Year of publication 2007

Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) play an important role for Lao people’s daily livelihoods, especially in rural areas. They are used for food, medicines, provide a source of income and have many other uses. NWFPs are estimated to make up over 40 percent of total rural income in Lao PDR, and they play a central role in maintaining food security. Recent field surveys, summarised in this paper revealed the high proportion and variety of gathered forest products of importance to the daily diet of rural Lao families.