Jürgen Pretzsch

FOREST RELATED RURAL LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES IN NATIONAL AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT The main emphasis of the paper is on a diagnostic reappraisal of the co-evolution between development policy and forest policy in tropical countries, concentrating on poverty alleviation and the contribution of forest production to livelihoods. The level of livelihood support from forests as well as the appearance of the livelihood approach as a new development paradigm are critically questioned. The analysis, based on the retracing of historical stages, provides insights into the short life span of dominant development themes and priorities. The livelihood approach has important predecessor models like the basic needs approach and the Farming Systems Analysis. The rich experience gained from the application of these models and, especially, the knowledge of their limitations have been ignored as inputs for further model development. In order to avoid the perpetuation of local subsistence production and poverty, a far reaching integration with other forest related development models, such as industrial forestry, and with macroeconomic development is suggested.

Mechanisms of Innovation Diffusion Under Information Abundance and Information Scarcity—On the Contribution of Social Networks in Group Vs. Individual Extension Approaches in Semi-Arid Kenya

Abstract Purpose. The objective of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of innovation diffusion under group-oriented and individual-oriented extension. Current theoretical notions of innovation diffusion in social networks shall be briefly reviewed, and the concepts of ‘search’ and ‘innovation’ vis-à-vis ‘transfer’ and ‘imitation’ mechanisms (Hansen, 1999; Liu et al., 2005) shall be expanded to also explain diffusion in contexts of information abundance and information scarcity. Design/methodology/approach. This paper comparatively investigates two types of networks that ideally represent strong and weak kinds of social relationship, viz. farmer groups and casual communication networks. Aggregated adoption scores of 22 agricultural and agroforestry innovations serve to operationalize household innovativeness. Semi-structured interviews with 433 households and qualitative expert interviews constitute the major data collection tools. Findings. This study shows that innovations primarily disseminate through strong and cohesive networks in situations of information abundance, with the ‘transfer’ mechanism being of major importance. Conversely, innovation diffusion is more effective through weakly knit networks and the ‘search’ mechanism under information scarcity. Practical implications. This papers practical relevance lies in showing that farmer groups are the most effective pathways of innovation diffusion in either of the investigated extension approaches; and that farmer groups are more effectively contributing to innovation spread when actively addressed through a group extension approach. Originality/value. While advancing current theoretical notions, the results also allow a better explanation of the more satisfactory performance of group approaches in practical extension work.

Paradigms of Tropical Forestry in Rural Development

The integration of tropical forestry in rural and general socio-economic development is reviewed from a historical perspective. Development is synthesized in six paradigms, whereby practice is integrated in theories and ongoing discourses. The paradigms are the basis for an outlook on future tropical forestry development models. The one-dimensional, static thinking prevalent in market-driven tropical forestry is complemented by more complex models; models in which the regulating and constituting functions of the state are revitalized and civil society and commu- nities are involved in a balanced way. Future forestry development models have to be diversified, flexible and able to adapt to the increasing external influences exerted by the human ecological system.

Commodity Chain of Frankincense from the Dry Woodlands of Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan State, Sudan

Frankincense is one of the major commercial NTFPs in the Sudan produced by tapping the bark of Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst trees. It is one of the major NTFPs of the Sudan traded locally and internationally. The aims of the present study include: (1) to identify the chain actors and their functions (2) to estimate benefit distribution and value added along the chain; and (3) to determine the mechanisms by which actors control and maintain access to benefits. The study was conducted in the Rashad locality, South Kordofan state, Sudan in 2008/2009. A combination of Rapid Rural Appraisal tools including key informant interview, in-depth semi-structured interviews, group discussion and direct observations were used for primary data collection. Eight major actors involved in the value chain were identified and their activities and characteristics examined. The average annual net income of tapper, producer, village trader, and urban merchant was estimated to be 74, 740, 1,300, and 11,230 USD, respectively. The results clearly demonstrate the upward skewed benefit distribution among the value chain actors. The total relative commercialization margin was 62.5% indicating that the actors involved in marketing of the product accrued higher proportion of the end market price. While those involved in the production activities, tappers and producers, receive less income counting about 37.5% of the end market price. The results also illustrate that there is limited value added processing in the commodity chain. Commercial benefits in the commodity chain are gained, maintained and controlled through different mechanisms. The study concludes that frankincense production and marketing is financially profitable for producers, village traders and urban merchants. However, frankincense tappers and producers receive less income. Technical, financial, and institutional support could result in an increase in local actors’ income and contribute to sustainability of the supply of the product.

Forests and rural development

Introduction.- Paradigms.- The Challenges Facing Forest-Based Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics.- Land Management Systems at the Interface Between Forestry and Agriculture.- Organizational Changes in Forest Management.- Creating Rural Employment and Generating Income in Forest-Based Value Chains.- At the Interface of Culture, Development and Forests: Insights from Bolivia and Kenya.- Extension Services for Rural Development.- Payment Schemes for Environmental Services - Challenges and Pitfalls with Respect to Effectiveness, Efficiency and Equity.- Financing Forests for Rural Development.- Land Use Planning for Sustainable Forestry.- Forest Governance and Sustainable Rural Development.- Prospects for Forest-Based Rural Development.

Prospects for Forest-Based Rural Development

This synopsis provides an outlook for the complex issue of tropical forestry and rural development. It is based on the previous chapters, and incorporates historical facts, rural development politics and policies, and management systems and instruments. The mix between factual and instrumental aspects rules out a simple conceptual framework. In this synopsis the co-evolution model presented at the outset is taken up, to represent the complex reality of tropical forestry and rural development (Fig. 13.1). The highly dynamic and action-oriented character of this outlook is rooted in the discussion of paradigm changes, leading to design elements for a prospective tropical forestry and rural development theory.

Diversity, regeneration status and population structure of gum- and resin-bearing woody species in south Omo zone, southern Ethiopia

South Omo Administrative Zone in Ethiopia is home to 18 indigenous ethnic groups whose livelihood is vulnerable due to recurrent drought and degradation. Despite the preliminary observation showing the rich dry-forest resource base that, if sustainably managed could enhance livelihoods and biodiversity conservation, there is lack of empirical data on its current status. We conducted a study aiming at quantifying the population status of gum- and resin-bearing species in two randomly selected districts, Hamer and Bena-Tsemay. Seventy-five quadrats (35 at Hamer and 40 at Bena-Tsemay) each measuring 400 m2 were established along line transects to assess species diversity and equitability, density, frequency, dominance, importance value and population structure. We recorded a total of 27 woody species of 12 families and 14 genera. Fifteen species (9 at Hamer and 14 at Bena-Tsemay) of the genera Acacia, Boswellia, Commiphora and Sterculia, were identified as either major sources of commercial gums and resins or their adulterants. Gum- and resin-bearing species comprised 56% and 57% of species richness, 48% and 50% of total density per ha, 95% and 98% of basal area, and 64% and 56% of importance values at Hamer and Bena-Tsemay, respectively. Diversity of the entire woody species assemblage and of the gum- and resin-bearing species was slightly higher at Bena-Tsemay (H= 2.61, 1.4) than at Hamer (H′= 2.48, 1.28), respectively. The diversity and abundance of the resource base suggest potential for development of value-added commercialization of gum and resins to enhance livelihoods and encourage sustainable management of the forest at these study areas. We recorded, however, declining natural regeneration of most gum- and resin-bearing species, and this calls for integrated and participatory species management and landscape rehabilitation.

Forest Organisations in Change: Examples from the Tropics and Subtropics

An overview is given on forest institutions and organisations and their development with special emphasis on the tropics and subtropics. A historical review shows the institutional development and increasing diversification of forest organisations. This is interpreted in line with the general socio-economic situation and the increasing range of needs that human society derives from forests. It is assumed that numerous case studies on forest organisations exist, but a systematic comparative analysis doesn’t. The article is based on an explorative review; its goal is to serve as a platform for further systematic analysis of forest organisations in the tropics and subtropics.

Market Channels for Highland Bamboo Poles Originated from Hula District, Sidama Zone Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries well-endowed with bamboo (Arundinaria alpine, a highland bamboo, and Oxytenanthera abyssinica, a lowland bamboo species). As compared to its potential, however, the contribution of bamboo to producer livelihoods and the national economy is very low. This paper describes the bamboo production-consumption system in the Hula district of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Data include primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from 160 farmers, 38 traders and 30 consumers using household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were then analyzed using a value chain analysis. In the district, all households produced bamboo and allocated on average of 1/6 of their total land holding to bamboo production. Bamboo poles, the primary products, were identified as differentiated products in the market based on length, diameter, circumference, and the intended use of the poles into four major types. In 2014, 26,825 poles of Type 1 bamboo were harvested followed by 25,269 poles of Type 2. The amount harvested from Type 3 and Type 4 bamboos were 17,661 and 20,090 poles, respectively. The value chain analysis revealed that the major actors in the production to consumption system of bamboo were farmers, brokers, wholesalers, craftsmen, house constructors and domestic users. The results indicated that each type has a distinct value chain, with differentiated pricing and use pattern. The major limiting factors identified included absence of value added production and poor market linkage. This study supports the need for further research and investment in value added production alternatives and improved market access. Policies that support farmers’ access to modern production systems, establishment of cooperatives and improved extension system will also likely to accelerate the efficiency and effectiveness of the value chain.

Valuation of the Environmental Role of Acacia senegal Tree in the Gum Belt of Kordofan and the Blue Nile Sectors, Sudan

Cultivation of Acacia senegal is a key component of sedentary farming systems ac ross the gum belt in Sudan, which comprises in addition to fores try component, crop farming and livestock raising. Gum arabic from Acacia senegal tree is a major product of rainfed agricultural se ctor; it is well perceived for its significant contribution to household income of gum farmers and to foreign exchange earnings of the country. Gum trees provide in addition, a wide range of valuable environmental benefits in form of anti-des ertification insurance. They provide also fodder and fuel wood and contribute to increase in crop yield through nitrogen fixation. The study focused on environmental benefits of gum tree s within most important producing areas of the gum belt in Kordofan and the Blue Nile Sectors aiming mainly to finding out values for nonmarketable goods and services provided by such a tr ee in terms of soil protection and restoration of soil fertility. Contingent valuation method, hed onic price and replacement cost technique using market-oriented prices were chosen to value e nvironmental effects of gum trees on land quality and to determine share of the tree in carbo n sequestration. The valuation process was based on estimating cost of the fertiliser equivale nt to the amount of nitrogen provided by gum stands. The internal rate of return (IRR) for a 16 -year rotation gum stand was calculated to be approximately 15.2 percent. It was found that gum s tands can save considerable cost of supplying ammonia nitrate fertilizer equals to appr oximately US