Tranquilidad and hardship in the forest : livelihoods and perceptions of Camba forest dwellers in the northern Bolivian Amazon

Abstract

Sustainable management of tropical forests relies largely on the interest of forest dwelling people in long-term forest extraction and their capacity to prevent forest degradation by other forest users. This study discusses the role of the forest in the livelihoods and perceptions of Camba (multi-ethnic) forest dwellers in the northern Bolivian Amazon. These former rubber tappers migrated into the region during the rubber era in the 19th century and have relied on a complex and flexible agro-extractive system for their livelihood and identity. Over the course of the last few decades, the rubber market has disappeared and the related patron-client relationships have declined. Consequently, different types of settlement have evolved and alternative livelihood activities are being explored. The potential for sustainable livelihood development in the region is assessed by analyzing the forest dwellers livelihood assets, productive activities and perceptions of the forest livelihood. Moreover, this study explores the Cambas social organization and control of natural resources, prerequisites for their success as managers and defenders of the forest. The methodology is largely based on the Sustainable Livelihood Framework developed by British development organizations.

This study was performed within the framework of PROMAB. Programa Manejo de Bosques de la Amazonía Boliviana (PROMAB) is an international research, training and extension program advancing the sustainable exploitation and management of timber and non-timber forest resources in northern Bolivia. PROMAB is a joint effort of the Instituto para el Hombre Agricultura y Ecología (Bolivia), The Universidad Técnica del Beni (Bolivia), and Utrecht University (the Netherlands).