Evaluación socioecónomica de la producción de goma de brea en el Chaco árido

in argentina there is no productive development of the non wood forestry products (nwfp), so it is difficult to include them in the regional economies. as an example, brea gum from parkinsonia praecox produces an exudate gum as a food additive and safety to use in human consumption. however, it is not known, which is the economical feasibility for the farmers. the aim of this study is to evaluate the socioeconomical aspects of the brea gum production in the arid chaco from córdoba, argentina. the methodological approach for this study includes socio-economical surveys, gum production and finally, labour costs. data were analyzed using benefit/cost analyses for the different woodland degradation states. the economical feasibility of brea gum production includes chaco woodland in good state or "monte" and "breal". additionally, it is possible to include brea gum production within the producer of the social agrarian types with coger incomes, which economies depends mostly on external work. the production of brea gum makes a substantial contribution into farmers' incomes, giving more sustainability to the system.