Effects of External Organizations on the Community’s Practice of Social Forestry

Abstract

People do not live without connections. By the same token communities that practice social forestry also have ties with other organizations and institutions. Some of these organizations have a direct bearing with the social forestry program. Others may, on the surface, seem not to have any connection with forestry, but these affect the practice of social forestry. These organizations and institutions can be grouped into categories, depending on whether they are based outside the community or within. Organizations can also be classified according to their function. If the latter, an organization can be commodity-based, or deliver services, provide funding or support research. Community-based institutions likewise have their own functions. Depending on their interaction with the community, external organizations can have detrimental effects on a social forestry program, or on the community itself. However, these negative effects can be minimized if some measures are taken. External organizations can also have positive consequences, which communities need to practice social forestry effectively.