What is the contribution of forest-related income to rural livelihood strategies in the Philippines’ remaining forested landscapes?

Background

Forests play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions, especially in developing countries, and contribute significantly to both cash and subsistence incomes for rural households. As forest resources decreases, policymakers increasingly recognize the importance of forest-based income in shaping development and conservation strategies. However, geographical imbalances and data limitations often lead to underestimating forests' true economic contribution. In the Philippines, extensive deforestation—driven by timber exploitation and agricultural expansion since the Spanish colonial era—leads to a forest transition. In response, the government shifts toward community-based forest governance in the late 1980s, introducing policies such as Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) and implementing a nationwide logging ban in 2011. Recent reforestation efforts, including the National Greening Program, contribute to a net increase in forest cover.

Goals and Methods

This study examines the role of forests in rural livelihoods in the Philippines. Researchers survey 1,005 households across 10 diverse forested sites, capturing varied livelihood and landscape contexts. Using a structured questionnaire, they collect data on household demographics, land use, and income sources, with particular attention to forest-derived income (both cash and subsistence). They then apply Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis to identify distinct livelihood strategies based on income shares from 10 economic activities. Finally, they use the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the socio-economic characteristics of the identified livelihood strategy clusters.

Conclusions and Takeaways

The study finds that income from forest products remains relatively low, while wage labor and crop farming dominate household income. Households that depend most on forest products report the lowest overall income and possess the least cropland. Despite the limited income, forest product collection—especially for fuelwood—is widespread. The study recommends that reforestation policies focus on long-term livelihood benefits and strengthen forest product value chains. It also suggests that limited forest access rights and restrictions likely contribute to the low economic returns from forest products.