Olajumoke. R. Afolabi, Cooper Razafinjatovo, Irma Dewiyanti:
The Impact of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) on the Livelihood of Rural Inhabitants: A Study of Communities in Forest Reserves in the Central Aceh and Bene Meriah, Indonesia

OLAJUMOKE. R. AFOLABI¹, COOPER RAZAFINJATOVO¹, IRMA DEWIYANTI^2
1Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Centre for Tropical and Sub-Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Germany
²Syiah Kuala University (UNSYIAH), Department of Marine Science, Indonesia

This study assesses the contribution of the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) on the livelihood of inhabitants in forest reserves located in the Central Aceh and Bener Meriah in Indonesia. The availability and vulnerability of the identified NTFP in the study area was also considered. A total of 25 inhabitants from 10 communities in the two districts were used for the analysis. The availability trend and the vulnerability to harvest about six important species of the NTFP were also considered. The selected species were; palm tree (Arenga pinnata), two rattans (Calamus javensis and Daemonorops draco), bamboo (Bambusa spp.) and two trees (Aquilaria sp. and Pinus merkusii). Data were obtained by using semi-structured questionnaires for open interviews with the farmers. Data analysis was carried out via descriptive and differential statistics. The results of the analysis show that NTFPs contribute immensely to the livelihood of the inhabitants in this area. For example, about 25% of the respondents generate their monthly income through the harvest of NTF products. The study also observed that these products serve as a source of food, raw material for sugar production, crafts and other decorating materials. In addition to that, they provide aroma, colourant, equipment, and medicine for cultural purposes. The results also show that the species availability decreased e.g., Calamus javensis (86%), Daemonorops draco (56%), Arenga pinnata (50%), Aquilaria spp. (28.6%), Bambusa spp. (25%), to Pinus merkusii resin (0%). We observed that Aquilaria spp., Arenga pinnata and Calamus javensis are the most vulnerable to harvest whilst Bambusa spp., Daemonorops draco and Pinus merkusii are the least vulnerable to harvest.

Keywords: Forest reserve, livelihood, NTFP, vulnerability

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Contact Address: Olajumoke. R. Afolabi, Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Centre for Tropical and Sub-Tropical Agriculture and ForestryRobert-Koch Street 38/ Rm629, 37075 Göttingen, Germany, e-mail: ayoniwealthyahoo.com