Value chain analysis of Lapsi subs sector of Parbat district

Abstract

The study was carried out by SANGAM with financial support of Li-Bird under Multi Stakeholder Forest Program. The main objective was to assess the constraints and opportunities to run Lapsi based enterprises, and to design business solutions to make their value chains more efficient and competitive with the best utilization of the available resources. Primary data were collected through group discussions, key informants interview, informal meetings and direct observations, using open-ended questionnaires and checklists.
Similarly, secondary data were gathered from reports and records of community forest user groups, District Micro Entrepreneurs Group Association (DMEGA), District Forest Office and other organizations. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative tools. The identified major constraints concerning the selected value chains are: absence of detailed resource inventory; inadequate knowledge and skills with local people about modern technology and product quality parameters, local resource management policy and sustainable resource harvesting; insufficient finance with local processors; lack of sufficient information about market; and poor infrastructure development. In addition, the study also identified a number of opportunities such as the resource potential and monetary benefits to the local people; financial access through community forest user groups’ fund and financial institutions; growing market demand for quality products; involvement of service providers in forest resource management; and supportive policy for employment generation from locally available natural resources. Lapsi is a probable agro-forestry tree species for income generating among small holders and its commercialization will help to uplift the economic status of the rural farmers. There is a great opportunity for income and employment generation through proper management and use of lapsi fruit and its products. This paper has suggested some business solutions for the effective value chain of Lapsi.