Contribution of Nontimber Forest Products in Socioeconomic Development

The present study was conducted to assess the present status of non Timber Forest Products in Margallah Hills National Park, to investigate dependency of local communities on non timber forest products and to know the impact of Non Timber forest on socioeconomic condition of local communities. Results show that the communities are almost exclusively dependent on the Non Timber products. The contribution of Non Timber Forest Products to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the communities residing in and around Margallah Hills National park is only 9.63 % in the total annual income of Household. The results set out a fairly complicated picture of the use of non timber forest products by the communities. One of the most important points is that Non Timber Forest Products do not playing a significant role in livelihood of poorest group as it is not more than 9.63 % of their annual total income. This group harvesting and utilizing small quantities of low value Non Timber Forest Products. However middle income group enjoying maximum benefit from Non Timber forest Products collection, use and sale, by harvesting greater volume or more valuable products.