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Journal
of Forest and Livelihood Vol. 2 (2)
February 2003
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In
this issue, the institutional and policy
challenges in Nepal's forestry sector are
described in terms of complexity and diversity.
The authors have herein put forward several
new insights and ideas for tackling these
challenges. A common policy perspective
emerging from these analyses is that the
role of civil society in shaping polices
and providing services should be strengthened
while refocusing the role of government
agencies in monitoring of policy implementation.
Such a process of redefining power and roles
require even more conscious social learning
and collaboration on the part of the stakeholders. |
| Contents and Abstracts |
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Retrospective
and Prospective View of Community Forestry
in Nepal
-Don
Gilmour |
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Abstract:
Community forestry in Nepal has gone
through significant changes since
its inception in the late 1970s. On
one hand, impressive gains have been
made in terms of developing and applying
methodologies suitable for conditions
in the Middle Hills. On the other
hand, major challenges remain in terms
of achieving equitable outcomes and
in having community forests become
significant engines for community
development in forest-rich communities.
The current political instability
also requires a questioning of the
appropriateness of the implementation
modalities developed during more stable
political times.
Key words: Nepal,
community forestry, civil society,
policy |
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State versus
Community: A Confusing Policy Discourse
in Nepal’s Forest Management
-Netra Timsina
and Naya Sharma Paudel |
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Abstract:
The
issue of forest governance in Nepal
is highly dominated by the state versus
community discourse, dividing intellectuals,
professionals and practitioners into
two ideological camps. We argue that
this debate is theoretically weak
and practically less useful, as it
fails to take into account the semi-feudal
and hierarchical Nepalese communication
structure. This divide has largely
undermined the internal differentiations
both within the state and community
organizations, assuming them to be
homogenous and monolithic. It is shown
how this dichotomy and the resultant
policy processes have strengthened
the alliances between local elite,
bureaucrats and politicians, further
marginalizing the poor and disadvantaged
forest users. It suggests that the
focus of the discourse should be on
the complex interactions among the
social actors crosscutting state-
community divide.
Key words: Nepal,
community forestry, policy, governance,
discourse, forest management
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Devolution
in the Context of Poor Governance:
Some Learning from Community Forestry
in Nepal
-Ganga Ram
Dahal
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Abstract:
Despite continued emphasis on
devolving forest management authorities
and responsibilities to local communities
in many countries, in practice genuine
devolution of authority and power
over the forest has occurred only
to a limited extent. Taking evidences
from Nepal’s community forestry,
this paper argues that the limited
implementation of devolution policy
is primarily because of the poor governance
and weak institutions. Building on
this conclusion, it draws some strategies
to enhance effectiveness of the system
of forest governance and institutional
structure to facilitate better implementation
of policy in forestry sector.
Key words: devolution
policy, governance, institutional
structure, community forestry, authority,
power, forest user group.
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Learning to Govern: How to
Improve Monitoring System in Community
Forestry in Nepal?
-Hemant
Ojha, Bharat Pokharel, Cynthia McDougall
and Krishna Paudel |
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Abstract:
Forest governance is now recognized
as a critical factor for effective
resource management and enhancing
livelihood outcomes. This paper recognizes
the need for having learning element
in the governing process, for which
there has to be a continuous monitoring
process in place. Based on recent
studies, the current monitoring system
at different layers in Nepal's community
forestry is reviewed, and opportunities
for improved micro-macro linkages
and forest governance are identified.
Key words: learning,
governance, monitoring, micro-macro
linkage, community forestry, Nepal |
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District Forest Coordination
Committee: An Emerging Multistakeholder
Platform for Collaborative Forest Management
in Nepal's Terai
-James
F. R. Bampton |
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Abstract:
In line with government policy on
decentralization, and recognizing
the inadequacies of previous attempts
for the management of Terai forests
in Nepal, two donor funded programs
are supporting localized planning
and decision-making for the forest
sector. To this end, District Forest
Coordination Committees (DFCCs) are
being established as permanent, multi-stakeholder
forums in 11 Terai districts, involving
Forest User Groups, government and
non-government agencies, trade and
industry, the media and political
parties. Based on experiences over
the past two years, this paper analyzes
the prospects for DFCCs as permanent
formal fora for collaboration among
all district forest stakeholders.
Using theoretical as well as practical
insights, conditions that influence
the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder
platforms are discussed, including
issues around legitimacy, representation,
linkages between constituents and
representatives, and coordination
between and within levels. The author
contends that the idea of DFCCs has
great potential, but to ensure the
success, a clear mandate and detailed
guidelines are needed.
Key words: Nepal,
Terai, district forest coordination
committee, collaboration, social learning
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Exclusion Isn’t Easy:
Lessons from a Leasehold Forest
-Christopher
A. Thoms, Mukunda B. Karmacharya and
Birendra K. Karna |
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Abstract:
Nepal’s Hills Leasehold
Forestry and Forage Development Project
leases forestland to small, organized
groups of rural households. Effective
community management of forestland
requires the capacity to exclude other
potential resource claimants. Through
institutional analysis of a single
leasehold forest case study, we argue
that exclusion by small groups is
difficult, especially for the poorest
of the poor. We recommend ensuring
adequate provisions for meeting the
forest product needs of the poorest
within the context of community forestry
as a more effective poverty alleviation
and conservation strategy. In addition
to community forestry-based forest
access, poor farmers need a leasehold
program for farmland that would enable
food self-sufficiency.
Key words: leasehold
forestry, exclusion, collective action,
poverty alleviation, devolution |
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Contested Impact of Community
Forestry on Equity: Some Evidences from
Nepal
-Hari
Neupane |
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Abstract:
Despite large scale expansion
of community forestry in Nepal, there
is no clear and consistent contributions
to the livelihoods, especially of
the poor. While there are some studies
presenting evidences to show this
limited positive impact of community
forestry, there is still limited understanding
as regards why the poor have not been
able to reap the benefits as expected.
This paper discusses six key factors
affecting the ways by which benefits
from community forestry are generated
and distributed, based on the findings
of a recently conducted participatory
action research with four forest user
groups in the western hills of Nepal.
Key words: community forestry, equity,
livelihoods, forest management, Nepal |
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Inventory Related Problems
and Opportunities in Community Forestry:
Findings of a Survey
-Narayan
Dhital, Krishna Paudel and Hemant Ojha |
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Abstract:
This article highlights the findings
of a recent survey to assess the extent
of problems, and opportunities, relating
to the issue of community forest inventory
in Nepal. An interaction with 133
respondents from 40 districts identified
seven major problems in institutional,
policy and technical aspects. Despite
the emergence of several innovations
in districts to cope with the issues,
the inventory guideline it self has
largely been unsuccessful in facilitating
sustainable management of forest.
A key recommendation following the
analysis is outlined. The authors
suggest that the policy intervention
should allow innovations and context
specific resource assessment methodologies
to emerge.
Key words: forest inventory, community
forestry, service delivery, policy |
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Viewing FECOFUN from the Perspective
of Popular Participation and Representation
-Netra
Timsin |
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Abstract:
The Federation of Community Forestry
Users-Nepal has become the largest
civil society organization not only
in the forestry sector, but also in
the country. This paper discusses
the achievements of FECOFUN as a civil
society organization and examines
the way in which it has represented
the interests of common forest users,
and in particular, the poor and marginalized.
It briefly discusses the major activities
of FECOFUN aimed at advancing its
interests at both national and local
levels. It raises some issues as regards
the ways in which it represents the
common forest users, its governing
structure and the resources it depends
upon. This paper concludes that it
is vital to review FECOFUN’s
current policies, strategies and activities
in order to better represent the interests
of the poor and disadvantaged sections
of society.
Key words: Nepal,
FECOFUN, civil society, community
forestry, networking, advocacy
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Nepal’s Conservation in Crisis:
Empowering People to Secure Natural
Resources
-Prabhu
Budhathoki |
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Abstract:
Nepal’s decades of conservation
efforts are at risk due to armed conflict
in the country. The conservation model
based on the foundation of strict
protection has been found insufficient
during present political crisis as
protected areas enjoy no or little
public support. Many protected areas
are showing 'paper park syndromes'.
Crisis also offers a great opportunity
to conservation agencies to reassess
their policies, practices, and priorities
and identify better options that can
withstand difficult circumstances.
This paper presents an overview of
present crisis in biodiversity conservation
and suggests some alternative mechanisms
for long-term conservation of biological
resources of the country.
Key words: Nepal,
conservation, protected area, buffer
zone, crisis |
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