Open Knowledge (FSC OK)

In search of sustainable forest landscapes that reduce poverty and mitigate climate change, many countries have adopted a forest policy model that encourages community forest enterprise (CFE). This paper draws on international experience from the Forest Connect alliance, involving teams supporting small forest enterprises in 12 countries with more than 800 associate members from 60 countries. The hypothesis emerging from this alliance is that three main enabling conditions are required for successful CFEs: accessible commercial forest rights; processes of enterprise-oriented social organisation; and infusion of competitive business skills. Having established criteria and indicators of successful CFE, this paper critically examines a series of eight national and sub-national case studies (for Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Laos, Mozambique and Nepal) to test this central hypothesis. Findings demonstrate a clear association between the implementation of these three enabling conditions and indicators of successful CFE. Examples from Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk (Nepal) and Monapo (Mozambique) illustrate the importance of ensuring these conditions. The paper concludes by drawing a number of policy implications about how to foster the enabling conditions necessary for successful CFE.