The Economic Evaluation on the Non-Timber Forest Products collected in the Rural Areas in Central Laos

： Case Study on N Village in Fuang District, Vientiane Prefecture

Abstract

It was clarified the importance of the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by inhabitants of rural areas, and examined the current state of preservation and utilization. There are various types of NTFPs, but their respective economic values can be compared by converting the amount collected into currency using the current market price. Results showed that in N Village the NTFPs used were primarily foodstuffs used for self-support. Broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) was the main source of cash income, different from its use in the northern regions. NTFPs have a much higher economic value than rice cultivation, and are estimated to make up roughly 10% of a representative household's cash income.