Title:

Links between National Forest Programmes and Poverty Reduction Strategies

Publication Year:
2008
Abstract:

This paper reports the main findings of a study which FAO conducted in ten countries in Africa1 between November 2005 and July 2007. In collaboration with the National Forest Programme Facility (NFP Facility), the study examined the links between national forest programmes (NFP) and poverty reduction strategies (PRS) so as to better understand why the forest sector is often marginalized in efforts to improve livelihoods and help countries to achieve a greater measure of prosperity. Results reveal a significant lack of data on forestry's contributions to poverty reduction and economic development. They also point to inadequate coordination across sectors on natural resources management in general and weak stakeholder participation in forest management in many countries. Based on information obtained through literature searches and interviews, the study identifies key factors which promote or hinder the establishment of closer linkages between forestry and wider development processes, including poverty reduction strategies, and recommends ways to increase the presence and influence of the sector in central decision-making. Detailed reports by country are posted on the FAO website at http://www.fao.org/forestry/43875/en/.

Series Title:
Forestry Policy and Institutions Working Paper
Number:
22
Item Type:
Report
Language:
en

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