Farmer Participation in Reforestation Incentive Programs in Costa Rica

background

This article evaluates the participation of farm households in reforestation incentive programs in Costa Rica from 1988 to 1995. The Forestry Bond Certificate in Advance (CAFa) was started in 1988 as a grant of 100,000 colones per hectare (it increased to 120,000 colones per hectare) for reforestation to be disbursed over 5 years of plantation establishment. The Forestry Development Fund (FDF) was initiated in 1989 and offers 58,000 colones per hectare over 3 years for reforestation.

Research Goals & Methods

The authors conducted surveys of 243 participants and non-participants and found that the participants had farms that were generally larger in size, had some off-farm income, and had more extensive connection with extension efforts than expected. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

Most of the people participating in reforestation efforts had previously used the land for cattle pasture and fallow land. The authors describe how farmers are attracted to these incentives because the short-term benefits can offer them financial gain from lands no longer suitable for crop or cattle production, while in the long term they view the future timber harvest as a 'savings account' for the next generation.