Publication
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Publication
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Ecuador's sawnwood is produced in small sawmills and in chainsaw operations at the stump. Chainsaw operations are opposed by much of the forest products industry, the government, and by environmental groups. Reasons include competition for timber, difficulty of monitoring and control, and concerns about forest destruction. In 1987 a survey was conducted of more than 180 sawnwood producers. The study estimated the relative efficiencies of the two sub-industries. It also considered employment changes if chainsaw operations should be restricted. While each sub- industry plays a unique role in certain respects, market overlap is sufficient to rationalize a comparison of the technology alternatives. This comparison results in the classic tradeoff between efficiency and employment. Sawmills are the more efficient technology (except in Amazonia), but they provide the least employment. Conversely, considerable quantities of employment can be provided by using chainsaws, but only by accepting the consequences of inefficient resource use.
Citation:
Prestemon, J. P. and J. G. Laarman. 1989. Should sawnwood be produced with chainsaws? Observations from Ecuador. Journal of World Forest Resource Management 4:111-126. Want more? Send an email to jprestemon@fs.fed.us
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Forest Economics and Policy |
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USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station |