| Millions of people worldwide depend on non-timber forest products (NTFP) for subsistence and income generation. NTFP have a diversity of uses as food, fuel, medicine, spices and materials for construction and handicrafts. In St. Lucia, a recent focus on agricultural diversification has brought attention to the potential of the NTFP sector to provide alternative livelihoods for rural people. Historically, NTFP have been used in St. Lucia for the production of a diversity of handicrafts; a vital source of income for many rural people, particularly women. Handicraft production in Choiseul district, the centre of traditional craft-making on the island, has been an important cultural activity. For this study, thirty interviews were conducted with handicraft producers and key informants from a range of government departments to determine whether the handicraft sector in Choiseul district is ecologically and socio-economically sustainable.; The production of handicrafts, oral transmission of crafting skills and use of distinct NTFP are largely determined by gender. Women are involved in the production of a variety of handicrafts from khus khus grass ( Vetiveria zizanioides) and screwpine (Pandanus utilis) and learn these skills from their maternal ancestors. Men, on the other hand, learn craft skills from paternal ancestors and community members relating to basket production from bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and the lianas, awali (Clusia rosea), ti kannot ( Asplundia rigida), and pomme de lianne (Passiflora laurifolia ). Changing social values and economic conditions resulting from globalization currently endanger the sustainability of the sector. Apathetic youth, insufficient viable markets and a historically autonomous structure threaten the persistence of the sector. Further, the lack of interest among youth threatens the transmission of the oral cultural knowledge. Resolute measures have to be taken immediately to mitigate these constraints if sustainability of the sector is to be assured. |
