Industrial investment project: An alternative for community development in the forest of Basihuare ejido, Chihuahua, Mexico

Introduction: To strengthen production chains in the state of Chihuahua, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of establishing sawmills in forest communities and ejidos. Objective: To formulate a sawmill investment project for the Basihuare ejido, Guachochi, Chihuahua, and to evaluate its viability by estimating financial and economic indicators. Materials and methods: Projections of supply from 2020 to 2024 were made based on the records of roundwood inputs of the Pinus genus from 2015 to 2019. Sawmilling coefficients, sawn timber grade distribution and market price were determined with historical information from a private industry located in Guachochi. Feasibility was evaluated by estimating the income tax established according to income. Results and discussion: A net present value of 16 194 605 MXN at a discount rate of 12 %, an internal rate of return of 78.69 % and a benefit/cost relationship of 1.25 were estimated. A break-even point of 1520255 bf produced, a payback period of 2.07 years and an economic profitability of 61.14 % were also determined. Conclusion: The indicators were positive in all cases, which shows that the project is financially viable. The methodology used for the formulation and evaluation of investment projects in the forestry sector can be replicated and adapted by different agrarian nuclei.