Participatory Innovetory of Non Timber Forest Product
Participatory Innovetory of Non Timber Forest Product
Participatory Innovetory of Non Timber Forest Product
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber
Forest Products
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber
Forest Products
Citation: ANSAB. 2010. Participatory Inventory of Non-Timber Forest Products. Asia Network for
Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources. Kathmandu, Nepal.
All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of information in this toolkit for educational,
research or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from
ANSAB provided the source is fully acknowledged. The reproduction of the information from this
toolkit for any commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission from ANSAB.
ISBN:978-99933-796-8-3
Preface
for each stage and a number of activities are staff (especially Indu Bikal Sapkota, Ram
recommended for each step. Practical tools P. Acharya, Netra Bhandari, Chandika
and considerations are provided along with Amagain, Gopal Sharma, Bishnu Luintel,
activities when required. Govinda Baral, Durga Regmi, Sony Baral,
We are thankful to the blue moon fund and Rijan Tamrakar), donors (USAID,
(bmf) for providing the grant that The Ford Foundation, IDRC), partners
allowed us to develop the Series and (EWV), NGOs and local communities
for encouraging us to translate ANSAB contributed to this methodology through
expertise into simple-to-use toolkits. their involvement in ANSAB programs.
The main contributors of the toolkit are Hari Dhungana, an experienced ANSAB
Bhishma Subedi, Shiva Shanker Pandey, technical expert, edited the Series.
Shambhu Charmakar, Sushil Gyawali and We welcome suggestions and feedback
Nabaraj Panta. Surya B. Binayee through from readers and users as we are very much
his work in ANSAB program contributed keen on periodically updating the toolkits
to the evolution and development of to make it more productive and useful.
the methodology. A number of ANSAB
Acronyms
Glossary
Annual allowable harvest: The amount of resins; insect and insect providers; and wild
forest products (e.g., the volume or number animals and birds.
of stems or plants) that can be removed
annually from a forest or from its block NTFP inventory: A measurement and
assessment of the existing stock and growth
Annual growth: An increment in the stock of NTFPs in a given area
of forest products in a forest over a year
Observation: A record (e.g. measurement of
Crown cover: A vertical projection of the height, girth, diameter, weight and number)
crown area of a species to the ground taken from sample unit
surface; it indicates the dominance of a
particular species in the forest Population: Total number of units or the
“universe” from which samples are taken
Density: Number of plants of a species
relative to the total number of all species Sampling: A way of taking a part of the
present in an area; it is often expressed in population or forest as a representative of
terms of percentage or fraction the whole
Table of Content
The stage one of this toolkit contains steps course on community facilitation.
and activities essential for preparation of
inventory. It starts with how the facilitator Finally, the facilitator should gather
should set the groundwork for carrying out information about the community and
detailed inventory in subsequent stages. It locality where inventory is planned. This
has four steps (see Figure 2). will make subsequent work manageable.
2&3 Plot layer l Measurement, sample preparation for NTFPs l Poly bags, cloth bag, knife or sickle,
Sample measurer weighing machine
6 Record keeper l Record keeping of all the measures done within the plot l Forms, pen, pencil
TABLE 2: List of instruments and materials required to carry out NTFP inventory
For Equipment/material Purpose
Sampling Design
The stage two of this toolkit guides you • forest area with its boundaries is
through the delineation of forest boundary mapped;
and development of the sampling • forest strata and/or blocks are identified
design. These two activities are carried and delineated;
out immediately before the actual field • NTFP effective area is delineated;
measurement. This stage has three steps • number of sample plots for detailed
(Figure 3). It starts with the delineation measurement is identified; and
and mapping of the boundary of the forest • forest map and tables with the details of
for which inventory is planned. At the sample plots are worked out.
second step, effective areas for the species
are identified for detailed inventory are Step 1: Delineate Forest Area
delineated. The third step provides methods and Prepare the Map
and tools for stratification of the forest—as 1.1 Carry out participatory resource
stratified systematic sampling is commonly mapping
used in forest inventory—and calculation of The following activities are carried out for
area of the whole forest as well as the strata. resource mapping:
Finally, at the fourth step describes about • gather the inventory team and other
how to lay out the sample plots on the map. FMUs members who have knowledge
These steps lead the inventory team to be of forest and forest resources and are
prepared for field measurement. interested to participate in resource
mapping;
Thus this stage is primarily focused on • identify a suitable area spot close to
developing the sampling design. By the the forest from where whole forest and
end of this stage, the following outputs are village is visible;
expected: • explain the purpose and process
of participatory mapping to the
community members;
• choose two community members to
Figure 3: process of sampling design draw the forest boundary and block
division on the map;
Delineate forest boundary • gather the material (e.g. sticks, stones,
and prepare map wood ash, flowers, leaves, and other
material that are available locally) to
Stratify and calculate area develop the participatory resource
mapping (brown sheet and marker pens
of various colors can be used);
Layout sample plots on the map • use symbols to indicate different land
uses, etc. as symbols provide easier
visual reference;
• support participants to find the north
direction first and sketch the boundary
with that direction as base;
8
1.2 Conduct Forest Boundary Survey and GPS survey: GPS (GPS Map 60CSx,
Prepare Map Garmin) is one of the modern and
Forest boundary survey and mapping is not prominent tools for boundary survey and
necessary if forest map is already available. mapping. With GPS, tracking is performed
If map is not available, a boundary survey to survey the forest boundary and block
needs to be carried out. Forest blocking division. For this the facilitator should first
should also be conducted simultaneously. learn about handling the GPS receiver, unit
For small-sized forest with area less than set up to mark location of forest boundary
500 hectares, a) GPS survey method, or and mapping. The process is given in Box 1,
b) compass survey method can be used. 2, and 3.
n Depth – Meter
n Temperature – Celsius/Fahrenheit
n Pressure – Millibars.
10
Box 3: Process for marking location and delineating boundary using GPS and GIS
TABLE 4: The format for recording geographic position of each GPS point
GPS point (SN) Latitude Longitude Elevation (m) Remarks
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 11
Forest Products
After the forest boundary or individual down menu; then choose File or Arc
forest blocks within the forest area are View or Arc Map Shapefile to save data.
tracked using GPS (e.g. GPS Map 60CSx, • Choose save in directory; give the file
Garmin), we can directly download the name and click Save.
recorded data from GPS to computer using
GIS softwares like Arc View 3x or Arc GIS Now the data downloading is complete and
9x or DNR Garmin or GPS Utility, etc. Map data is saved.
can be prepared map using GIS software as
described below. Process of creating polygon and
calculating area With Arc View GIS
Process of Downloading GPS data using • Open Arc View and add the saved point
DNR-Garmin: or line data theme. Then, go to File
• Switch on your GPS and connect with menu, when drop down menu exists
PC through data cable. click Extensions. When Extensions
• Open DNR-Garmin; go to Menu bar window opens, check in XTools
and click Waypoint to download point Extensions.
feature and click Track to download • Click on XTool menu, drop down menu
tracking data. appears. There are options to convert
• When download is completed the Point to Polyline, Point to Polygon, and
window appears with table as shown in Polyline to Polygon. Using these options
Figure 5. polygon from point or from polyline can
• Select desired waypoint or track and go be made.
to File Menu; click Save to from drop
Figure 6: Map of forest with blocks
Figure 5: Downloading data in Dnr-garmin
12
• Edit your point, line or polygon theme method. With the help of these instruments,
using Start Editing mode from Theme direction and lengths of the survey line
menu. When editing is complete do not and its slope are measured and recorded in
forget to Save Edits and Stop Edits. surveyors’ field book as given in Table 5.
• To create polygon go to the XTool
menu again and select Calculate Area, The information (direction and distance)
perimeter, Length…. from drop down is plotted on grid sheet fixing the scale for
menu and Click showing as shown in map. While the forest map is developed, its
Figure 6. It automatically calculates the area can be calculated from the grid sheet
area and length of selected theme. To see and tracing paper or transparent grid sheet
the calculated value, Open Theme Table alone.
from Toolbar.
• Now you can also prepare a map of Forest area calculation: After plotting the
given area using appropriate layout direction and distance of survey stations,
template. the area of forest is calculated in the
following way:
If GIS softwares are not available, the • overlay transparent grid sheet on the
coordinates (latitude and longitude) of each base map (area delineated map sheet).
GPS point can be recorded as given in Table If there is no transparent grid sheet,
4. These coordinates are plotted on the grid first the delineated map is traced and
sheet or transparent grid sheet. Finally overlaid over the graph paper;
these GPS points are connected to form a • count and mark the number of grid cell
polygon. Then the area of polygon (forest covered by each strata;
and forest blocks) is calculated using the • calculate the area covered by a grid
same process as for compass survey. cell using the scale of the map and unit
given in the grid sheet i.e. cm;
Compass survey: It is one of the well- • convert the area of a grid cell (cm2) into
known methods of boundary delineation hectare; and
and mapping. It is cheap and easy to • multiply the area of a grid cell by
handle; why most of the FMUs have been number of grid cell counted in each
using it since long time. Silva compass, block so as to calculate the area covered
linear tape and ranging rod are used in this by each block and whole forest.
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 13
Forest Products
2.3. Verification of the NTFP area and strata Figure 8: Delineation of NTFP strata and area calculation
To verify the NTFP area and its stratification,
the inventory team conducts a transect walk
on the sample sites of the forest. Sampling
sites should be accessible in a short period
of time. The following activities should be
carried out:
• select sample sites and agree on the
suitable route for a transect walk in the
selected species effective area;
• undertake the transect walk; observe
the species effective area and species
distribution;
• verify and correct the boundary of the
effective area on the map if necessary;
and • count and mark the number of grid
• finalize delineation of the effective area cells covered by delineated area of each
of selected NTFP species. stratum; and
• calculate the area covered by a grid cell
2.4. Block area calculation and each stratum using the same process
After verification, the facilitator has to as mentioned for compass survey.
calculate the area of each stratum. The area
is calculated as follows: If there is GIS program, then area can be
• overlay transparent grid sheet on the calculated directly using the process described
forest map; for forest boundary survey using GPS.
= 1 ha = 10000 m2
Sample size for L+D strata
• Area of Lokta and Wintergreen (L+D) strata = 15.5 ha
• Sampling intensity = 0.5%
• Sample size for L+D strata= Total area of strata (ha) x intensity
100
15.5 ha x 0.05
=
100
= 0.0775 ha = 775 m2
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 17
Forest Products
intensity as given in “Inventory Guideline A 500 m2 plot with 12.62 m radius is used
2061” published by Department of Forest, for mature tree species while the 100 m2
Government of Nepal. plot with 5.64 m radius is used for pole size
tree and shrub measurement. For herb, 4
Sample size m2 plots with radius 1.128 m are used in
Using sampling intensity, we can calculate general (see Table 7).
sample size (area in hectare) as follows:
• take sampling intensity; Sample plot types differ with the life form
• multiply total species effective area by and product category. Three different plot
sampling intensity and divide by 100; sizes of 500 m2, 100 m2 and 4 m2 for mature
and trees (>30 cm dbh), pole size trees (10 - 30
• repeat the same process to calculate the cm dbh) and shrubs, and 4 m2 for herbs and
sample size of each selected species. regeneration can be used respectively. For
example, if the different forms of NTFP species
Size of the sample plot
Size of the sample plot depends upon the
life forms of the plants i.e. herbs, shrubs If the herbs are highly scattered,
and trees. A circular (of various radii) the plants may not be covered
or rectangular sample plot can be used. in sample plots of 4 m2. So, it is
However, circular plot is preferred as it sometimes advisable to take the
is relatively trouble-free to establish and sample plots of 25 m2.
more accurate (with less ‘boundary error’).
Composite and
single sample plots
are growing i.e. herbs (Jatamansi) and shrubs • decide the size (area) of sample plots for
(Sunpati); or herbs (Satuwa), shrubs (Timur) each stratum; and
and tree (Juglans regia) in the same strata, take • calculate the number of sample plots for
composite plots according to their life forms. In all products dividing total sample size
case of strata having single herbs species, take (area) by area of a sample plot, i.e.
a single plot of 4 m2 as shown in Figure 9.
No. of sample Area of strata (ha)×sampling intensity (%)×100
plot for a strata (n) =
3.2 Calculate the number of sample plot size of sample plot (m2)
Based on sampling area and sample plot
size, the number of sample plots for can be Similarly, calculate the required number of
calculated as following: sample plots for all strata of timber and all
• take a total area of required sample size life forms of NTFPs separately. See Table 8
(in hectare) for timber strata and NTFP for reference.
species strata;
TABLE 8: Number of sample plots Figure 10: Laying out transect line in map
Strata No. Number of sample plot for inventory Remarks
Tree Shrub Herb
• Now, distribute the number of sample Develop index table, and fix entry
plots in overlapped area of different and exit points
herb products. Initiate from overlapped • Prepare a table including number of
area containing large number of herbs sample plots and plot to plot distance for
species to the least one. Use following each plant form for each stratum as in
formula to calculate the plot to plot to Table 9; and
distance. • Find the entry and exit points in
participation of the community members.
Total length of transect in a strata (m) - • Record the direction, geographical
Total length intercepted by tree & shrub
Plot to plot composite plots (m) position (in each terminal point)
distance (m)= and length of transect lines if GPS is
Total sample plots required for shrub
species - total sample plots overlapped available.
in tree and shrub Composite plots • Lay the first sample plot randomly when
the transect line starts and rest of the
Sample plots for single herbs’ stratum plots are laid according to the calculated
• Calculate the total number of sample plot to plot distance.
plots to be taken for stratum of single
NTFP species by deducting the number Prepare index table of plot distribution
of plots distributed previously. • After laying and distributing the required
• Distribute these sample plots along number of sample plots on the map,the
transect line. facilitator prepares the details of the plot
distribution on a sheet (Table 10).
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 21
Forest Products
The stage three of this toolkit presents Step 1: Layout the sample plots on
process of field measurement and recording the ground
of data for subsequent analysis. This stage The first step of stage three of this toolkit
includes two steps (Figure 11). The first step guides the facilitator on how to lay out
describes procedure and tools for laying sample plots on the ground (the location
the sample plots on the ground. The next of the sample plots were identified at the
step provides methods and tools for field end of stage two). As mentioned earlier,
measurement and recording of information plot layout as well as field measurements
on various forest products, e.g. timber, are carried out by an in inventory team,
root/rhizome, leaf, fruit and flowers, barks, comprising of facilitator(s) and a number
whole plant and exudates. of previously assigned local people. It
is important to remind the roles of team
Thus, the steps and activities of this members as assigned previously before
stage are concerned with collecting and starting the work on ground. Now the
organizing inventory data. The data
generated in this way will be used in the
analysis, the methods and tools of which are
presented in the stage four of this toolkit.
Figure 12: Layout of the sample PLOTs on ground
facilitator carries out the following 2.1 Measuring trees and shrubs
procedures to lay out the plots. The inventory of trees and shrubs
frequently forms a part of an NTFP
• Find the starting plot on transect line in inventory as forest comprises a large
participation of community members number of trees and shrubs that are
and from reference of geographic data. important for local people. Some of these
• Fix the centre of the plot and mark the may contain valuable NTFPs and may
edges of the plots. have been identified as priority species for
• Stretch the nylon rope along the plot management in the FMU.
boundary keeping small flag on the
borders. Facilitator can also place Measurement and recording
the team member around the plot if Trees and shrubs are measured in the
possible. composite plots of 500 m2, in which plots
• For composite plots, lay out the smallest with sizes of 500 m2, 100 m2, and 4 m2
one first and gradually the larger one respectively for trees (diameter > 30 cm),
(Figure 12). shrubs/poles (diameter 10-30 cm) and
• Data recorder needs to stand at a place herbs are laid out. Further, shrub and
from where whole plot is visible. herbs selected for inventory as commercial
• Record the plot characteristics (slope, non-timber forest products are measured
aspect, altitude, soils characters (texture
and color), associated species and other
Figure 13: Standard forestry practices
features) within the sample plots.
while measuring tree DBH
in detail within these composite plots. The the herbs which are commercially not
following are measured and recorded in the important are counted and recorded.
format (see Annex 2): However, the selected commercial NTFPs
• plant species; are measured applying the methods as
• dbh of the mature and pole sized tree; described below.
• height of the mature and pole sized tree;
• estimated crown cover of tree, shrubs 2.2 NTFPs measurement
and herbs; and The measurement techniques for NTFPs are
• number of sapling and seedling. different from timber and may also differ
within NTFP species due to variability
Dbh measurement in season of growth (e.g., flowers can be
Dbh is the basic measure of trees which is measured only in the flowering season),
recorded for all trees The dbh of individual rotation period and varieties of products.
trees greater than or equal to 10 cm dbh are Thus, the method of measurement for each
measured with diameter tape or callipers category of NTFP is discussed as below:
of each tree in composite plots. Each tree
is recorded individually, together with its 2.2.1 Roots and rhizomes
species name. Trees on the border must be There are large number of plant species that
included if >50% of their basal area falls have commercially important roots and
within the plot and excluded if > 50% of rhizomes. The measurement techniques for
their basal area falls outside the plot. Trees all species of this category are similar but
overhanging into the plot are excluded, but the season of inventory varies with their
trees with their trunk inside of the sampling harvesting time. The season of inventory
plot and branches out are included. and methods of inventory are discussed
(Note that, for stems with irregularities, below.
measurements is done according to the
principles illustrated in Figure 13.) Season of inventory
Plants provide optimum yield of the
Height measurement product when they are mature. For root and
Within the tree composite plots, the rhizomes, the inventory season coincides
height of each mature and pole size tree with the “harvesting season” in which
is measured using clinometers or Silva they grow to the full. Table 11 provides the
survey master or Vertex IV and transponder season of inventory for some commercial
(procedures to use these equipment is given species having the root and rhizome (Please
in Annex 3). The data recording format is see resource book “Commercially important
given in Annex 2. Non-timber forest products in Nepal”
published by ANSAB, 2003 for harvesting
Shrub and herbs measurement time of other species not included in Table
Within tree composite plots, number, 11). However, facilitator needs to avoid too
average height and shrub diameter are hot, too rainy, too snowy and stormy days
measured and recorded. Similarly, all for field measurement.
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 25
Forest Products
Name of CF---------------------------------------------------------------------
Block name/No--------------------------------------------------------------- Slope(0)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block area - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Aspect-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strata no------------------------------------------------------------------------ Altitude (m)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transect line no-------------------------------------------------------------- Soil type (by color)--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot no--------------------------------------------------------------------------- (by texture)------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated species--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS Y ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other features - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SN Species No. of regeneration No. of mature plants Fresh weight (Kg) (if conversion factor is not available) Remarks
and sustainable harvesting plan for those Measurement and data recording
species. The measurement technique of this The measurement technique for leaves varies
product category is different according to according to the plant type i.e. trees and shrubs.
plant types i.e. bush and tree. The season
of inventory and measurement method Shrub leaves:
for these species are described under • Count the number of plant/clump
subsequent sub-headings with examples: within the sample plot;
• measure the diameter of clump and
Season of inventory height of the clumps;
Plants provide optimum yield of leaves • collect the twigs and/or leaves from
just before abscission and growth period. five percent sample plots through
Therefore, it is recommended to follow the destructive sampling using sickles;
harvesting period accordingly to estimate • take the fresh weight of destructed sample
the stock of leaves. Table 12 provides and record it properly on Format 2; and
inventory season of few important species. • dry destructive sample and calculate dry
biomass if it is traded in dry form (e.g., • calculate the fresh weight of leaves of
Sunpati and Dhupi leaves for incense- tree for each defined diameter class;
making). • dry it on sun until the weight becomes
stable and take its dry weight;
Tree leaves: • calculate conversion factor as per the
• Count the number of trees present in formula given in roots and rhizomes
sample plot of 500 m2 section; and
• measure the dbh of all trees; • use the conversion factor as above and
• count the regeneration of the plant extrapolate for the dry weight of leaves
within 25 m2 (with radius 2.82 m); of all trees of that species.
• record the trees information (number of
regeneration and trees, dbh) in Format 2;
• select three to five trees from each
diameter class for partially destructive • Take three-five trees from each
sampling; diameter class
• count all the branches of 2/3 part of the • Do not select two trees of each
tree from lowest crown point; diameter class in the same
• select three branches (one large, one
sample plot
medium and one small);
• If there are less than three trees
• collect the fresh leaves from each
selected branches, take its fresh weight in any class, take sample from
and record it; all trees.
Format 2: Recording
Format for leaves
SN Species Diameter Class (cm) Branches and weight record of leaves (kg) of selected sample tree
<10 10.1-20 20.1-30 30.1-40 >40 # of Fresh wt. Fresh wt. Fresh Average fresh Remarks
branch (L-branch) (M-branch) wt. (S-branch) (L+M+S)/3
Format 3: Recording
format for bark
Clump distribution based on no. of stem Stem distribution based on girth of clump
<15 15-30 30-45 >45 <2 cm 2-4 cm 4-6 cm 6-8 cm >8 cm
30
• remove the clumps from water body shrub or herb/climber fruit are more or less
and extract the bark from the plant; similar.
• make a small clump of Allo bark by • Count the number and measure the dbh
tightening it with an Allo bark; within the sample plot;
• dry the extracted bark in sun or oven; • divide the tree into five dbh classes (dbh
• take dry weight of all extracted bark < 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, 20 - 30 cm, 30 - 40
from different plots; cm and > 40 cm);
• calculate the conversion factor as per the • select 3 - 5 individual trees from each
formula provided in roots and rhizomes diameter class for partial destructive
section; sampling;
• count the number of Allo plant in rest • select the 3 branches (lower, medium
of the sample plots and record the and top part of crown) from each
measurement in Format 1. selected tree;
• collect the fruit from these selected
2.2.4 Fruits and flowers/flosses branches and calculate the average fresh
Fruit, flower and flosses of some plants
are of high commercial value. Season and
methods of inventory differs for fruits and
flowers/flosses of tree, shrub and herbs. According to ANSAB study in
Parbat district of Nepal, a clump
Season of inventory of Allo contains 6 stems on an
The inventory season of fruits and flowers/ average. A stem gave 17.1 gm
flosess coincides with the season when fresh weight and 4.8 gm dry
they become mature. The list of important weight of bark. Thus a conversion
species with tradable fruit parts and their
factor of 0.281 can be used if
season of inventory is provided in Table 14.
no local conversion factor is
Measurement and data recording
developed for a particular area.
The measurement method for tree fruit and
Format 5: Recording
Format for fruit
Name of CF--------------------------------------------------------------------- Altitude (m)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block name/no---------------------------------------------------------------- Slope (0)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strata no------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aspect-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot no--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Soil type (by color)--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transect line no-------------------------------------------------------------- (by texture)-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS X:---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated species--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS Y:---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other features - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SN Species Diameter class (cm) Branches and weight record of fruit (kg) of selected sample tree
<10 10.1-20 20.1-30 30.1-40 >40 No. of Fresh wt. Fresh wt. Fresh wt. Average wt. Average dry wt.
branches (L-branch) (M-branch) (S-branch) (L+M+S)
Format 6: recording
format for whole plant
Name of CF--------------------------------------------------------------------- Altitude (m)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block name/no---------------------------------------------------------------- Slope (0)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strata no------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aspect ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot no--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Soil type (by color)--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transect line no-------------------------------------------------------------- (by texture)------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS X:---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated species--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS Y:---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other features - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SN Species Number of regeneration Number of mature plant Fresh weight (kg) Dry weight (kg)
matures (in case of fungi). The season of • count all the plants in all sample plot;
inventory for some important species is as • calculate conversion factor (conversion
provided in Table 15. Similarly the data can factor can be calculated as described in
be collected using Format 6. Box 5, however, in this case the whole
plant is uprooted); and
Measuring and recording data • convert the plants into dry weight using
The general methods of measuring whole conversion factor.
plants are as follows:
Compile, Analyze Participatory
Inventory of
33
Stage Four and Interpret the Non-timber
Forest Products
data
The stage four of this toolkit provides tools • Compile all the format (filled up) in a
and techniques on how to compile the folder at the end of each day;
inventory data gathered in the stage three • make sure all relevant data entries are in
and on how to analyze and interpret the place;
dataset to be able to generate management • if units of measurement were different
prescriptions. It has four steps: compile for measurements in different places
data, enter data, analyze data, and interpret (or measured/recorded by different
data (see Figure 14). people), convert them into a same metric
unit;
This stage produces the stock and density • insert data on dry weight of the
map; abundance of species; total growing products, if relevant (if the conversion
stock; and annual harvestable stock of factor was not initially available follow
commercially important NTFPs that were steps mentioned in stage three); and
selected by the community. • pile formats for each block and strata on
separate file/folder.
Step 1: Compile the data formats
Data compilation is an important and Step 2: Enter the data
preliminary work of analysis part. If the data is Data can be entered in the spreadsheets
compiled and managed properly, the chances directly for hand calculation or in computer
of missing data and entering the faulty data based calculation using MS Excel or MS
will be reduced. Therefore the following Access or other software program (as
activities should be done for compilation of the available and depending upon the skill of
data from the field. the technician). For this, NTFP inventory
data entry spreadsheets can be used if they
are already available. If such spreadsheets
are not available they have to be prepared
Figure 14: steps for data
analysis and interpretation for each product category to enter and store
the inventory data, e.g. plot characteristics:
Compile the data formats altitude, slope, aspect and associated
species of each sample plots and plants
related information i.e. number, diameter,
Enter the data height of standing tree, fresh and dry
biomass.
Name of CF:--------------------
Plot No GPS X GPS Y Slope(0) Aspect Altitude Soil type Associated species
Block name/no: --------------
color texture
Block area:---------------------
Strata no.:----------------------
Transect line no:--------------
Plot No Species Number of regeneration Number of mature plants Fresh weight (kg) Remarks
data entry spreadsheet for NTFP root and The following steps should be followed for
rhizomes. analysis of data:
Similarly, the data entry spreadsheet is 3.1 Summarize plot level field data
prepared for each category considering First of all data of each species collected
the data collection format. Then the data from the field needs to be summarized
are entered into the spreadsheets. ANSAB at the plot level. This includes plot level
has developed analysis software for summation of the number of regeneration,
Lokta (Danphe bholua), Argeli (Edgeworthia number of plant and fresh weight of product
gardnerii), wintergreen (Gaultheria (kg). (Conversion ratio for Jatamasi, Kutki
fragrantissima) and trees. With such and Sumpati is given in Box 6.) This step is
spreadsheet in place, field information can simple and straight forward if a database has
be directly entered and results obtained been maintained; otherwise it can be done
easily. manually by summing values from the field
datasheets with the help of pocket calculator.
Step 3: Analyze the data
The analysis of inventory data gives:
Box 6: Fresh and dry weight conversion ratio
• plant and stock density of timber and
NTFPs;
Fresh weight of the Jatamansi, Kutki and
• total growing stock (fresh and dry) per
Sunpati can be converted into dry weight
hectare;
using conversion factor 0.44, 0.61 and 0.44
• annual harvestable stock for each
respectively. It was developed by ANSAB for
species per hectare; and
Karnali zone. When conversion factor is avail-
• total growing stock and harvestable
able, destructive sampling is not necessary.
stock (species wise) in forest block and
whole forest area.
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 35
Forest Products
3.2 Derive per hectare values from plot data • multiply per hectare fresh weight of the
The plot level data summarized in section product (calculated by step 2 of Table
3.1 need to be converted into per hectare 16) by a ‘fresh wt. to dry wt. conversion
values. For this, factor’ to derive per hectare dry weight.
• divide the values derived from step 1 3.3 Find block level total dry weight of the product
of Table 16 by the area of the block (in The block level dry weight of the product can
hectare); be calculated by multiplying per hectare dry
• convert per hectare fresh weight into per weight of the product (calculated from the step
hectare dry weight; and 3 of Table 16) and the block area (hectare).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Block Block Name of Total no. of Total no. of Total fresh Per hectare Factor for Per hectare Total dry
No area species regenera- plant in the wt. of fresh wt. of converting dry wt. of stock of the
(ha) tion in the block product in the product fresh wt. the product product in
block the block (kg) into dry wt. (kg) the block
(kg) (kg)
Please refer to the fields in the table 15 for the steps below.
Step 1 Plot level summarization of field data: Block number ( 1 ), block area ( 2 ), species name
( 3 ), number of regeneration ( 4 ), number of plant ( 5 ) and fresh weight of product (kg) ( 6 ) are summa-
rized from the database or field datasheet. These fields are shown by shaded fields in the table 15 above.
Step 2 Deriving per hectare values from per block level data: For this example, per hectare fresh weight
of product ( 7 ) has to be derived by dividing total fresh weight of the in the block ( 6 ) by the block area ( 2 )
Step 3 Converting per hectare fresh weight into per hectare dry weight: For the dry weight
of the product per hectare ( 9 ), multiply per hectare fresh weight of the product ( 7 ) by the given
‘fresh wt. to dry wt. conversion factor’ ( 8 ).
Step 4 Finding block level total dry stock of the product: To arrive at the block level dry weight of
the product ( 10 ), multiply per hectare dry weight of the product ( 9 ) by the block area (hectare) ( 2 ).
Step 5 Finding total dry stock of the product in the whole forest: Finally, summation of the
dry weights of the product from the entire block ( 10 ) gives the total dry stock of the product in the
whole forest ( 11 ).
36
3.4 Calculate total dry stock of the product Step 4: Interpret the data
in the whole forest The analyzed information such as area
Finally, summation of the dry weights of characteristics (physical features), plant
the product from the entire blocks gives the abundance, total growing stock, growth
total dry stock of the product in the whole and annual allowable cut of the selected
forest. species are interpreted according to the
management objectives. Based on that,
Worked out example of data analysis Forest management units in support of
Table 16 gives a worked out example of forest technicians need to design and
data analysis using the step-wise method incorporate the sustainable utilization and
mentioned. management strategies in detail.
Participatory
Inventory of
Non-timber 37
Forest Products
Total fresh and/or dry biomass (kg) and Resource status and management
annual harvestable stock of the product prescription for each block of the specified
per hectare are incorporated in reports, forest should be given. The NTFP stock
management plan, harvesting plan and should be linked with physical features
business plan. of the block and the human influence on
it, so that these form the basis for future
Stock mapping should show the block management.
wise total and harvestable stock of timber
forest products and NTFPs. Although the The inventory results are then used in:
harvestable amount of product has been • Harvesting plan of timber and each
calculated in kg or cubic feet, it is better to NTFP product
use units of measurement that are familiar • Forest management plan of community
to the users. managed forest
• Business plan for enterprise
Number of regeneration, total stock and development
harvestable stock are depicted in table • Reports of NTFP research and inventory
along with some description needed for the
particular management objective(s) of the
FMU.
38
Additional References
ANSAB & DFO Parbat (2010) Mapping Allo Production Potential Areas
and Enterprise Opportunities in Parbat District, Asia Network for
Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB), Kathmandu,
and District Forest Office, Parbat, Nepal.
Wintergreen, Chiraito
The participatory process of inventory for boundary was verified with a compass
four species is illustrated here in detail. The and tape survey. The community forest
species are Lokta, Jatamansi, Dhasingare area was calculated from the map (912
and Chiraito as an example practiced by hectares), and was divided into seven
ANSAB in Nepal. blocks, based on the existing natural
boundaries and forest types.
1. Lokta (Daphne bholua)
Product category: Bark Step 3: Sampling design
Assessment of Lokta in Binayak Lokta grows in patches that are highly
Community Forest, Bajhang variable in size and density. To reduce
variability, the size of the plots should
Step 1: Participatory resource have been large. Taking the 0.5 %
mapping sampling intensity, the sample size
The community in support of ANSAB forest was determined. In order to take the
technician prepared a participatory resource measurement, the sample plot size of
map showing forests and their real users. 100 m2 area was used. 136 plots were
The forest boundary was delineated on a determined as optimal number of sample
topographic map sheet neatly and cleanly. plots. Then the plots were allocated along
the strata based on stratified systematic
Step 2: Forest boundary survey and sampling along the transect line with plot
mapping to plot distance of 55 m.
Using topographical map sheet, forest
boundary was tentatively delineated. The
Similarly, the fresh weight ratio was determined for Jatamansi using the measured fresh and dry biomass of the Jatamansi as below:
Plant species Fresh Products (kg/ha) Ratio of fresh to dry weight Dry Products (kg/ha)
Jatamansi 2315.60 1:0.44 1018.86
A total of 1502 sample plots were The harvested Jatamansi was pooled and
systematically distributed along the transect converted to kg/4 m2 units that also read as
line in the strata with calculated plot to plot tons per hectare.
distance.
Step 5: Data analysis estimation of
Step 4: Measurement and recording sustainable harvest levels
Observations were made and measurements The data from each sites and strata were
of specified variables were taken from each compiled and various analyses were done.
sample plot using the standard inventory Using the collected information, the total stock
form developed for the study. Five places was calculated for Jatamansi (see Table 19).
were selected from the best looking spots in
terms of density. A total of 10 replications Step 6: Incorporation of management
were made for destructive harvesting. The provisions in FMP
numbers of individuals were counted; fresh Table 20 gives a summary of the
weight was taken in the field; and their dry recommended optimal harvesting practices
weight was taken after drying on solar heat. for Jatamansi as determined from the
Similarly, the numbers of individual were biological field research and studies
only counted in rest of the sample plots. completed in Humla.
was used 100 m2 (with 5.64 m radius). A Using the analysis software by ANSAB, the
total of 40 sample plots were calculated for total annual harvestable stock was easily
sampling and they were allocated along calculated for the community forest and for
the strata based on stratified systematic each block (Table 22). The analysis software
sampling. of wintergreen is provided in the compact
disk along with this toolkit.
Step 4: Observation and measurement
Before measuring the shrub, its quality A total of 140920 kg (1797.45kg/ha) of
has to be determined in tandem of the leaves was found within the community
community members and facilitators in forest. In addition, the software provided
terms of ‘dense’, ‘medium’ and ‘sparse’ or the annual harvestable amount of
‘good’, ‘medium’ and ‘poor’. Observations wintergreen leaves i.e. 105690 kg. Sampling
were made and measurements of specified error can be expected but experiences
variables were taken from each sample plot afterwards showed that the estimates
using the standard inventory form (Table provided a fairly accurate basis to judge the
21). The shrub numbers were counted and potential of wintergreen leaf supply, upon
measurement was taken by measuring its which enterprise decisions were made.
longest and shortest diameters of the crown.
Step 6: Incorporation of management
provisions in FMP
Step 5: Data analysis and estimation of Table 23 gives a summary of the
sustainable harvesting level recommended optimal harvesting practices
The data from each sites and strata were for Wintergreen as determined from
compiled and various analyses were done. the biological field research and studies
completed in Dolakha.
Table 23: Recommended optimal harvesting practices for sustainable use of wintergreen
Plant Species and Optimal Optimal Optimal percentage Optimal harvesting
Parts Harvested Harvest Season Rotational Interval of plant not harvested method
Wintergreen (leaves) Whole year 6 month-1 year 25% leaves undisturbed Collection of the twigs with leaves of 5-6 yrs
old plants with the help of knife or scissor
44
Table 24: Recommended optimal harvesting practices for sustainable use of Chiraito
Plant Species and Optimal Optimal Optimal percentage Optimal harvesting
Parts Harvested Harvest Season Rotational Interval of plant not harvested method
Chiraito (whole plant) November - 3 years 20% plants undisturbed Whole plants pulled or dug out carefully with
January prescribed tool (kuto) from the sample plots
Annex 2: Inventory format Participatory
Inventory of
for tree products and shrubs Non-timber 45
and herbs not selected for Forest Products
commercial purpose
I Background Information
Name of FMU: Date: Plot reference
Name of forest: Transect line no.:
Block name/no: Plot No.
Block area: GPS point X:
Strata no. GPS point Y:
N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW Soil depth (m): Tree crown cover (%):
Slope (average degree): Soil type: clayey, loam, sandy, boulder Shrub crown cover (%):
Altitude (m): Soil color: Ground cover (%)
Trees stock measurement (regeneration, sapling, pole and trees) (4 m2 for regeneration,
100 m2 for sapling and pole, 500 m2 for trees)
SN Regeneration Sapling Pole Trees Dead and
Remarks
Species
(<4cm dia. or (4-9.9cm dia. or Diameter class 10-30 cm All standing trees and diameter class >30 over mature
<12 cm girth) 12-30cm girth Girth class: 30-90 cm cm Girth class>90 cm) (>30 cm)
Quality classification: 1 or 2 or 3 Quality classification: 1 or 2 or 3
Root Sucker
Seedling
N H D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q D H Q
Coppice
Shrubs measurement
Sample plot size for shrub 100 m2, and for its regeneration 4 m2
SN Species Regeneration (No.) Adult Plants Crown Cover (%) Remarks (Invader, etc.)
Seedling Coppice Root Sucker No Av. Height
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
OTHERS
SN Species Regeneration (No.) Adult Plants Crown Cover Biomass Remarks (Invader, etc.)
No Av. Height
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
OTHERS
Number of Clump Diameter of clump Number of stem in a clump Regeneration quality Remarks
1
2
3
4
5
6
Annex 3: Description of Participatory
Inventory of
equipment (Vertex IV and Non-timber 47
Transponder, Silva survey Forest Products
the value should in normal cases be set to Turning the T3 on and off
0.3 m (1.0 feet). The T3 has no switch and the Vertex is used
as a remote control to turn T3 off and on. For
Since the Vertex IV will presume that the both turning the T3 on and off, turn on the
transponder T3 is placed directly under Vertex IV, press any of the arrow keys to go
the aimed height of the measuring object to the CALIBRATE page and press ON to
(when the object is equal to a tree), a half enter into calibration and do as follows:
of the objects diameter should be added
to the Pivot Offset. This compensates for
the diminishment of the tree top. When
measuring tree heights, it is recommended
to add half the average diameter in the area,
for improved accuracy.
is turned off. The distance between the For further information and technical
Vertex IV and the T3, is presented in the specifications of the set of the equipment,
Vertex display. Now move away from the consult the user manual.
centre until the distance reading on the
Vertex equals to the radius of the circular Silva Survey master
plot (in case of sloping terrain, the radius Description
should be adjusted according to the slope). This patented double instrument is a
As the Vertex gives reading of the shortest combination of the Sight Master and the
distance, make sure you hold the Vertex Clino Master especially well suited for
at T.HEIGHT above the ground level professionals who need to measure vertical
while taking Vertex reading. Now you can angles, heights and compass bearings.
determine whether the surrounding trees Typical users of this kind of instrument are:
are within or outside the circular plot. surveyors, geologists, speleologists, miners,
satellite dish installers, engineers (telecom),
Important precautions to take while foresters, etc. The Clino Master is used
using the Vertex IV to measure angles/heights and the Sight
The Vertex IV uses ultra sonic signals Master is used to measure the bearings.
to determine distances. Humidity, air
pressure, surrounding noise and, above all,
the temperature can affect the range and
extension of the ultra sonic signals. Clino Master
Check your instrument daily and recalibrate Measuring angles with ClinoMaster
if necessary. Do not touch the temperature The Clino Master can be used to measure
sensor at the front of the instrument (the metal angle and direct distance. The following
knob between the sight and the loudspeaker) steps should be followed to do so:
and never calibrate the instrument before it has
reached ambient temperature.
Place yourself at a suitable distance from Sight with both eyes towards the object. See
the object, if possible a distance equal to the fig. A
height of tree.
You read the bearing through the compass
Hold the Clino Master vertically close to sighting system at the same time you sight
one of your eyes. Because of the optical above the instrument towards the object.
illusion, the index line will appear to “stand The index line will appear to “stand up”
out” from the Clino Master housing making from the compass housing making it easy to
it easy to accurately read the correct angle. accurately read the correct bearing towards
the object (See Fig. B).
Sight with both eyes towards the top of the
tree. The bigger scale gives the bearing from
your position to the object and the smaller
Read the angle at the index line on the left one the reverse bearing from the object
side scale. The angle is given in degrees on to your position. Reverse bearings are
the left side and percentage on the right essential in accurate positioning tasks,
side. For example 15o and XX% particularly at sea.
Densiometer
Description
Spherical densiometer is common yet
simple instrument for measuring forest
overstory density or canopy cover (Figure
The Sight Master can be used in the 11). The instrument has reflective spherical
following way to measure the bearing surface divided into 16 equispaced square
which is required when establishing grids. When the instrument is taken under
reference points: forest canopy, the images of overhead
crown can be seen in mirror and the amount
Hold the compass horizontally in front of of canopy coverage is estimated based on
you, close to one of your eyes. proportion of the mirror surface reflecting
the overstory crown.
52