Assessment of the contribution of non-timber forest products to household food security and income around Baga catchment forest in Lushoto district, Tanzania

A study was carried out to assess the contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to household food security and income generation in villages surrounding Baga catchment forest in Lushoto District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the common NTFPs utilized by households in the study area, examining socio-economic factors influencing household members accessibility to NTFPs, evaluating the contribution of NTFPs to household food security and income. The study used a sample size of 120 respondents selected randomly from Mziasaa, Sagara, Baga and Malomboi villages. A structured questionnaire was administered for primary data collection. Secondary data of NTFPs collection and crop production were collected from District Forest Office and District Agricultural Office respectively. Data analyzed by using SPSS software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. Inferential statics were employed whereas linear regression analysis was used to determine the socio-economic factors influencing collection of NTFPs and pair t test were used to compare various income from NTFPs and other sources Results showed that: there was significant increase of NTFPs collection in the villages which surround Baga catchment forest over the period. Results also showed that there was positive relationship between collection of NTFPs and some socio-economic variable including household size, age, education, occupation and duration in years of staying in the area. Non-Timber Forest Products accounted for 100.0% of all respondents in the villages; however they also engaged in other production activities. It also indicates that NTFPs are utilized either directly or indirectly as solution to food insecurity and low incomes among the households. Results further showed that income from selling NTFPs is higher than from other sources such as selling agricultural produce, selling livestock, business, labour wages and employment in the study area. The study recommends that the government should employ more forest officers and provide education on direct economic importance of NTFPs.Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservatio