Factors influencing the inititation and effectiveness of community forest management: a discussion of hypotheses and experiences in Orissa

This report is an output from a research project on self-initiated forest management in Orissa, India, that was managed by the natural Resources Institute (UK). The research study was aimed at examining factors influencing the effectiveness of community forest management (CFM). A survey was undertaken in 43 forest-dependent communities which had initiated forest protection. The main survey methods used were semi-structured interviews, combined with transect walks and various participatory mapping and diagramming techniques. The CFM was examined in the context of peopleÆs livelihood systems as a whole, since these may affect the size of any benefits they get from protection, and also their main reasons for deciding to protect. At the start of the project 25 hypotheses were identified on the subject of the robustness of communities involved in forest management, based on statements made in important references. This report analyses the study findings in relation to these hypotheses. The hypotheses are framed in relation to the ôchances of successö, which was measured in two ways: firstly, the CFM groups that have experienced not experienced breakdowns in their protection system have been compared with those that have; and secondly, comparison was made between the characteristics of protection cases and those of non-protection cases. The report describes the study methodology in detail and groupings are made of the CFM groups. The report is concluded with a discussion of the findings regarding effective rights to forests and their products and implications for policy and practice.