The Past and Future of Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines

Abstract

Community-based forest management (CBFM) schemes are often cited as
ideal for rehabilitating denuded forestlands and alleviating upland poverty
in developing countries. This article examines the Philippine CBFM in the
context of the forestry industry: It tracks the outcome of communitybased reforestation and undertakes a simple input-output analysis. It presents three propositions for the future success of CBFM in the Philippines. First, it must secure farmers’ access to financial returns from tree plantations. Second, industrial policy must link the demand for timber from other industries to the forestry industry. Third, CBFM needs to be integrated with livelihood opportunities for the poor.

Keywords: deforestation • forest rehabilitation • poverty alleviation •
Leontief multiplier • sustainable livelihoods