The Effects of Processing Non-Timber Forest Products and Trade Partnerships on People's Well-Being and Forest Conservation in Amazonian Societies

This study evaluated whether processing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and establishing trade partnerships between forest communities and companies enhance the outcomes of NTFP commercialization. In particular, we evaluated whether product processing, partnerships, or their combination was associated with a number of outcomes related to the well-being of forest inhabitants and forest conservation. We based our analyses on ethnographic and quantitative data (i.e., survey and systematic observations) gathered at seven communities from five societies of the Brazilian and Bolivian Amazon. Our results indicated that product processing and partnerships do not represent a silver bullet able to improve the results of NTFP commercialization in terms of well-being and conservation indicators. Compared with cases without interventions, households adopting partnerships but not product processing were most often associated with improved economic proxies of well-being (total income, NTFP income, food consumption and gender equality in income). In comparison, the combination of product processing and partnerships was associated with similar outcomes. Unexpectedly, product processing alone was associated with negative outcomes in the economic indicators of well-being. All of the investigated strategies were associated with less time spent in social and cultural activities. With respect to forest conservation, the strategies that included a partnership with or without processing produced similar results: while household deforestation tended to decrease, the hunting impact increased. Processing alone was also associated with higher levels of hunting, though it did not reduce deforestation. Our results indicate that establishing partnerships may enhance the outcomes of NTFP trade in terms of the financial outcomes of local communities, but practitioners need to use caution when adopting the processing strategy and they need to evaluate potential negative results for indicators of social and cultural activities. With respect to conservation, the three strategies are promising for reducing deforestation, but more pervasive impacts, such as hunting, might increase.

Impacts of Trade in Non-timber Forest Products on Cooperation among Caboclo Households of the Brazilian Amazon

Trade in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has been touted as promoting forest conservation and enhancing the well-being of local residents through increased cash income, which is considered a positive outcome. However, research on cooperation has demonstrated that increased market access and income may strengthen or weaken cooperation. Because cooperation is essential for community resilience in small-scale societies, negative effects on people's well-being can be expected if increased NTFP trade reduces cooperation. To evaluate whether NTFP trade affected cooperation, we used household data (survey and systematic observations) to compare the frequency of cooperation in two communities of Brazilian Amazon Caboclos, one of which engaged in NTFP trade, while the other did not. Cooperation was less frequent in the community trading NTFPs, but neither household cash income nor household participation in NTFP exploitation was associated with cooperative behavior. Decreased frequency most likely derived from indirect effects of NTFP trade, such as less time to fish or socialize, or other outcomes observable only at the community level, such as income inequality, the influx of new residents and consequent population growth. Our results indicate that conservation and development projects based on NTFP trade may negatively impact social and economic well-being of local communities.

An ethnobotanical survey of the economic and cultural significance of non-timber forest products in the southwest Rhodope Mountain region of Bulgaria

The people of the southwestern Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria live in small, mountainous villages and rural areas. They rely on berries, herbs, and mushrooms provided by the forest and maintain a lifestyle and culture of gathering them. This study determined the economic and landscape concentration of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and how this has changed in the past twenty years in the region of Garmen. The objective was to gauge the cultural and economic significance of NTFPs in the lives of the people who live there. Data was collected using informal, open-ended interviews and through participant observation. Results indicate that ethnicity influence how resources are utilized. Roma people collect mushrooms for income generation; Orthodox Bulgarians gather herbs, berries, and mushrooms for medicinal purposes, to supplement their diets, and to carry on traditions. Bulgarian Muslims collect for a combination of the aforementioned reasons. Changes that occur in the forests affect each of the ethnic groups in different ways and forest management practices should include people’s knowledge and uses of NTFPs.

Forest products market in Spain 2015: situation and projections

The Spanish economy is slightly showing positive recovery signs. Construction figures and domestic consumption, which are the most relevant market drivers for forest products, are also significantly better than in the last years. This article analyzes the projections for 2015 in several forest products markets. The conclusion is that a certain general improvement can be expected in most of them, though showing different figures and values.

In the matter of: public hearing before Special Industry Committee no. 41-B for the food and related products industry in Puerto Rico. September 11, 15, and 16, 1958 ... San Juan, Puerto Rico. Reporters: John F. Hrozencik [a [and] Genevieve Biolsi.

Maynard E. Pirsig, chairman.

In the matter of: public hearing before Special Industry Committee no. 41-A for the chemical, petroleum, rubber, and related products industry in Puerto Rico. September 3, 4, and 5, 1958 ... San Juan Puerto Rico. . Reporters: John F. Hrozencik [and] Genevieve Biolsi.

Maynard E. Pirsig, chairman.

In the matter of: public hearing before Special Industry Committee no. 41-D for the lumber and wood products industry in Puerto Rico. September 23, 1958 ... San Juan, Puerto Rico. Reporters: Genevieve Biolsi [and] John F. Hrozencik.

Maynard E. Pirsig, chairman.

Hearing: in the matter of the minimum wage recommendations of Special Industry Committee no. 17-A for the silk, rayon, and nylon underwear division and the general division of the needlework and fabricated textile products industry in Puerto Rico, August 29 and 30, 1955.

Mode of access: Internet.

Comprehensive safety recommendations for the precast concrete products industry.

Mode of access: Internet.

Occupational employment survey booklet of definitions : food and tobacco products industry.

"BLS-2877 220."

Forest products research guide in fundamental and applied research.

"The first edition was issued in 1943 under the title 'Bibliography of fundamental and applied research in forest products'."

Progress through wood research : the Forest Products Laboratory past, present, and future.

Mode of access: Internet.

The Japanese solid wood products market : profile and outlook /

"April 1989."