Abstract:
The study aimed at assessing the contribution of non-timber forest products in the empowerment of women
household economy in Mufindi district in Iring region. Therefore, the study aimed at examining the
benefits of the non. -timber forest products in the women household economy and the challenges women
get when they collect non-timber forest products in rural areas. The study employed the simple random
and purposive sampling techniques which enhanced the collection of data from the field by using open and
close-ended questionnaires as well as interviews with respondents. The collected data were analysed and
presented using statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS version 16 of 2007 computer programme,
descriptive statistics frequencies, means, percentages, tables and proportions were employed for
determining the relevance of the information gathered. The findings from the study revealed that even if
most of the women (about 94.6%) were engaging in agricultural activities still they need to supplement
their family household income such as selling non-timber forest products. However, remains a need to help
the rural women overcome the various challenges that constrain successful non-timber forest products
commercialization, including securing a sustainable resource supply, accessing market information, and
developing ways of overcoming uneven power and barriers to market entry. The findings and
recommendations of this work will help policy makers direct their work and target their resources to
improve women’s business environment.
