The importance, role and value of Non -Wood Forest Product for Laotian food Security, nutrition and livelihoods

This paper presents conceptual framework of forest foods and food security link to forest resource management to well being. NWFPs studies in different areas, important species to Lao people’s livelihood, household uses and commercialization, nutrition study on forest foods, NWFPs research projects in the past and going on project and the concepts note of one activity to be implemented on enhancing food security through sustainable management plan for Non-Wood Forest Products in the Agriculture Biodiversity Programme. The paper also describes the concept of NWFP activity to be implemented in the year 2006 to 2007 on sustainable NWFPs resource management plan in five villages living around Dong Kapok forest area, Pine District, Savanakhet Province. The main tasks to be carried out in this activity in order to achieve food security, adequate nutrition levels and sustainable livelihood.