Much More Than Firewood: Woody Plants in Household Well-Being Among Rural Communities in Argentina

Abstract

The use of firewood as an energetic resource in various rural regions of the world is essential for the satisfaction of basic human needs. However, the role of firewood in domestic life and its link to household well-being and food sovereignty have been poorly addressed. In order to investigate these aspects, an ethnobotanical study was carried out in three socio-environmental systems of Argentina (Chaco, Pampa, and Patagonia). Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered and analyzed. A total of 78 firewood species were recorded. The main use of firewood is for household heating, followed by food preparation and cooking, and lastly for starting and producing home fires. In total 21 firewood species are preferred over others for their various qualities and biophysical attributes, thus becoming of great cultural importance. From different examples and testimonies, we gather that the link between peoples and firewood transcends the mere utilitarian sphere, giving rise to aspects related to the symbolic, emotional, affective, and culinary, among others. These aspects contribute to the well-being of households and communities. In this way, the different firewood species become central in the domestic sphere, not only in terms of their combustion power, but also because of their importance in social, cultural and food life.