Community Forest Economy and Land Use Patterns: PRA Methods in South Gujarat: Field Methods Manual: Vols I and II

This book introduces forest management from a macro perspective illustrating the increasing levels of participation in forestry. The most important aspect of these two volumes is the clear description of the steps which need to be taken to prepare for community forestry research. Issues higlighted include the use of secondary sources of data and the importance of the research team's approach. Details of the process of a rapid appraisal for community forest management are given. A wide spread of information sources need to be tapped for effective community forestry research (and possibly by implication for all development research). These include both community values and perceptions of the forest and levels of forest product use. All levels of forest staff must participate for effective interventions and truly participatory research. Ways of analysing, using and communicating this knowledge are discussed.