Socioeconomic and indigeneity determinants of the consumption of non-timber forest products in Vietnam’s Bu Gia Map National Park

Socioeconomic profiles of timber consumers in the buffer zones of Bu Gia Map National Park, Vietnam

“…Lawrence et al (2005) indicate that indigenous people value forest plants for their construction materials more than their immigrant counterparts in Madre de Dios in Peru. The results of this study are in agreement with the findings of other researchers that indigenous people consume more forest products than immigrants in many parts of the world (Sah & Heinen 2001, Lacuna-Richman 2003, Coulibaly-Lingani et al 2009, Laird et al 2011, Webb & Dhakal 2011, Nguyen et al 2019b.…”

“…We also found, however, that indigenous people used less timber than immigrants for furniture. Previous studies only examined the use of non-timber forest products or combined timber and non-timber products without comparing the use of timber for furniture and construction (Sah & Heinen 2001, Lacuna-Richman 2003, Coulibaly-Lingani et al 2009, Laird et al 2011, Webb & Dhakal 2011, Nguyen et al 2019b. There are several possible reasons why immigrants consumed more furniture timber than indigenous people.…”

“…Over the last four decades, the population of this area has changed significantly regarding ethnicity composition and demographics. There are c. 30 000 people from 12 ethnic groups residing in the buffer zones of BGMNP (Nguyen et al 2019b). Indigenous people have also switched from slash-and-burn to intensive farming systems.…”

“…Indigenous people have also switched from slash-and-burn to intensive farming systems. Food crops have been replaced by cash crops such as rubber, cashew nuts, pepper, coffee and cassava (Gregerson & Thomas 1980, Nguyen et al 2019b.…”

“…Styles and sizes of wooden items may differ between indigenous people and immigrants because they differ in their knowledge of and relationships with woody species from natural forests (Laird et al 2011). Furthermore, indigenous people have a long history of coexistence with natural forests, and some studies indicate that indigenous people consume more forest goods for their livelihoods than immigrants (McElwee 2010, Laird et al 2011, Nguyen et al 2019b. Since indigenous people rely on natural forests for their livelihoods, they may also consume more timber for their households to build houses and make domestic furniture items.…”