Value chain analysis and market assessment of non-timber forest products in REDD+ PFM Areas - SW Ethiopia

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a significant role in supporting rural livelihoods and promoting forest conservation in Ethiopia, particularly in forest-rich regions such as southwestern Ethiopia. Despite their recognized economic and ecological importance, the contribution of NTFPs to household income remains limited due to constraints in production, processing, and market integration. This study assesses the market systems and value chains of key forest-friendly NTFPs—Ethiopian cardamom (korerima), long pepper (timiz), coffee, honey, and shea—in selected REDD+ Participatory Forest Management (PFM) project areas. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines desk reviews with primary data collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across four woredas. The findings reveal that although multiple actors participate in NTFP value chains, these systems are generally underperforming relative to their potential. Key constraints include limited access to markets, weak value addition, inadequate institutional support, and technological gaps. In the case of shea, the analysis is further constrained by limited data availability. The study highlights the need for strengthening inclusive value chains through targeted interventions in technology, market access, and institutional development to enhance the role of NTFPs in sustainable livelihoods and forest conservation.