This paper presents an empirical analysis of the links between smallholder bamboo shoot management practices, productivity, and livelihoods in a mountainous and impoverished county in southern China. The analysis was based on primary socioeconomic data from 240 households combined with farmer management surveys and biophysical plantation data. Management practices were determined to be grossly inadequate, with chronic overharvesting and an uncontrolled pest problem leading to poor yields. Given that bamboo shoots provided the main cash income source, this had a major impact on household income and livelihoods. Changes to culm management and pest control practices are recommended which could significantly increase shoot productivity and income, while improving bamboo's contribution to rural livelihoods and its role in targeted poverty alleviation. Improving smallholder bamboo management practices is, however, constrained by a general lack of relevant research and management guidelines based on scientifically proven techniques to optimize productivity.

Authors: Hogarth, N.J.

Subjects: bamboos, livelihoods, forest management, income, poverty alleviation, rural development, plantation

Publication type: Journal Article, Non-ISI, Publication

Year: 2013

ISSN: 1472-8028

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2013.779078