Locating the best locations for developing the non-timber forest products value chain in the Shafaroud watershed, Iran

 
Background and objectives: Poverty reduction can reduce pressure on forest resources, and the conservation and development of forest resources can help reduce poverty. The roles and importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in supporting household livelihoods and fulfilling community needs have made them a central issue in sustainable forest management practices. In light of this, the current research investigates the condition of the forests within the Shafaroud watershed in Guilan province, Iran. The goal is to develop the value chain of NTFPs, aiming to create economic prosperity for rural communities and other beneficiary’s dependent on these forests, while also prioritizing the preservation of forest ecosystems through the evaluation of specific indicators and sub-criteria.
Methodology: The study area for this research is situated in the Shafaroud watershed, encompassing an area of 36,431 hectares located in the western part of Guilan province. It lies between the cities of Rezvanshahr and Pareh Sar counties, adjacent to the eastern side of the Talash highlands. Initially, to compile a comprehensive list of NTFPs, the forestry plan booklets from various series related to the Shafaroud watershed were meticulously examined. To determine the appropriate economic uses and identify the main indicators for each of the activities considered by experts, comprehensive information was gathered through a variety of methods, including observation techniques, interviews, and questionnaires distributed to a selection of 55 experts, chosen based on their relevant expertise. The research employed a structured questionnaire approach in three stages: the first questionnaire investigated the potential for developing the value chain of NTFPs, while the subsequent questionnaires evaluated the scores of various criteria and sub-criteria to identify the best locations in the region for the development of the value chain. Finally, GIS software was used to prepare an optimal spatial map of the value chain under study, using the data extracted in the previous stages, which led to the preparation of a map of the region's potential for developing the value chain of NTFPs in the Shafaroud watershed.
Results: At the outset of this research, the most important non-wood products in the study area were identified, totaling 13 distinct products. The results from the initial questionnaire, which focused on the feasibility of developing the proposed value chain in the region, indicated that experts from various organizations held a positive view on this matter. Furthermore, the analysis of the most critical indicators for the development of the value chain, as per experts’ opinions, revealed that indicators such as investment capacities, land use, satisfaction and participation of local community, as well as proximity to paved and unpaved roads, emerged as the most significant factors. Further, the examination of the final score of the sub-criteria based on the experts' opinions also showed that the sub-criteria of the existence of terms and conditions with a final score of 0.033 had the highest score, followed by the humid climate at 0.028, highest investment capacities at 0.027, and local communities’ satisfaction and participation at 0.025. Finally, the findings of this study showed that in the Shafaroud watershed, 6712.194 hectares, equivalent to 18.424 percent of the total area, are completely suitable for the development of the NTFPs value chain.
Conclusion: Based on the investigations conducted and the indicators considered, it can be concluded that the Shafaroud watershed possesses considerable potential for the development of the value chain of NTFPs. However, the development of any value chain may encounter various challenges that necessitate a multifaceted approach to effectively address these issues. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this research will assist decision-makers at both local and regional levels in considering all relevant aspects and implementing measures for the optimal utilization of the Shafaroud watershed areas, all while ensuring the preservation of these vital forest resources.