Importance of draft animals in timber harvesting practices in developing countries

Abstract

For centuries, draft animals have been used in agriculture and forest operations. Their importance is more evident in developing countries, where animals are the principal source of traction. Animals provide important benefits in terms of their low cost, because they cause very little environmental damage, because they use mainly local inputs, and because they are better adapted to small scale operations. In this paper, characteristics and limitations of the use of oxen in logging operations in Costa Rica, are discussed. Some research results that have contributed to reduce these limitations and make the operations more efficient, are also presented. Finally, results of time/production studies is included. This information is compared with the costs from larger logging operations in which mechanized harvesting systems are used.