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The objectives of the study are
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to reveal current activities of forest product utilization and processing,
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to analyse actors and factors that influence processes in forest use and
forest sector development
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to investigate conditions to use the forest potential in a way that creates
incentives for the regional development of the State of Sucre, combining
conservation and utilization.
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and to reveal existing, possible and necessary innovations in forest sector
development
In line with prevailing activities the main focus of the study is put on
wood production and processing. Research model (see figure 1) The study
uses a systemic approach considering the forest sector a part of the regional
system, which in turn is composed of four subsystems (see figure 1). The
model of analysis is based on the investigation of actors, factors and
processes in the regional system, focussing on the forest sector in order
to understand current activities and potentials in this sector in the regional
context.
Research methods
The data was collected at different levels (regional, subregional and zonal
level) focussing step by step on important phenomena observed in the process
of investigation. The methodology puts particular emphasis on the double
nature of the actors: They perceive what is going on and are the main source
of information, but they also are decision makers and by this influence
the process of forest use. In the process of investigation a focus zone
(zonal level) was chosen in order to analyse the aspects mentioned in the
research model in a concrete example. The following instruments have been
used:
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1. Evaluation of literature and unpublished data
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2. Structured interviews with regional actors (about 40 interviews).
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3. Semi-structured interviews with key-informants, especially in
the focus zone
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4. Census of the wood-processing sector in Sucre (260 interviews)
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5. Sample inventory of land use, forest use and deforestation in
the focus-zone (8 transsects)
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6. Systematic field observations regarding tree-growth, wood-harvesting
and processing and land use conflicts
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7. 11 workshops with different actors (farmers, governmental organizations,
NGO´s, research institutions, technical asistance, experts) on various
topics
Selected results (numbers in parentheses indicate the research instruments
used)
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Regional and sectoral policy did not stop on-going deforestation
of primary forests (2,3,5,6,7)
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The short-term and investment orientated regional policy impedes
rural and forest sector development. (2,3,7)
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Legislation has created a system of corruption in the forest
sector which directs profits to officials and merchants, while tree owners
are paid very badly (2,3,4,5,6,7).
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Wood production in Sucre, as reported in official statistics (some
4.000 m³/year), represents only a very small part of the real production
(1,4,5,6).
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Most commonly, wood originates from cacao and cafe plantations and is processed
on site to boards (3,4,5,6).
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There is a dynamic and interregionally competitive wood processing sector
in Sucre (basically handicraft and small scale industry) that creates employment
for at least 1.100 persons, although it suffers from discrimination (2,4).
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There is a large potential of production of precious woods (5,6)
(at least 63.000m³ per year) and non-timber forest products in Sucre
(2,3,7)
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The large majority of actors consider capacity building and institutional
development the most important instrument to improve regional rural
and especially forest sector development (2,3,7).
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