POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES OF COLLABORATIVE FOREST MANAGEMENT: A COMPARATIVE CASE OF UTTARA KANNADA, KARNATAKA AND MAU FOREST, KENYA
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Date
2021-12-27, 2021-12-27, 2021-12-27, 2021-12-27, 2021-12-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.
This study was conducted to examine status of collaborative forest management through the operations of Village Forest Committees (VFCs) in Karnataka and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kenya, to understand achievements and bottlenecks. It focussed on the social capital indicators (membership), livelihood opportunities presented to involved communities, roles of VFCs and CFAs in forest management and resultant outcome on forest status, and the community attitudes. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, scheduled field monitoring and secondary sources. Results indicated fair community engagement level in the VFCs, constituting over 50% of population in eligible areas, while CFAs unveiled low membership of 6% - 23.00%, owing to lack of benefits and CFA governance matters. Benefit sharing was the main gain to VFC’s through village development funds, further, VFC managed micro credit facility supported member’s economic activities. CFA members gained from forest use rights in the form of Non-Timber Forest Product Collection (NTFP) and forest-based enterprises. Both VFCs and CFAs were engaged in tree cover expansion. Village forest development fund was key funding source for VFC’s, while the CFAs depended on scarce member registration/renewals fees and grants, limiting scope of activities implemented. Overall, forest offence incidences declined and was linked to VFC presence; however, Forest encroachments cases were on the rise, signifying existing pressures on forests. In Mau, forest recovery was observed nonetheless characterized by fluctuating forest cover, depicting existing pressures. Generally, VFC (62.23%) and CFA (48.67%) members exhibited favourable attitudes towards CFM specifically for enhancing community participation and access to forest use. CFM offers opportunities for sustainable forest management; financial sustenance of the community structures and proper governance enhance effectiveness of their operations.