Abstract

Among Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs), honey is of value, by virtue of its food and medicinal attributes, without in anyway affecting the bio-diversity of forest systems. Its production and extraction in normal conditions do not adversely affect species composition, population structure and regeneration of forest ecosystems. It is a natural non-wood resource, with a multidirectional value to both the honey bee and man.

Of the total production of honey in India, 50% come from natural forests. Even though Kerala comes first in production of honey in India, it is estimated that only 10% of the total honey produced in the forests of Kerala are collected and made use of. Forest dependent people who collect honey from the forests of Kerala do not consider it as a reliable and predictable source of income to supplement their livelihood. They are ignorant of the potential the forests hold for them with regard to honey and other bee products. In this background, a case study has been undertaken covering five Kani Tribal settlements in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala with the aim of gaining knowledge on the problems and prospects of sustainable management of honey.

Keywords