nonwood

Nonwood is a term used to describe materials and products that are not derived from wood or timber. In forestry and land-use planning, it is most commonly encountered in the concept of nonwood forest products (NWFP), which are goods harvested from forests that do not involve the extraction of roundwood.

NWFP cover a broad range of items, including edible resources (wild fruits, nuts, mushrooms, honey), medicinal and aromatic products (herbal medicines, essential oils), industrial materials (resins and gums, latex, cork), and plant-based fibers (bamboo, rattan, bark cloth). They may also include dyes, tannins, and other minor forest-derived commodities.

These products often support rural livelihoods, food security, and local economies, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Sustainable harvesting, community management, and integration with agroforestry or value chains are common strategies to balance use with conservation.

Policy and research: International organizations such as FAO promote NWFP inventories, sustainable harvesting guidelines, and market development. Challenges include overharvesting, market volatility, illicit trade, and data gaps that limit planning and certification.