Opportunities for leveraged interventions in high altitude non- timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Karnali zone, Nepal

This paper presents the key findings and recommendations emerging from the Subsector Analysis of High Altitude NTFPs in the Karnali Zone. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) represent an important source of income in the Karnali Zone of Mid-Western Nepal. The study was extensive and identified main market channels, their participants and their respective functions. Finally, data on current markets was compiled and analysed to estimate the profit distribution and competitive position of NTFPs in this zone. The study pinpointed sources of support and potential for leverage, aiming at strengthening the marketing capacity of forest user groups (FUGs) in the Kamali Zone. The three key potential sources of leverages are: (a) increasing the sustainable supply of high- value NTFPs; (b) increasing the competition among traders in Nepalganj (breaking the oligopsony); and (c) policy leverage. The opportunities deemed as highly feasibility were: improving the supply of NTFPs through management and sustainable harvesting, including the handover of NTFP areas to FUGs, increasing FUG legal awareness and capacity, and improving market information systems. The revision of national policies on NTFP-related issues was rated as having a medium level of feasibility. Supporting the production of Jatamansi ( Nardostachys grandiflora [N. jatamansi] ) and Sugandhawal ( Valeriana jatamansi ) essential oils and increasing the marketing capacity of collectors were considered to have low feasibility prospects.