Carias, Dora and Page, Tony and Smith, Hilary and Race, Digby and Keenan, Rodney J. and Palmer, Graeme and Baynes, Jack (2022) Beyond the 'Field of Dreams' model in smallholder forestry: building viable timber value chains for smallholder tree growers in developing countries. Land Use Policy, 120 . NA. ISSN 0264-8377
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Abstract
Many smallholder tree growers in developing countries and those advising them, hold a view that if they plant
trees a market will materialize when the time is right. However, despite strong international demand for timber
and potential for smallholders to supply this demand, this ‘Field of Dreams’ approach, i.e. if you grow it, buyers
will come, is not generally a sound strategy. In this study, we aimed to identify the conditions that enable the
development of viable timber value chains around smallholder tree growers in developing countries. We reviewed literature on the integration of small-scale producers into value chains, smallholder tree growing, and smallholder commercial forestry to identify conditions, and used four case studies in the Asia-Pacific Region to understand how these influence outcomes for smallholder tree growers in different settings. This analysis provided a basis for recommendations for policymakers and advising agencies on how to support timber value chains for smallholder tree growers. These included deeper understanding of biophysical suitability of locations
for tree growing, smallholder capabilities and interests, and provision of clear land tenure, infrastructure, and
streamlined regulations sympathetic to smallscale timber operations. Tree growing can generate financial value
for smallholders in regions with high human population density, quality road networks and proximity to processing
markets and ports. Careful policy design is required to make it ‘fit for purpose’ at local levels, as conditions
vary widely even within a single country. This can identify catalytic interventions and work with existing
or near-term market drivers and simplified regulations in the value chain to generate benefits for smallholders.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory |
| Divisions: | School of Business and Management (SBM) |
| Depositing User: | Digby Race |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jun 2022 22:17 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jun 2022 22:17 |
| URI: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13476 |
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