential oils from aromatic plants

(Titepati, talispatra/ gobre salla etc.) 12 Weaving (Shuttle loom and

pedal operated spinning) Allo clothes

CHAPTER SIX

6.1 Biological sustainable harvesting Biological diversity and sustainability occur at several levels: a) genes b) population c) community and d) ecosystem Harvesting can impact all of these levels. Since the effect of harvesting are superimposed on the natural population dynamics, a comparison between natural and harvested populations will provide enough information to assess sustainability.

To determine biologically sustainable harvesting levels start by collecting community knowledge on particular species. It is important to know: a) The current level of harvesting b) The area where it is harvested c) The amount traded d) The various harvesting methods e) The season, percentage and parts of plant harvested

If the species is traditionally collected, indigenous knowledge provides information on sustainable harvesting levels. Less information on sustainability exists for products that are not traditionally collected. Establish sampling areas for both traditionally collected and non- traditionally collected products. Sampling areas provide biological information on the collected natural products.

Box 1: Checklist to assess harvesting sustainability of forest products knowledge on the natural distribution of the species frequency of occurrence or abundance population structure (age/size/class distribution) dynamics of the species (growth and reproduction rates) variation among habitats role within the ecosystem

6.2 Harvesting impact on population dynamics Forest products harvesting can have short and long term effects on the plant, ecosystem and overall biodiversity. Harvesting impacts on one population can

cause ecologically unsustainable conditions for other species and the ecosystem structure.

Sustainability must be viewed holistically. Immediate short-term effects of harvesting may be seen in the growth rate or reproduction capacity of the plant, while ecosystem changes may take longer to materialize.

To distinguish short and long term effects of harvesting on population dynamics, monitoring is done at two stages: • Rapid assessment of the immediate short term impact of harvesting on

current population structure and • Long term change in population dynamics that can be monitored from

sampling areas

Harvesting effects on population dynamics vary by the classification of plants (annual or perennial), plant parts that are harvested and how it is harvested. For a rapid assessment, monitoring focuses on the life stage being harvested.

Table 12: Rapid assessment of harvesting effects on population dynamics Life stage harvested

Effect of harvesting

Immediate impact

Annual herb before fruiting or seeding

Destruction of reproductive adult

If harvested before fruit/seeds are produced and disseminated then only those plants that escape harvest will supply seeds for next generation

Herbaceous perennial (roots or rhizomes)

May result in destruction of reproductive adult or underground storage tissue

Reproductive capacity severely affected

Woody perennial (leaves) juvenile

If too many leaves are constantly removed, it may not reach reproductive maturity

Lack of seeds and propagation

Woody perennial (leaves)

Increased mortality due to disease as a result of damage

Size distribution, growth, health and reproductive activity may be altered

reproductive adults 6.3 Establishing sampling areas Sampling areas provide information on the distribution and abundance of forest products and the impact of harvesting on the plant’s population dynamics. Sampling areas are also an important part of biological monitoring.

To determine the long term impact of harvesting on population dynamics, permanent plots must be established. Trials that measure the effect of different harvesting levels and methods are also helpful.

Sampling areas must be monitored for years twice at a minimum, to learn how harvesting effects overall biodiversity. Sampling areas help to: - establish rotational harvesting schedules - identify optimal harvesting times and methods - get community members involved in hands on biological monitoring - devise more accurate community resource management plans

Table 13: Recommended optimal harvesting practices for sustainable NTFPs product use Parts harvested

Optimal harvest season

Optimal rotational interval

Optimal % of plants not harvested

Optimal harvesting methods

Rhizomes with roots

July-October

3-5 years At least 20% plants undisturbed

Whole plants pulled from bushy areas and dug out carefully with the tool, kuto, from open grasslands

Fruits July-September

1-2 years At least 20% fruits undisturbed

Fruits/fruits with stalks are detached from stem using sickles or bare hands

Leaves/needles July-October

1 year At least 30% of leaves left on plant

Leaves hand picked or cut with scissors

Flowers May-August

1-2 years At least 30% of flowers left undisturbed

Flowers hand picked or cut with scissors

Barks May-August

3-5 years At least 75% bark left undisturbed/For debarking Lokta bark and Argeli white skin the stem should be cut at least 15-18 cm above the ground

Bark pulled from plants with the help of sickles or knife/khukuri

Aerial parts July- October

2-3 years At least 40% plant left undisturbed

Aerial parts cut with scissor or khukuri

6.4 Developing a raw material sourcing plan After identifying the raw material sources, prepare a sourcing plan to estimate the raw material flow in relation to the enterprise. The sourcing plan should ensure a reliable supply of raw materials. Categories the area in terms of: • Ecosystem (forest, pasture) • Raw material • Legal control (private, community or government owned) • Quality • Distance from the enterprise • Accessibility Prepare a map illustrating the origins of raw materials. Assess potential risks associated with each location. The final estimate should be able to account for potential risks. Consider that labor may not always be available for collection and transportation activities. Assess the seasonal migration situation to minimize any problems resulting from a labor shortage. Likewise, consider the seasonal conditions of the raw material base.

It is important to have good relations and communication with respective suppliers.

Box 2: Check list for raw materials sourcing plan resource supply areas raw material type and quality quantity by season storage facility legal obligations/ permits transportation arrangements labor supply management agreements with suppliers risk and strategies working capital requirements

CHAPTER SEVEN 7.1 Conclusion The study area harbors rich diversity of NTFP resources. However, most of the local communities of the study areas are unaware about the use and benefits of NTFPs available in the nearby forests and their farm lands except for fuel wood and fodder.

Assessment of forest based enterprises development in Kalinchok VDC revealed that there are tremendous potentialities for the cultivation, harvesting, value addition and marketing of prioritized NTFPs. The local communities are more curios for the promotion and value addition of NTFPs which would support their livelihood.

Enterprise development potentialities assessment in Kalinchok VDC revealed that there are immense potentialities of enterprise set up for the product lines as handmade paper, allo thread, bio-briquette, edible oil expelling, herbal drinks/juice making, handicrafts and basketry, organic insecticide/pesticide, cultivation of NTFPs, collective marketing centre for crude herbs and NTFPs and essential oils extraction (Artemisia oil and Abies oil) in different villages of Kalinchok VDC.

For genesis, operation and growth of forest based enterprise in Kalinchok VDC; a biologically sustainable harvesting mechanism should be prepared for each community forest and forests within government managed teritory. Moreover, some factors that contribute to or hinder the genesis, operation and growth of enterprises should be taken into account. These include: awareness raising, technical assistance, financial support, marketing support, marketing outlets, community characteristics, natural resource base, technology, policy factors, enterprise consequences and natural resource conservation.

In conclusion, the communities’ motivation towards entrepreneurship, institutionalization of user groups (CFUGs, WGs, etc.) and regulatory mechanisms for sustainable harvesting of NTFPs would definitely create the income generating opportunities and would assist in the conservation of biodiversity in Kalinchok.

7.2 Recommendations The local communities play a crucial role for the conservation and sustainable utilization of forest resources including NTFPs. Conservation and sustainable management of the forest resources are the ever raised issues, but why and how to conserve and manage are the big questions challenging ever. Therefore, the following steps are recommended for addressing conservation of forest resources and livelihood issues of local communities in Kalinchok VDC:

1. Awareness programs (workshops, exhibitions, exposure visits and demonstration of the products) on the importance of NTFPs; conservation and sustainable utilization, cultivation and harvesting at local level need to be conducted.

2. Capacity building/strengthening the concerned CFUGs / WGs on institutional development, governance/equity, fund mobilization, financial management, record keeping, benefit sharing mechanism etc. should be initiated.

3. Field based training package on NTFPs promotion; time and technique of collection, local processing technology, storage, quality control, packaging, labeling, and cultivation of major NTFPs should be conducted.

4. Development of biological sustainable harvesting system; block rotation system preferable for harvesting/ participatory monitoring system should be prepared for each user groups.

5. Detailed assessment of the potential enterprises that can be set up in Kalinchok VDC should be conducted in collaboration with various user groups.

6. Feasibility study on market linkage, technology transfer, equipments and availability of skill manpower should be conducted for each product line.

7. Micro-credit facilities should be provided for the initiation of small scale enterprises and financial and operational support should be provided for the medium scale consortium enterprise/ cooperative model.

8. Initiation for the management and conduction of pilot model enterprise preferably, handmade paper; edible oil and allo fiber processing.

9. Formation of committee/organization for providing necessary technology, seeds/seedlings to farmers.

11. Establishment of marketing information system (MIS) on NTFPs at Singhati or at Charikot.

12. Formation of collective marketing centre / cooperative for marketing NTFPs/NTFPs products in Singhati or at Charikot.

References

Cunningham, A. B. 1994. Integrating Local Plant Resources and Habitat Management. Biodiversity and Conservation. 3. pp 104-115.

Cunningham, A. B. 1996 a. People, Park and Plant Use: Recommendations for Multiple Use Zones and Development Alternatives around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. People and Plants Working Paper no 4. UNESCO, Paris. pp 58.

Cunningham, A. B. 2001. Applied Ethnobotany: People, Wild Plant use and Conservation. People and Plants Conservation Manual. Earthscan.

Gurung, K. 2007. Resource Assessment of Commercially Important Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ). A report submitted to Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone Support Project (SNPBZSP), Namche Bazaar, Solukhumbu.

Gurung, K. and Pyakurel, D. 2006. Identification and Inventory of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA). A report submitted to Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)/National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Gorkha.

IUCN. 2004. National Register of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. IUCN Nepal.

Lama, Y. C., Ghimire, S. K. and Aumeeruddy-Thomas, Y. 2001. Medicinal Plants of Dolpo: Amchis Knowledge and Conservation. WWF-Nepal Program, Kathmandu.

Manandhar, N. P. 2002. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press; Portland, Oregon, USA.

Polunin, O. and Stainton, A. 1984. Flowers of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press. New Delhi.

Press, J. R., Shrestha, K. K. and Sutton, D. A. 2000. Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal. The Natural History Museum, London.

Pyakurel, D. 2005. Resource Identification and Inventory of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Panchase Area. A Report Submitted to Machhapuchhre Development Organization (MDO), Kaski, Nepal.

Shrestha, K. 1998. Dictionary of Nepalese Plant. Mandala Book Point, Nepal.

Stainton, A. 1988. Flowers of the Himalaya: A Supplement. Oxford University Press. New Delhi.

Watts, J., Scott, P. and Mutebi, J. 1996. Forest Assessment and Monitoring for Conservation and Local use: Experience in three Ugandan National Parks. pp 212-243. In; Recent Approaches to Participatory Forest Resource Assessment. Rural Development Forestry Study Guide 2. Carter, J. (ed.). ODI, London.

Wong, W. and Jenifer, L.G. 2001. Resources Assessments of Non- Wood Forest Products: Experience and Biometric Principles. Non-Wood Forests Products Series-13. FAO.