全球智库信息集成服务系统

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the links between smallholder bamboo
shoot management practices, productivity, and livelihoods in a mountainous and
impoverished county in southern China. The analysis was based on primary
socioeconomic data from 240 households combined with farmer management surveys
and biophysical plantation data. Management practices were determined to be grossly
inadequate, with chronic overharvesting and an uncontrolled pest problem leading to
poor yields. Given that bamboo shoots provided the main cash income source, this had
a major impact on household income and livelihoods. Changes to culm management
and pest control practices are recommended which could significantly increase shoot
productivity and income, while improving bamboo’s contribution to rural livelihoods
and its role in targeted poverty alleviation. Improving smallholder bamboo
management practices is, however, constrained by a general lack of relevant research
and management guidelines based on scientifically proven techniques to optimize
productivity.