Creating Rural Employment and Generating Income in Forest-Based Value Chains

Abstract

In this chapter the authors present the potential contribution that forest products can make to rural development. The production and marketing of forest products is an important source of rural employment and income. Benefits often extend beyond the forest area itself, as the products move from production to end use through different stages of processing and marketing. The basic concepts of value chain analysis and social accounting matrices are introduced in the chapter, and their relevance and application in understanding and harnessing the employ- ment and income potential of forest product value chains for rural development discussed.