In the current study, the aim is to prove that quantification of NTFP
value chains is possible and useful. By following the flow of a given
NTFP from harvesting to final consumption, data on value created and
retained in the chain help to clarify the dynamics in the commercialisation
of NTFPs. This concept, in many contexts, is equated to a
conservation-through-utilisation paradigm and to reconciliation of
seemingly conflicting interests (Kusters et al., 2006; Sunderlin et al.,
2005; Arnold and Ruiz-Perez 2001). Increasing cash income to local
communities while simultaneously creating incentives for conservation
of trees and forested ecosystems is apparently a win–win
situation (Marshall et al., 2006). Yet, the momentum largely lies
outside of rural spheres (Belcher and Schreckenberg, 2007): new
opportunities in international markets, fair trade initiatives, certification
schemes and deregulation of markets. An analysis of the
backward linkages from global markets to the village is also needed.