Research Article | Published: 31 December 2025

Determinants of non-timber forest product dependency among ethnic communities in the Jhargram district, West Bengal, India

Bipul Paul and Nilanjana Das Chatterjee

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 203-215 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2025-HGQCYQ | Cite this article

Abstract

This study examines the socio‐economic determinants of non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) derived income across ethnic communities in the Jhargram District of West Bengal, India. Using a structured survey of 190 households, the authors used descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the difference in livelihoods among ethnic groups. Multiple linear regression, and Tobit regression model were used to identify the determinants of the dependency on NTFPs. It was found that larger size of land holding, more livestock assets and farm wage income are negatively associated with NTFP income, while adult female members in the household have a positive significant effectearning through forest produces. Family size positively influences sal leaf dependence, while education of the household head negatively affects reliance on sabai grass, mahua flower, and sal seeds. Landholding size has a significant negative association with sal leaf, kendu leaf, and sabai grass collection. Farm and non-farm income show a reducing effect on NTFP reliance, particularly for kendu leaf and sabai grass. Ethnic differences emerge prominently, with Lodha and Santal households showing more dependence on sal leaves, while Munda and Bhumij communities show increased engagement in sabai grass and mahua flower collection.

Keywords

Ethnicity, Forest income, Jhargram, Non timber forest products, Tobit model

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How to cite

Paul, B. and Chatterjee, N.D., 2025. Determinants of non-timber forest product dependency among ethnic communities in the Jhargram district, West Bengal, India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 32(4), pp.203-215. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2025-HGQCYQ

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 05 April 2025

Manuscript Revised on 22 December 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 24 December 2025

Manuscript Published on 31 December 2025

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