Forests' contribution to rural livelihoods and food security: Insights from a study case in the Peruvian Amazon

Forests are widely recognized for their significant role in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to livelihoods and food security. However, there is little empirical quantitative evidence regarding their contribution to household income and food security. Therefore, this study aims to (a) illustrate the contribution of forests to total household income, considering not only cash income but also income from subsistence activities; (b) provide insights into how forests contribute to food security; (c) identify the drivers related to food insecurity; and (d) investigate the importance of forest-related coping strategies used by households when facing food insecurity. We used quantitative survey data from 400 households across fifty villages in the northern Peruvian Amazon, which vary in tenure regimes and remoteness. Our findings reveal that forests play a crucial role in supporting the subsistence needs of rural households facing food insecurity, particularly those in villages under common ownership regimes and in remote areas. Both groups rely heavily on forest foods, such as non-timber forest products and game, serving not only as regular source of food but also as important coping strategies during times of inadequate food access. Furthermore, non-timber forest products such as fruits not only contribute to subsistence, but also provide valuable cash income sources. These findings underscore the essential role of forests in enhancing rural livelihoods and food security, highlighting the need for policy makers to prioritize forest conservation through the sustainable use of forest products, especially in areas facing deforestation and limited alternative income sources.