Are nontimber forest products the antidote to rainforest degradation? Brazil nut extraction in Madre De Dios, Peru
World Development
2003
Journal Article
31
11
1873-1887
rural poverty deforestation Brazil nut poverty Bertholletia excelsa castaña non-timber forest products trees plants sustainable use of natural resources economic analysis socioeconomic conditions land use logging impacts of economic activities seasonality Madre de Dios Bibliography
This study explores the relationship between poverty and Amazonian forest management by Brazil nut harvesters in southeastern Peru. Although the poor rely more upon natural resource-based income than the rich, wealthier households use more forest wood and land than poorer ones. Contrary to the belief that exploitation of nontimber forest products can alleviate deforestation, this study finds that seasonal Brazil nut extraction is accompanied by unsustainable forestry activities during the rest of the year. Only those who find employment in activities unrelated to forestry manage to break the link between poverty and environmental degradation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.