The alternative value of the forest: A case study of certain non-timber products as livelihoods for indigenous communities in Chiquitos and Bajo Paraguá, Bolivia

DOI: 10.03670/rft.v5i1.692

Abstract

In light of an extraordinary deforestation crisis in Bolivia's lowlands, it is crucial to illustrate the significance of forests through the goods and environmental services they provide, particularly the potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). This study aimed to assess the experiences related to the collection and processing of NTFPs among nine indigenous communities located in the Chiquitania region and Bajo Paraguá in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to identify the NTFPs in use, followed by visits and surveys administered to each selected community. Discrimination criteria were employed to categorize the NTFPs based on their potential for larger-scale production. The findings revealed that twelve species, including trees, palms, and herbs, are being commercially harvested by these communities with assistance from non-governmental organizations. While NWFPs have experienced value addition through both primary and secondary processing, only açaí and almendra chiquitana almond have completed the value chain, resulting in finished products ready for consumer use; the remaining products are produced at a craft scale with minimal volumes that are quickly depleted. The species identified as having the potential for promotion on an industrial commercial scale include açaí (Euterpe precatoria), Almendra Chiquitana (Dipterix alata), and cusi (Attalea speciosa). These three species are characterized by their adequate abundance, robust institutional backing, significant market demand, and the capacity to provide substantial benefits to collecting families. For five NTFPs, the advantages for collectors surpass the daily wage of rural labor by as much as 100%, whereas the others fall below this threshold. Institutional support from as many as ten organizations was identified for the same NTFP, while a lack of support was noted for other emerging NTFPs. It is concluded that 12 species are currently being commercially utilized by the communities; however, only açaí and Chiquitana almond have fully developed their value chains to produce finished goods that are ready for final consumption, while the remaining species are still progressing towards this goal. Additionally, for five of these species, the advantages gained by the families surpass the opportunity cost associated with the time invested in their collection.