Journal ArticleThe study was carried out to determine contribution of Non­timber Forest Products (NTFPs) towards poverty alleviation and sustainable forest management in local communities surrounding Ngumburuni Forest Reserve in Rufiji District, Coastal Region, Tanzania. Data were collected from three villages closest to forest namely Mkupuka, Mangwi and Umwe North using participatory rural appraisal, structured interviews, focused group discussion and participant observation. A total of one hundred and sixty species distributed both in forest reserve and general land were recorded. Local end­ uses of NTFPs including fuel wood, food, construction materials, medicine and traditional rites items were identified. This indicated significant contribution of NTFPs to local community income and livelihood resilience and thus, incentive for sustainable forest management. While access to NTFP is important to guarantee the socio­economic well being of the forest adjacent communities, their sustainable management has not been taken seriously by local government officials and policy makers thereby contributing to reduction of biodiversity resources and irretrievable loss of most species. To ensure the sustainable utilization of NTFPs from Ngumburuni Forest Reserve and similar tropical forest environments, a number of conservation approaches are proposed.