Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A Success Story of Collective Action Changing Public Policy: Farmers' Innovation in the Face of Repressive Forestry Policy in Zambrana Abajo, Dominican Republic

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Small-scale Forestry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Collective action and capacity building locally are key elements in overcoming poverty through agroforestry and community silviculture. Starting from extreme poverty, degraded soils and a reluctance to plant trees, the communities of Zambrana Abajo in the Dominican Republic were able to confront and change repressive forestry policies, obtaining the first legal right amongst smallholders to harvest timber and establish new livelihoods related to forestry and agroforestry. This study was carried out in order to identify the success factors and the lessons learned in this process. Qualitative research methods were used, including participant observation, review of literature, in-depth interviews with key informants, and semi-structured interviews guided by the Community Capitals Framework. It was found that community participation, local knowledge and the authorities’ recognition of it had an impact on forestry policy and overcoming poverty through livelihood diversification thanks to harvesting the species Acacia mangium Willd. The level of understanding about the benefits of trees influenced farmers' decisions to participate in agroforestry and community silviculture projects. The possibility of harvesting timber also influenced farmers' decision to participate and in the diffusion of this initiative to other parts of the country. These findings demonstrate that human capital and its recognition are relevant in improving quality of life for families and improving the natural environment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Source: Authors' data

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • APA, ENDA-CARIBE (2001) Cultivando la biodiversidad: el caso del Programa de Desarrollo Agroforestal de Zambrana (República Dominicana). Paper presented at the Proyecto Cultivando Diversidad: Taller Regional de América Latina, 15–18 de septiembre de 2001, Sasaima, Colombia, 15–18 de septiembre de 2001

  • Asaah EK, Tchoundjeu Z, Leakey RRB, Takousting B, Njong J, Edang I (2011) Trees, agroforestry and multifunctional agriculture in Cameroon. Int J Agric Sustain 9:110–119. https://doi.org/10.3763/ijas.2010.0553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bjärstig T, Sténs A (2018) Social values of forests and production of new goods and services: the views of swedish family forest owners. Small-Scale For 17:125–146. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-017-9379-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown D, Malla Y, Schreckenberg K, Springate-Baginski O (2002) From supervising ‘subjects’ to supporting ‘citizens’: Recent developments in community forestry in Asia and Africa. Nat Resource Perspect 75, pp 1–4

  • Carrera F (2010) APA, Colinas Bajas. República Dominicana. In: FAO (ed) Casos Ejemplares de Manejo Forestal Sostenible en América Latina y el Caribe. FAO, Roma: Junta de Castilla y León, pp 175–180

  • Cosens BA et al (2017) The role of law in adaptive governance. Ecol Soc 22:1. https://doi.org/10.5751/es-08731-220130

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dhakal B, Bigsby H, Cullen R (2006) Potential of forest resources to alleviate poverty and unemployment in rural Nepal. Paper presented at the New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society Conference, 25–27 August 2006., Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand

  • Dias Müller M, Saraiva Nogueira G, Tavares de Castro CR, Campos Paciullo DS, De Freitas AF, Oliveira Castro RV, Nogueira Fernandes E (2011) Economic analysis of an agrosilvipastoral system for a mountainous area in Zona da Mata Mineira, Brazil. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira 46:1148–1153. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-204x2011001000005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Díaz Beard RA, Hernández A (2009) Estudio del Sector Forestal de la República Dominicana. Cámara Forestal Dominicana, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

    Google Scholar 

  • Estoria E, Herbohn J, Harrison S (2004) The performance of community organisers in promotion of community forestry in Leyte Province, Philippines. Small-scale For Econ Manag Policy 3:363–384

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flora CB, Flora JL, Gasteyer S (2015) Rural communities: legacy and change, 5th edn. Westview Press, Boulder

    Google Scholar 

  • Galabuzi C, Eilu G, Mulugo L, Kakudidi E, Tabuti JRS, Sibelet N (2014) Strategies for empowering the local people to participate in forest restoration. Agrofor Syst 88:719–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-014-9713-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galabuzi C, Eilu G, Nabanoga GNK, Turyahabwe N, Mulugo L, Kakudidi E, Sibelet N (2015) Has the evolution process of forestry policies in Uganda promoted deforestation? Int For Rev 17:298–310. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554815815982657

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geilfus F (1998) Desde ‘Arboridetestadores’a Arboricultores: promoción de la explotación silvoagrícola en la República Dominicana. Red Forestal para el Desarrollo Rural, Londres

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutiérrez-Montes I, Emery M, Fernandez-Baca E (2009) The sustainable livelihoods approach and the community capitals framework: the importance of system-level approaches to community change efforts. Commun Dev 40:106–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gyau A, Franzel S, Chiatoh M, Nimino G, Owusu K (2014) Collective action to improve market access for smallholder producers of agroforestry products: key lessons learned with insights from Cameroon’s experience. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 6:68–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.10.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hegde M, Palanisamy K, Yi JS (2013) Acacia mangium Willd.-A fast growing tree for tropical plantation. J For Environ Sci 29:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • IICA (2017) Proyecto Forestal Guaviare. Mangium fabricantes, IICA, Bogotá, Colombia

    Google Scholar 

  • Imbach AC (2012) Estrategias de vida: Analizando las conexiones entre la satisfacción de las necesidades humanas fundamentales y los recursos de las comunidades rurales. Costa Rica, Geolatina Ediciones

    Google Scholar 

  • Inagaki M, Ishizuka S (2011) Ecological impact on nitrogen and phosphorus cycling of a widespread fast-growing leguminous tropical forest plantation tree species, Acacia mangium. Diversity 3:712–720. https://doi.org/10.3390/d3040712

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kabwe G, Bigsby HR, Cullen R (2009) Factors influencing adoption of agroforestry among smallholder farmers in Zambia. In: Paper presented at the New Zealand Agricultural and resource economics society conference, 25–27 August 2006., Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand,

  • Leroy M, Ndjiemoun A, Sibelet N, Hosgood N, Jacq FA, Simon C, Zubieta B (2003) Des arbres d'Etat dans des champs paysans : évaluation de l'opération Faidherbia albida dans le terroir de Sirlawé, pays Tupuri, Cameroun. ENGREF [Montpellier], Montpellier, France

  • Lescuyer G, Cerutti PO, Robiglio V (2013) Artisanal chainsaw milling to support decentralized management of timber in Central Africa? An analysis through the theory of access. For Policy Econ 32:68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2013.02.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levasseur V, Olivier A (2000) The farming system and traditional agroforestery systems in the Maya community of San Jose, Belize. Agrofor Syst 49:275–288. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006327403980

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long AJ, Nair PKR (1999) Trees outside forests: agro-, community, and urban forestry. New For 17:145–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2689-4_12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maclean R, Jagannathan S, Sarvi J (2013) Skills development issues, challenges, and strategies in Asia and the Pacific. In: Maclean R, Jagannathan S, Sarvi J (eds) Skills development for inclusive and sustainable growth in developing Asia-Pacific. Springer, Berlin, pp 3–27

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mercado AR Jr, Van Noordwijk M, Cadisch G (2010) Positive nitrogen balance of Acacia mangium woodlots as fallows in the Philippines based on 15N natural abundance data of N2 fixation. Agrofor Syst 81:221–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-010-9309-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nath TK, Inoue M, Myant HLA (2005) Small-scale agroforestry for upland community development: a case study from Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Journal of Forest Research 10:443–452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-005-0171-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen DH, Youn YC, Kim SS (2006) Agro-and community forestry policy in vietnam with emphasis on constraints limiting success. Korean J Agric Exten 13:375–384

    Google Scholar 

  • ONE (2012) IX Censo Nacional de Población y Vivienda 2010: Informe General. Oficina Nacional de Estadística, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

    Google Scholar 

  • Ostrom E (2000) Collective action and the evolution of social norms. J Econ Perspect 14:137–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Place F, Otsuka K, Scherr SJ (2004) Property rights, collective action, and agroforestry. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahman SA, Rahman MF, Sunderland T (2014) Increasing tree cover in degrading landscapes: ‘integration’ and ‘intensification’ of smallholder forest culture in the Alutilla Valley, Matiranga, Bangladesh. Small-scale For 13:237–249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-013-9251-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reed J et al (2017) Trees for life: The ecosystem service contribution of trees to food production and livelihoods in the tropics. For Policy Econ 84:62–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2017.01.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ricoeur P (2004) Parcours de la reconnaissance. Trois études. Coll. Les Essais. Stock, Paris, France

  • Rocheleau D, Ross L, Marrobel J, Hernández R (2000) Sistemas agroforestales en Zambrana-Chacuey en la República Dominicana; un enfoque de género. Agroforestry system in Zambrana-Chacuey region of Dominican Republic: gender approach Agroforestería en las Américas (Costa Rica) 7:15–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabogal C, Casaza J (2010) Casos ejemplares de manejo forestal sostenible en América Latina y el Caribe. FAO, Roma

    Google Scholar 

  • Saïd M, Sibelet N (2004) Pour que la terre ne cache plus l’arbre : le foncier de l’arbre. Cahiers Agricultures 13:510–515

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoones I (2009) Livelihoods perspectives and rural development. J Peasant Stud 36:171–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/03066150902820503

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sibelet N (1995) L'innovation en milieu paysan ou la capacité des acteurs locaux à innover en présence d'intervenants extérieurs. Nouvelles pratiques de fertilisation et mise en bocage dans le Niumakélé (Anjouan Comores). Thèse, Institut national agronomique Paris-Grignon

  • Sunderlin WD (2006) Poverty alleviation through community forestry in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam: an assessment of the potential. For Policy Econ 8:386–396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2005.08.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas-Slayter B, Rocheleau D (1994) Ecology, community organization and gender (ECOGEN) project overview. Cult Agric 13:19–23. https://doi.org/10.1525/cuag.1994.13.48.19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Torres Lezama A, Vilanova E, Ramírez Angulo HC, Ninín P, Mora B, Hernández D (2011) Una propuesta para el desarrollo forestal a pequeña escala en el sur del estado Aragua, Venezuela. Revista Forestal Venezolana 55:47–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Tschirhart C et al (2016) Learning from one another: evaluating the impact of horizontal knowledge exchange for environmental management and governance. Ecol Soc. https://doi.org/10.5751/es-08495-210241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations (2020) Population dynamics, world population prospects. Departement of Economic and Social Affairs, UN, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Valerio M, Robineau L (1992) Agroforestería y conservación de suelos: experiencias del proyecto agroforestal de Zambrana-Chacuey, Cotuí, República Dominicana. Enda-Caribe, Santo Domingo

    Google Scholar 

  • van Noordwijk M (1999) Productivity of intensified crop—fallow rotations in the Trenbath model. Agrofor Syst 47:223–237. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006223715411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wishnie MH et al (2007) Initial performance and reforestation potential of 24 tropical tree species planted across a precipitation gradient in the Republic of Panama. For Ecol Manag 243:39–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Bank (2018) Poverty Headcount Ratio at National Poverty Lines, Dominican Republic

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the following collaborators: the Zambrana-Chacuey Association of Agroforestry Producers, the “La Esperanza” Association of Bayaguana and the Zambrana-Chacuey Agroforestry Production Cooperative; Mamerto Valerio of ENDA-Caribe; Fernando Carrera and Alejandro Imbach of CATIE; Solhanlle Bonilla of INTEC; Ramón Díaz Beard from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. We thank Casi Avard for the editing and translation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. INNOVATION, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France

    Nicole Sibelet

  2. CIRAD, UMR INNOVATION, 34398, Montpellier, France

    Nicole Sibelet

  3. CATIE, 7170 Turrialba, Turrialba, 30501, Costa Rica

    Nicole Sibelet, Cristino Alberto Gómez-Luciano & Isabel A. Gutiérrez-Montes

  4. Universidad Católica del Cibao, La Vega, 41000, República Dominicana

    Cristino Alberto Gómez-Luciano

Authors
  1. Nicole Sibelet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cristino Alberto Gómez-Luciano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Isabel A. Gutiérrez-Montes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicole Sibelet.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sibelet, N., Gómez-Luciano, C.A. & Gutiérrez-Montes, I.A. A Success Story of Collective Action Changing Public Policy: Farmers' Innovation in the Face of Repressive Forestry Policy in Zambrana Abajo, Dominican Republic. Small-scale Forestry 20, 351–369 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-021-09471-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-021-09471-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation