Analog forestry as an opportunity for a healthier nutrition of the inhabitants of a rural village in Costa Rica (2014)
Author: Jana Brauer
Location: Londres de Quepos, Costa Rica
Globalization and increased dependence on imported trade goods (cereals, fats, sugar) negatively influence the dietary habits of people in Costa Rica and threatens traditional farming practices. In her thesis, Jana Brauer aims to answer the following question:
“ How could the use of Analog Forestry design diversify the diets of the inhabitants of the rural village Londres, Costa Rica, and thus improve their nutrition towards an affordable healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals?”
- Although the above-ground carbon content was similar between the analog forest and the teak plantation, the soil carbon content was significantly higher in the analog forest.
- The authors concluded that the analog forest system stored more carbon because of its ability to efficiently balance above- and below-ground carbon storage; the soil in the analog forest was also healthier, making the analog forest sustainable in the long term.
- In addition, the analog forest provided a different portfolio of timber and non-timber forest products and materials and could support the well-being and the economy of people living in that area.