R4D Forestry

Nobel Prize decision highlights significance of institutions

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

According to the Directors of the DFID-funded Research Programme Consortium for Improving Institutions for Pro-Poor Growth (IPPG), the recent joint award of this year's Nobel Prize in Economics to Elinor Ostrom and Oliver Williamson highlights the significance of institutions

This is Open Access Week

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:00:00 GMT

This week, 19-23 October 2009, is the first International Open Access Week, which aims to broaden awareness and understanding of Open Access.

Forests, people and power: the political ecology of reform in South Asia

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:02:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Springate-Baginski, O., Blaikie, P., eds. 2007 London, UK, Earthscan, ISBN 978-1-84407-347-4.

Forests, people and power examines aspects of reform in forest management policy in three Indian states (West Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh) and two regions of Nepal (the mid-hills and the plains). Based on research and field practice spanning all levels, from households to key policy-makers, the book examines:

the livelihood impacts of the different strategies for implementing participatory forest management in the two countries;
how different policy, legal and administrative frameworks of forest management affect livelihoods, especially those of the poor;
the extent to which various claims and aspirations for participatory forest management have been fulfilled, and the main opportunities and constraints;
the main factors facilitating or inhibiting the sort of participatory forest management that enhances livelihoods; the ecological impacts of participatory forest management.

Data were collected from over 60 study villages and over 1 000 household interviews,

With tens of millions of hectares and hundreds of millions of lives in the balance, the debate over who should control South Asias forests is of great political significance. Delving into issues of power and politics in forestry, this book provides an insightful and thorough assessment of important forest management transitions currently under way. It explores the difficulties of transforming age-old structures that circumscribe the access of the poor to forests and their resources, and challenges assumptions of the benefits of participatory forest management and the role of forestry in poverty reduction.

The potential of chainsaw milling for improving rural livelihoods in Uganda and DR Congo.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Fehr, C.; Pasiecznik, N. 0 HDRA, The Organic Organisation, Coventry, UK., 2 pp. This policy brief is aimed at forest policy shapers in East Africa. It results from studies carried out in Uganda and eastern DR Congo, part of a wider project including Kenya and a global review presented in separate briefing papers. Chainsaws are widely used in the region freehand to process logs into timber, and this undeniably contributes to rural livelihoods though often in an illegal context. This raises questions with regards to the appropriateness of prevailing laws and their enforcement. Impacts are considered alongside the use of pitsaws and chainsaw milling attachments.

Developing biometric sampling systems and optimal harvesting methods for medicinal tree bark in southern Africa. Final Technical Report.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:29:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Wong, J. 2006 Wild Resources Limited, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK., 17 pp. The original project concept as envisaged by FRP was to apply forest science principles to the development of inventory and management systems for medicinal plants. This was interpreted by the project team to include all aspects of the design of sustainable harvesting prescriptions for plants collected from the wild for use in traditional medicine practice in southern Africa.

Methodology for planning sustainable management of medicinal plants in India and Nepal. final Technical Report.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:21:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Lawrence. A. 0 48 pp. The project purpose was to apply new knowledge to problems in forest and tree resource management, the resolution of which benefits forest and tree dependent poor people in the forest / agriculture interface.

Forestry and low flows, spatial modelling and open GIS dissemination of the science perception- India - LOWFLOWS. final Technical Report.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:13:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Calder, I. 2006 Centre for Land Use and Water Resources Research (CLUWRR), University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK., Department of Civil Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, Winrock International India, Resources Development Division, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur. 28 pp. Project Purpose. Knowledge relating to land-use and forest decision making promoted for the benefit of smallscale farmers within the Forest / Agriculture Interface. The project contributes directly to FRP Programme Output objectives as a strategy developed and promoted to maximize the benefit of small-scale farmers and landless families and the urban and peri-urban poor accruing from current global issues and generic tools. Livelihoods of poor people will be improved through improved methodologies for whole catchment management leading to greater access to water by poor people.

Understanding and improving participatory forest management implementation strategies for enhanced livelihood impacts in India and Nepal. Final Technical Report.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:54:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Springate-Baginski, O 0 11 pp. The project purpose was: To identify and promote the locally-appropriate best practices for stakeholders to implement participatory forest management to maximise livelihood benefits particularly for the poorest.
To identify best practice in implementing participatory forest management in India and Nepal for livelihood impacts, through comprehensive comparative assessment across different areas, and implementation strategies. To identify how different stakeholders (Government, donor and civil society) can best coordinate support inputs in order to achieve a cumulatively beneficial impact.
To promote pro-poor reforms in PFM policy and practice

Final Technical Report. Commercialisation of non-timber forest products: factors influencing success.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Marshall, E.; Newton, A.; Schreckenberg, K. 0 UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK, University of Bournemouth, UK., Overseas Development Institute, London, UK., 53 pp.

Mesoamerican tree species: a source book for farm planting and ecological restoration. Final Technical Report.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:52:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Boshier, D.; Salvado, J.; Detlefsen, G. 0 25 pp. The objectives were to: a) provide a definitive account of current knowledge of Central American tree species and their role in on-farm planting, ecological restoration and natural regeneration (output sourcebook); b) ensure effective dissemination and uptake of the information (output training).

African acacias - monographs and manuals. Final Technical Report.

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:21:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Harris, S. 0 Oxford Forestry Institute, University of Oxford, UK., 34 pp. The purpose of this project was to assemble the large amount of published and unpublished material on the African acacias in forms that make it accessible to the scientist, the extension worker and, ultimately, the farmer.

A Study to identify the suitable locations for the adaptation of Underutilised Tropical Fruit Tree Species using G.I.S.

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:14:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Bowe, C. 2004 132 pp. The aim of this investigation was to develop a model which would identify suitable locations for the adaptation and production of a number of underutilised fruit tree species.

DFID releases a new project database

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Information about projects funded by DFID, ranging from emergency aid for countries affected by conflict or humanitarian crises, to ongoing support to improve health, education and sanitation in the poorest countries, is now available online.

DFID seeks applications for three posts in the Research Uptake Team

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT

DFID is seeking to fill three posts in the Research Uptake team within the Policy and Research Directorate - Team Leader and two Research Evidence Brokers

Reducing forest emissions - supporting sustainable development and addressing climate change

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The latest Spotlight from SciDev.net focuses on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and its role in both sustainable development and tackling climate change

The role of non-timber forest products in poverty reduction

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The latest issue of id21 insights examines whether sustainable production and commercialisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are the way forward for successful conservation and rural development in tropical forested areas

Blazing a trail for forest rights...in Nepal

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Climate change is creating real changes in the Nepal Himalaya, and the effect is more pronounced in the mountains than in the low-lying areas. Georgina Smith visited the Sundari community to see how a DFID-funded Research into Use initiative is helping local communities to live with potential climate change induced vulnerabilities

CGIAR reform is on the right track

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The London donor workshop, held in April, confirmed that the CGIAR reform is 'on track'

New Director at ODI

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Alison Evans is announced as the new Director at the Overseas Development Institute.

Update from the Research Into Use Programme

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

New publications are available which highlight the work of the DFID-funded Research Into Use Programme (RIU)

Online Learning Resources for Agriculture

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The CGIAR have developed a new web repository of learning resources for Agriculture

Continuous carbonisation of particulate agricultural and forestry residues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed To develop a carbonisation system to convert forestry and agricultural particulate wastes to a high grade charcoal for energy use and as a filtration medium.
To improve supply of indigenous fuel for developing countries with environmental benefits. Phase I- concept report with outline design of pilot plant.

Phase II- full report of experimental pilot plant operation and laboratory measurements of fuel properties of briquettes produced and full cost estimates of plant.

Forestry extension and institutional change

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The research stems out of the need to understand how government forestry departments are responding, both organisationally and over time, to the pressures put on them to develop people-oriented approaches to forestry development. It is based on the thesis that institutional constraints existing within the forestry sector often constitute a set of development problems which demand careful analysis. 1.)To develop an appropriate conceptual framework and methods to facilitate the gathering and interpretation of data on the organisation and management of forestry extension activities.
2.)Through consultation with personnel currently working on rural development forestry programmes at the local, regional and national levels, to examine a common set of research questions across a variety of institutional contexts in different countries.
3.)From the information obtained hereby, to highlight promising directions in forestry extension through a case study approach and to disseminate these findings as widely as possible.
4.)To incorporate this information into an analysis of the policy implications of the institutional reorientation of forest sector activities to the needs of rural people, and into the preparation of training materials. Both these are currently amongst the wider goals of the Rural Development Forestry Network. By the end of FY 92/93 research visits will have been made to projects which have agreed to collaborate with ODI in Nigeria, Vietnam, Thailand, Tanzania, Costa Rica and Guatemala. These are complemented by others based on literature reviews which take a country focus (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Kenya).

A set of secondary studies are also being developed for use in formal (diploma and undergraduate) and in-service forester training programmes. These are based on problems actually encountered by field practitioners drawn from the primary studies. They explore a range of methodological issues (from appraisal and planning, through regular outreach activities, to monitoring and evaluation) in relation to both on-farm tree planting and participatory forest management.

The objectives for 1993 are to bring the case-studies to completion, and to have them reviewed before they are published. Drafts of four of the primary studies have been or are nearing completion, and have been sent out to project staff for comment and criticism. The secondary studies will be tested with groups of students on training programmes in the UK and in field workshops being held as part of the research visits overseas.

We have also had the opportunity to discuss the research methodology and preliminary findings at an DFID Joint Funding Scheme/NGO project evaluation workshop held at Edinburgh University (July 1992)

at an IUFRO international workshop on forest information systems for Latin Ameica and the Caribbean held in Madrid (November 1992)

and, shortly at a RECOFTC regional workshop on forest policy and legislation to be held in Bangkok (January 1993). An ODI workshop will be held in the middle of the year to present the research findings.

Conflicts between socio-economic and technical factors in African social forestry

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed

Research systems for agro-forestry

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed With increasing human populations in tropical countries and a corresponding pressure on already inadequate agricultural resources agroforestry systems have considerable potential for contributing to a solution of the problem. If the improvement and increased use of agroforestry is to be successfully encouraged, then appropriate systems need to be identified. This requires methods for analysing the different systems and comparing their successes. The first step is the gathering of existing information. To review existing data in co-operation with other institutions concerned with agroforestry research, and in particular to evaluate the relevance to agroforestry research of the experimental designs and methods of analysis used in agricultural research.

To examine the autecology of species with a view to designing experiments to test their interactions and performances in the field.

To analyse the functioning of different agroforestry systems, including both existing systems and new experimental designs. Six months will be spent reviewing the progress made in agroforestry research to date. Basic models will then be developed on a number of trials in Kenya and Sri Lanka, including both systematic and randomised methods. Seed collected under another DIFD project would also be distributed for field scale trials. Interactions between components of agroforestry systems are highly complex, often contradictory. Existing data should be critically evaluated and methodologies for research developed. Considerable time was taken in collating relevant data due to the scattered nature of the information. Consequently, a database was developed in co-operation with ICRAF. ICRAF also participated in the development of methodology for identifying agroforestry and research priorities for different farming systems, on the production for the exploration and evaluation of multipurpose trees and on a review of silvi-pastoralism. The main product of the project was a series of publications including a quantitative analysis of the role of fodder trees in the farming systems of Western Rajasthan and an overview of the biophysical basis for silvipastoral interactions.

Collection, analysis and treatment of forestry seeds; investigation of genetic variation of pines; demarcation of seed stands

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed To obtain supplies of forest tree seed of the most suitable physical and genetic qualities for the national planting programme and for export. The project commenced in 1975. The main activities were: selection, registration, conservation, improvment of seed sources; seed collection; seed processing and storage; seed testing; seed distribution, research; training and advisory service and regional co-ordination of forest seed centres. Staff are well trained in selection and registration routines and a detailed register has been prepared. A map of the collection site throughout the country has been prepared for Pinus caribaea and Pinus oocarpa, and a beginning has been made for the other important conifers such as Pinus maximinoi and Pinus patula spp. tecunumanii. Provenance region studies were completed and have been sent to CFI along with maps and a full text. Conservation strategies were developed targetting many of the principle seed collection areas which are under most immediate threat of destruction. Seed collection operations were organised and techniques developed during the project, these have been published in Spanish. Contacts with other seed collection programmes have been established and maintained during the project's duration. A cone kiln was developed to maximise the yield during processing. It was hoped that the kiln could be utilised to increase the recovery of Pinus oocarpa, an essential development as the Seed Bank is receiving ever greater numbers of requests for this species each year. X-ray equipment was supplied to the project to assist with seed testing. Seed distribution continued to rise throughout the project's life, although demand came mainly from abroad. Local demand remained low. The main research trials were concerned with kiln testing, provenance regions, phenological studies of Pinus oocarpa and development of X-ray screening methodology.

Estimation availability of recharge for long-term support of forestry shelterbelts

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed

Forests for Life: Forestry Finance Initiative

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed There is growing interest within many international governmental and non-governmental forestry fora and development organisations in both looking at how more responsible private sector investment and forest management can be fostered, through regulatory and voluntary mechanisms, as well as how innovative new financing mechanisms to fund sustainable forestry can be established. Drivers of this interest include continued high rates of deforestation worldwide, shrinking public financing for forestry, mounting evidence of environmentally and socialy damaging practices of many transnational and local forestry companies, continued illegal logging and poor revenue collection by governments and a recognition of the role that forestry can play in both alleviating global warming and poverty, if managed correctly. Many have realised that a significant opportunity exists to impact these concerns in the forestry sector - and promote a more ethical approach to private sector investment across the board - through the capital markets. However, to date, little primary research has been done to lay the groundwork on which to base new initiatives. To determine how key decision makers in the investment community can be encouraged to invest in more sustainable forestry companies.

To assess how the resources and skills of various public, private and NGO sector organisations could play their part in fostering responsible investment in sustainable forestry.

To identify appropriate initiatives and mechanisms that WWF can develop, to partner with the financing community to promote sustainable forestry. These could include activities such as business-oriented analysis outlining the financial and social benefits to investing in sustainable forestry, education and awareness-raising campaigns, advising on investment decisions and possibly on design of dedicated sustainable forestry financing mechanisms. A ground-breaking report, to be published in June 1998, summarising the research undertaken.

A new 3-year WWF initiative aimed at fostering more responsible investment in the forestry sector.

Forestry Research Project Impact Assessment Study

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed As donors re-examine the allocation of budgets in order to maximise the impact of scarce aid funds, they are keen to learn of the value of previous research and to improve the likelihood of future success. Similarly, research managers are keen to improve the selection and management of projects and to strengthen arguments to justify the continued allocation of funds to research. Evaluation of forestry research is, in essence, no different from renewable natural resources (RNR) research except that the difficulties are compounded by the long-term nature of research, the long lag between initial research and impact; limitations on promotion activities; more complex adoption issues and (perhaps) greater exposure to the vagaries of the wider policy and economic environment given the long lags involved. Evaluations of forestry research are relatively few in number and the majority of these have examined research directed at the forest products industry. The need for the study was identified by the FRP Programme Manager. While it is unlikely that ,new, information about methodologies to evaluate forestry research will be discovered, it is desirable that past and present approaches are reviewed and summarised in a form accessible to the non-specialist. From this basis, the study will seek to develop practical recommendations to improve monitoring and evaluation activitie within FRP. Methodologies for improved monitoring and evaluation of uptake and impact of Forest Research Programme (FRP) research developed and implemented. The target audience for the report is primarily FRP; incorporation of conclusions and recommendations in FRP management systems is anticipated to impact positively on the effectiveness of future research. Adoption by target country institutions of the on-going evaluation approach will require further support. The purpose of this study is to develop methodologies to improve monitoring and evaluation of uptake and economic impact of FRP-commissioned research. The study has three main components: a review of literature and institutional experiences; a case study to assess the economic impact of tropical pine improvement and utilisation research; a case study evaluation of policy-oriented forestry research. A large number of publications, ranging from general literature on research evaluation to specific evaluations of forestry research, has been reviewed and summarised. Discussions have been held with a number of institutions involved in forestry and other relevant research (eg: CGIAR, ACIAR, ISNAR, CSIRO,BP, Shell).

A wide range of literature reviewed relating to forestry evaluation. A range of institutions contacted in order to identify evaluation approaches in use. A review of OFI research on the improvement and utilisation of tropical pines carried out and missions to assess uptake and impact conducted in three countries. Visits to Malawi to develop methodology for on-going evaluation of NFM research implemented and results obtained. Finalisation of findings under way.

Needs for research to support forestry law and regulations

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed Identify the needs of developing countries for research to support improved forestry laws and associated regulations. The project completed all anticipated outputs, resulting in a body of information and case studies which can form the basis for significant progress in the collaborative development of forest legislation and institutions which foster sustainable forest management through involvement of communities, rural residents, and forest dwellers. Present a survey and analysis of the obstacles facing developing countries in improving forest legislation and regulations and develop a set of recommendations to overcome them which outlines:
* the involvement of stakeholders in the consultation process leading to the new laws and regulations.
* the role of donor agencies. The project generated six written outputs, two workshops and an intensive series of interviews. It discerned a long list of specific recommendations for improvement of forest legislation and the legislative development process in the study countries. In addition, several common issues of concern were discerned, particularly with regard to the need for better establishment of legal obligations and mechanisms regarding collaborative legislative development and other components of forest management, and more systematic and rigorous efforts to encourage and respond to public concerns and participation.

Molecular markers in tropical forestry

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed Biodiversity measurement requires information on taxon delimitation, number, distribution and relationships. Crucial to long-term taxon management is an understanding of genetics and demography, enabling effective management strategies to be designed. To identify the types of information necessary for the effective dissemination and utilisation of molecular information.

To identify the user groups of such information.

To assess the potential value of a manual on the application of molecular marker technologies in tropical trees. A clear indication of a user community has been identified, and an outline of a potential marker manual has been prepared. Such a manual will aid in information dissemination. The potential end-user community is composed of researchers; few forest managers/decision makers appear to have an idea of the potential of such marker systems. The manual should:

* be paper-based and cheap
* self-contained, exploring methodology, interpretation and analysis of data and trouble-shooting
* contain basic, tried and tested techniques
* detailed discussions of advantages and disadvantages with appropriate references
* include worked examples of interpretation and analysis
* include detailed case studies linked to real development situations
* be written for the non-specialist, under the assumption of no previous knowledge
* be heavily illustrated and referenced.

Such a manual could be approached in a number of different ways. The major source of interest is in genetic diversity studies. A manual should have two major user groups; researchers and decision makers/managers. In the case of researchers it is necessary to highlight how studies are undertaken with particular marker systems, and provide detailed methods for data generation, interpretation and analysis. Decision makers/managers do not need to have detailed knowledge of methodology, but they do need to know how to interpret molecular data, and to have a realistic expectation of the outcome from these data sources. An understanding of the role of molecular data within the context of other data sources, for example, demography, reproductive biology and taxon distribution, is crucial.

Within any manual there are two problems: (i) initial training and (ii) updating the manual. Training can be approached through the release of the manual in a form that would give instructors a source of material, especially since the majority of organisations have well-qualified staff associated with their molecular programmes. In order to update a manual, particularly in the application and evolution of different techniques (eg: RAPDs), it would be useful to have either a website or list-servicer for such updates. A manual should provide information that will enable users to (i) ask the correct questions (ii) determine the genome to analyse (iii) identify the suitable techniques available (iv) determine which part of the genome to use.

DFID Research Challenges Wisdom that Forests Conserve Water

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Projects designed to improve water conditions in developing countries may be wasting money because they are pursuing solutions not supported by scientific evidence...