DETERMINANTS OF HOUSEHOLDS’ ENGAGEMENT IN THE WOODTURNING (SHAZO) BUSINESS IN TASHIYANGTSE, BHUTAN

Abstract

Woodturning is a popular business in Yangtse Gewog, Tashiyangtse; however, it is not a primary activity for most households.A lack of studies on households’ decisions to pursue woodturning business in Bhutan motivated the authors toidentify the determinants of households engaging in the woodturning business (Shazo) in Yangtse Gewog, Tashiyangtse, Bhutan. Data were collectedfrom 178 households usingpre-tested structured questionnaires. The results showed that households’ experiences of the woodturning business and nonfarm income earned by households were the significant determinants (p = .000), suggestingthat the woodturning business requires skills and initial investments. Therefore, stakeholders concerned shouldprioritizeproviding woodturning skills and financial support to aspiring woodturners.