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The Role of Forest-Related Income in Household Economies and Rural Livelihoods in the Border-Region of Southern China

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  • Hogarth, Nicholas J.
  • Belcher, Brian
  • Campbell, Bruce
  • Stacey, Natasha

Abstract

Quarterly socioeconomic data from 240 households are used to study the links between forest-related income and rural livelihoods in southern China. Results show average forest-related income shares of 31.5%, which was predominantly derived from cultivated non-timber sources. Forest-related income was important to households at all income levels, although lower income households were more dependent due to a lack of other sources. Higher income households monopolized off-farm income and had more land than low income households. Forest-related income could be increased by making forest land more accessible to the poor, improving productivity, and removing constraints to smallholder engagement in timber marketing.

Suggested Citation

  • Hogarth, Nicholas J. & Belcher, Brian & Campbell, Bruce & Stacey, Natasha, 2013. "The Role of Forest-Related Income in Household Economies and Rural Livelihoods in the Border-Region of Southern China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 111-123.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:43:y:2013:i:c:p:111-123
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.10.010
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