Cross-scale analysis of diversification processes in fuelwood use in three contrasting ecoregions of Argentina (Chaco, Pampa and Patagonia): the role of exotic species in subsistence

Abstract

Fuelwood is an essential source of energy for rural populations in many ecosystems. However, little research has addressed the role of exotic species in relation to the use of native woody plants for fuel.This study was performed in rural communities of three ecoregions of Argentina (the phytogeographical provinces of Chaco, Pampa and Patagonia). Basing our study on the diversification hypothesis, we evaluated whether the exotic species used alongside native plants vary in each region. We also studied diversification in relation to gathering environments and use strategies. Open and semi-structured interviews were conducted in 72 households, focusing on the total richness of fuelwood used and its use pressure. We used the ratio between exotic and native richness as an indirect measure of diversification.Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 78 species was recorded, of which 51 were native and 27 exotic. Gathering is the most common supply strategy in all the ecoregions studied, fuelwood being obtained mainly in sites with little human intervention. A generalized linear model showed that the use of native versus exotic species varied according to the ecoregion and the level of human intervention in the supply area, while acquisition strategies were similar for both native and exotic species in all ecoregions. The areas with most human intervention were always used to gather exotic plants. In line with our hypothesis, UWPF diversification with exotic species varied according to ecoregion. Intrinsic characteristics associated with the history of each region possibly explain the findings.

Much More Than Firewood: Woody Plants in Household Well-Being Among Rural Communities in Argentina

“…For the use of species for cooking, a value of 7.9% was recorded comparing Chaco and Pampa ( Vachellia caven and Morus alba ); and 5.5% between Chaco and Patagonia ( Populus alba and Salix humboldtiana ). Pampa and Patagonia did not show any shared firewood species for their different uses, despite of the existence of shared exotic species in both systems (Jiménez-Escobar et al 2021).…”

“…In yellow: Dry Chaco ( Sierra de Ancasti ); (In green: Pampa ( Parque Costero del Sur ); In brown: Patagonia ( Costa del Lepá-Gualjaina ). Figure modified from Jiménez-Escobar et al (2021).…”

“…These rural communities depend on the use of firewood for their subsistence, taking advantage of various elements of the environment in different ways. A full description of these communities can be found in Jiménez- Escobar et al 2021.…”

“…Finally, the role of exotic species in the diversification of woody plants used in the three regions mentioned above was analyzed in a study parallel to this work (Jiménez-Escobar et al 2021). Gathering is the most common supply strategy in all the regions studied.…”

“…As part of a larger project (see Jiménez-Escobar et al 2021) that has involved the comparison of fuelwood use in three distinct biocultural systems in Argentina (Patagonia, Dry Chaco, Pampa). The objectives of this study were: 1) to survey the different biocultural uses for household well-being (BUHWB) associated with firewood plants, used in said different socio-environmental systems and their relationship with food sovereignty; 2) to analyze the social role of firewood according to the different socio-environmental systems; 3) to analyze the local preference and the cultural importance of firewood species.…”