Peruvian smallholder production and marketing of bolaina (Guazuma crinita), a fast-growing Amazonian timber species Call for a pro-livelihoods policy environment

In the Amazon region of Peru, most smallholder farmers produce wood products either for their own use or for sale as a regular contribution to their livelihoods. However, the policy and regulatory environment does not facilitate the marketing of such products (Sears and Pinedo-Vasquez 2004). If poverty alleviation is a national priority, economic opportunities linked to productive activities by economically vulnerable people should be promoted rather than discouraged.