Two decades of community forestry in Nepal: What have we learned?

Two decades of community forestry in Nepal: What have we learned?
became markedly more “socially focused”. The reasons for this could be many,
but rigorous coaching and monitoring have an effect on the ground. Thus it was
common in earlier times for CFUGs to spend considerable funds on temples and
community buildings that were used by the elites and added to their social prestige;
often Dalits were not even allowed into these temples. By the end of the project,
community expenditure was more on items that either benefi t all community
members equally (such as stretchers or similar items related to health care), or
are “poor friendly” (such as drinking water supplies to poorer, disadvantaged
hamlets). Finally, CFUGs have become a signifi cant source of local credit –
providing loans at what is considered a reasonable interest rate. This was some
24% per annum, but dropped recently, sometimes to as low as 12% per annum. In
general, default rates are low – thus the CFUG benefi ts, as do the members taking
loans. In most cases, they would otherwise either not be able to obtain credit, or
be subject to far higher interest rates – local money lenders usually demand a rate
some three times higher. (Rural credit is nevertheless a complicated matter – see
Chhetri and Timsina, 2010).
In general terms, the promotion of equity within individual CFUGs is now
unquestioned. An issue that is increasingly questioned, however, is how to promote
equity between CFUGs – some of which have the good fortune of large, rich
forests whilst others have far smaller forests that may be poor in desired species?
Whilst part of forest richness and diversity may be attributed to management, much
relates to simple site location. It has been proposed that a tax on CFUGs could be
paid to VDCs or even to the district level, to DDCs, but these are mechanisms that,
whilst discussed in project circles, have not been possible to test.
Inclusive participation
The way in which NSCFP sought to
encourage the participation of
women and Dalits in CFUG decision
making, and particularly in their
representation in committee
positions, has already been
discussed in the specifi c section
on this topic. Inclusive participation
of course means that the views
of everyone are expressed, heard
and taken into account in decisionmaking.
This goes beyond numbers
present or even representation
in committees. It requires good,
Issues related to class, caste, gender and ethinicity are discussed
inclusive leadership and group
demand. Again, governance coaching was an important tool for promoting
inclusivity; specifi c capacity building in leadership skills also contributed.
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