Explore, with examples, the relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural livelihoods.

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Explore, with examples, the relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural livelihoods

        “Trees, woodlands and forests are multi-purpose resources that provide varied functions in society and differing roles in rural livelihoods across the developing world” (Potter et al, 1989:268).

        The above quote establishes that there is a relationship between tree resources and rural livelihoods and that this relationship is varied.  The term ‘tree resources’ encompasses an array of resources.  It is not just the tree that is utilised but its individual components e.g. bark, sap, leaves, roots etc.  Also it is not just the tree that is resourceful but also the environment it provides and the ecosystem it is part of, as well as the ecosystems’ roles and functions e.g. for soil stability.  ‘Rural livelihoods’ refers to the activities of rural dwellers in order to live.  “A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living” (Carney, 1998:4).  The relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural means of a living is complicated and diverse.

        In this essay I aim to explore the different relationships between tree resources and rural livelihoods.  Detailing the different direct (e.g. for food and building materials) and indirect (e.g. for tourism) relationships, investigating their nature and researching both historical and contemporary examples.  I also want to explore the effects of such relationships such as environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity and the possible solutions for the future, namely the possibility for sustainable rural livelihoods to find a balance between tree resources and rural livelihoods.  I intend to investigate the effects of urban livelihoods and livelihoods of the developed world on tree resources and rural livelihoods, particularly the effects of deforestation and agro-forestry.

        There are many direct relationships between tree resources and rural livelihoods, where livelihoods are dependant on trees as a supply.  The first of these is as a settlement for rural people, and of course without some sort of settlement it would be difficult for people to make a living.  In much of the developing world rural settlements have tended to arise and develop in and around tree resources.  One reason behind this is thought to be security, particularly historically.  For example it is believed that the early Amazonians settled in forests for protection, as they feared attack from wild animals and other people.  Also in West Papua and Papua New Guinea tribes such as the Huli tribe, actually build their homes in the branches of trees.  This resourceful use of trees for accommodation is crucial for rural livelihoods as rural dwellers are able to settle into their surroundings and maintain a routine and sustain livelihoods.

        The second direct relationship between tree resources and rural livelihoods is the trees’ use as a product and building material.  Many of the homes of rural settlers across the developing world are built from tree and forest products, particularly wood, leaf litter and palms, e.g. the Ameridians in Guyana depend on the wood from local trees to construct huts to live in.  Rural people also make other important things from trees such as crafts to sell, for example the aid organisation Oxfam promote and help the trade of third world crafts for rural livelihoods, such as wooden sculptures made by tribes in central parts of Africa, often where tree resources are scarce.  Also villagers in southwest Mau, Kenya, strip trees of bark for use in weaving and basketry to sell at markets.  Other important implements of great importance to livelihoods are made, for example many rural Nepalese depend on tree resources to produce agricultural implements such as ploughs so as to work the land.

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        Food and nutrition is the third link.  Trees are a vital resource to rural dwellers for food, not only to feed them, but to trade as well, “for example in the Huacamayas forest in Ecuador, people use 212 plant species and 141 animal products” (World Conservation Union website, 2000).  This is important in areas of desert or un-forested land as fruit and berries are otherwise unavailable, so the few trees in existence are invaluable.  In forests and particularly rainforests, the range and variety and foods supplied by the trees is much more varied, and the trees also attract animals which ...

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