Economic Valuation of Non Wood Forest Products of Ardebil Fanduglu Forest (Hazelnut Fruit Production) and its Role in Household Economics

Forests have high environmental, economic and social potential values. Therefore, it is important to protect this ecosystem and prevent any unauthorized interference. The high economic value of forests, including Fandoglu forests, increases the importance of their conservation, in particular their continuous conservation. Ardabil Fandoglu forest is one of the most protective recreational forests in the area. The main collected product of this area is hazelnut. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the income from hazelnut production and the factors influencing the management of this species in this area. The method of this research was a survey of hazelnut and the statistical population of this research includes hazelnut producers in that area. A total of 79 randomly selected hazelnut harvesters were selected to complete the questionnaire. The estimated variables were amount on consumption, sale, economic rent, annual household income, employment and etc. Share of hazelnut income in total household income was 20.3 percent. According to the results, the economic profit and economic rent of hazelnuts was 1397000 rials and 8982710 rials per hectare per year, respectively. Finally, the expectation forest value per hectare from ​​hazelnut production was 17965420 rials. The annual employment amount of the hazelnut production was 19 persons. It has been concluded according the high economical importance of this species at the household economy, it is important to manage this area with consideration of the sustainable harvest rate.