Commercialization of non-timber forest products: Factors influencing success. Lessons learned from Mexico and Bolivia and policy implications for decision-makers

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been widely promoted as a potential solution to high rates of tropical deforestation, by increasing the value of forest resources to local people. The content of this book is based around findings from a DFID/FRP funded international research project that has examined why commercialisation of NTFPs does not consistently contribute to poverty alleviation, gender equality and sustainable resource management. It documents:

• The current research context;
• The authors'  multi disciplinary methodological approach to collecting, analysing and integrating different data types to achieve comparative analysis of 17 different NTFP case studies (in Mexico and Bolivia), based around a framework of six hypotheses and 40 research questions;
• Their conclusions as to what factors influence the success and failure of NTFP commercialisation;
• Their policy recommendations.