Impact of Forest Restoration on Poverty and Income Inequality: A case Study in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze a detailed household survey dataset to measure poverty and income inequality in Baan Mae Sa Mai - Mae Sa Noi, two villages in the Chiang Mai province, Thailand, where a sustained forest restoration program was undertaken. We found that the economic growth of villages has been improved, although average income per capita has small differences in the two villages, and households have low inequality. However, transportation remains a challenge since the village is scattered and difficult to access to transport goods.