The role of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPS) In the communities This study was conducted to asses the role of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) in improving livelihoods of the communities surrounding Jozani and Chwaka Bay National Park in Zanzibar. The study aimed to document, asses the status and contribution of NWFPs, identify roles of user groups and constraints towards development of NWFPs in the study area. Six villages were selected based on accessibility to the forests and availability of NWFPs. Study was conducted in two phases: Phase one involved preliminary surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisals. Phase two was questionnaire surveys with households, key informants and field inventory. Data on PRA were analyzed with the help of local communities, while Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for questionnaires. Revenue accrued from different sources was computed in MS Excel. A total of 88 and 26 NWFPs plant and animal species respectively were recorded. NWFPs contribute 27 % of household’s food security, 32 % of income generation while 97 % of households rely for primary health care. The study revealed some constraints towards development of NWFPs. It is concluded that NWFPs contribute in improving livelihood of communities for subsistence, primary health care and income. The study also noted a decrease in NWFPs. It is concluded that gender roles has influence in collection, processing and marketing of NWFPs. It is recommended that information and training on NWFPs should be provided to the communities. Also utilization plan of NWFPs should be developed and collaboration between government and communities is needed to improve protection of the resoures.