Eight steps for developing local tree value chains

Abstract

Tree resources can provide a range of economic, social, and environmental benefits to local communities ranging from timber to non-timber products and services. Timber resources are well known for providing diverse wood products used for furniture, construction materials and sources of energy. For instance, sawn wood, poles, wood fuel, woodchips and other wood products offer interesting high-return investments. Non-timber products, such as fruits and nuts, seeds, gums and resins, medicines, honey, and mushrooms, as well as recreational services can also be offered for sale. Products based on locally available tree resources can offer great opportunities for investments by communities, the private sector and development partners to improve livelihoods and the local environment if managed sustainably. This guide provides practical strategies factoring value chain assessments, prioritization, support, and finance elements that need to be in mind in order to develop profitable enterprises that can be scaled