CONTRIBUTION OF WOODLAND PRODUCTS TO RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN THE NORTHEAST OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

The value of woodland products to rural livelihoods was investigated within six selected villages in the northeast of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 180 householders. Amount of woodland products used by villagers was determined by weighed them in a portable mass balance. We also review studies that examine the value of woodland products to rural people wellbeing. Results indicate that villagers obtain basic needs such as fuelwood, construction poles from the surrounding woodland. Eighty percent of respondents use fuelwood as the primary source of energy for cooking and heating. A household of 7 people uses a mean of 2 847 kg of fuelwood for cooking year(1). Some villagers sell fuelwood for R10 per 10 kg at the urban market. A mean volume of 1.360 m(3) poles is used for construction of a hut, 0.436 m(3) for a medium granary constructed outside the hut, 7.221 m(3) for fencing a homestead and 27.677 m(3) for a large cattle kraal. Villagers also harvest medicine, edible insects, mushrooms, thatching grasses, broom grasses and even wild fruits. These products are harvested for household nutrition, health supplements and income generation.