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Bamboo and Cane Vulnerability and Income Generation in the Rural Household Subsistence Economy of Bjoka, Zhemgang, Bhutan

2009; International Mountain Society; Volume: 29; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1659/mrd.00029

1994-7151

Mani Ram Moktan, Lungten Norbu, Kencho Dukpa, Tek Bahadur, Rinchen Dorji, Kunzang Dhendup, Norbu Gyaltshen,

Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management

Little qualitative and quantitative information is available on bamboo and cane ecology and management. Harvesting of these two nonwood forest products (NWFPs) takes place on a substantial scale, exacerbated by commercialization, thereby exerting pressure on supply with a significant detrimental impact on the species. This article examines the resource availability of bamboo, Neomicrocalamus andropogonifolius, and cane, Calamus acanthospathus, their role in the subsistence economy, traditional knowledge, postharvest practices, and species vulnerability to commercialization at Bjoka, Zhemgang, in central Bhutan. The gross commercial growing stock of bamboo is estimated at 1924 m3. Based on artisans' knowledge, gross commercial cane stock is an estimated 16–27 metric tons. Annual supply declined for the period 1995–2003. Bamboo and cane account for 66% of gross annual household income and are economically profitable. Specialization in the manufacture of high-quality finished bamboo and cane products helps to combat food insecurity in these rural areas with limited road and market infrastructure. Transactions with middlemen are important but lead to artisans being underpaid because the latter have limited access to markets. Bamboo and cane craft items are used for a variety of domestic, agricultural, and commercial purposes. Driven by commercialization, traditional management concentrates on harvesting without adequate regeneration, resulting in adverse impacts on species' survival. Vulnerability status with overall rankings of 22 and 32 indicates moderate and high vulnerability for bamboo and cane, respectively. Young people are less skillful in high-quality craftsmanship. Training schemes are needed to improve quality, promote sustainable harvesting, and preserve this unique cultural heritage. Further studies and policy and management are required to conserve and properly utilize these resources ecologically, while sustaining local enterprises economically.