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Local-Level Valuation of Savanna Resources: A Case Study from Zimbabwe

Avaliação a Nível Local Dos Recursos da Savana: Um Caso Estuado do Zimbabwe

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Abstract

This paper values the savanna woodland resources of two neighbouring villages in Zimbabwe. Households receive a diverse range of products from a variety of ecologically contrasting sites, and a large number of products are marketed. Whilst the rules and regulations regarding tree-based resources are similar in the two villages, there is a greater degree of enforcement in Jinga, where ecological sustainability is also more promising. Using a derived demand approach, it was found that, in both villages, fuelwood for household cooking, wild fruits and poles are the most important in terms of contribution to total value. The total values obtained for the woodland products investigated are sizeable by comparison to annual cash income. Non-market values (water retention, rainmaking functions, etc.) were ranked highly during participatory rural appraisal techniques. The valuation of a select range of products based on market prices is thus a small component of total economic value.

Resumen

Este artigo avalia os recursos dafloresta de savana de duas aldeias adjacentes no Zimbabwe. Asfamílias recebem uma série de produtos de uma variedade de locais ecologicamente diferentes, e grande número dos produtos são comercializados. Enquanto que as leis e regulamentos em relação aos recursos derivados de árvores são semelhantes nas duas aldeias, existe um major cumprimento da lei em Jinga, onde a sustentabilidade ecológica é tambem mais promissora. Usando um método derivado de avaliação, verifocou-se que, em ambas as aldeias, lenha para cozinhar, frutos silvestres e estacas são mais importantes em termos de contribuição para o valor total. Os valores totals obtidos dos produtos florestais investigados são consideráveis comparados com o rendimento anual. Valores não-comerciãveis (retenção de água, funções de produzir chuva, etc.) foram classificadas no topo da lista durante as técnicas de diagnósticoparticipativo rural. A avaliação de uma série de productos selecionados, baseada em preços de mercado, é assim, uma pequena componente do valor económico total.

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Campbell, B.M., Luckert, M. & Scoones, I. Local-Level Valuation of Savanna Resources: A Case Study from Zimbabwe. Econ Bot 51, 59–77 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02910405

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