Forestry and the environment: The Philippines case study
This 1993 USAID evaluation considers the forestry component of the Rainfed Resources Development Project (RRDP) in the Philippines, which was implemented from 1983 to 1991. USAID granted $11million to RRDP for support of small-scale farmers in rain-fed and upland areas. Project goals were to: 1) assist in changing focus of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from regulation to community mobilization, 2) provide technical assistance for forest management plans, 3) boost NGO involvement in forestry. Low literacy, limited management and technological skills, and security issues hindered early development of RRDP. Successful implementation was later achieved by establishing effective collaboration between the DENR and local, national, and international NGOs.RRDP developed a replicable social forestry program and manuals, offered land management classes to over 15,000 people, and enhanced physical and economic conditions for households. Training centers are now models for social forestry. Since the termination of RRDP, NGOs have continued RRDP work. Some groups have continued efforts without NGO intervention.Key successes of RRDP included: Increased environmental awareness in uplands; Increased capacity of NGO's; Improved community forestry practices; Advanced land stewardship by local groups. The shift in focus toward community-based participation was the most enduring contribution of RRDP. Environmental and economic benefits are becoming apparent and expected to increase. Political support, technical support, training, and commitment were keys to project success. Ultimate success will depend on continuation by NGO's of RRDP programs. Problems facing current forestry programs (post-RRDP) include: Remaining neglect of upland areas; Overlapping regulatory jurisdictions; Unclear land titles; Poverty and illiteracy; Continued pressures on forests.
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Forestry and the environment: The Philippines case study
Author(s):
Phillip E. Church
Publication Date: 1993
Location: Philippines
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This 1993 USAID evaluation considers the forestry component of the Rainfed Resources Development Project (RRDP) in the Philippines, which was implemented from 1983 to 1991. USAID granted $11million to RRDP for support of small-scale farmers in rain-fed and upland areas. Project goals were to: 1) assist in changing focus of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from regulation to community mobilization, 2) provide technical assistance for forest management plans, 3) boost NGO involvement in forestry. Low literacy, limited management and technological skills, and security issues hindered early development of RRDP. Successful implementation was later achieved by establishing effective collaboration between the DENR and local, national, and international NGOs.RRDP developed a replicable social forestry program and manuals, offered land management classes to over 15,000 people, and enhanced physical and economic conditions for households. Training centers are now models for social forestry. Since the termination of RRDP, NGOs have continued RRDP work. Some groups have continued efforts without NGO intervention.Key successes of RRDP included: Increased environmental awareness in uplands; Increased capacity of NGO's; Improved community forestry practices; Advanced land stewardship by local groups. The shift in focus toward community-based participation was the most enduring contribution of RRDP. Environmental and economic benefits are becoming apparent and expected to increase. Political support, technical support, training, and commitment were keys to project success. Ultimate success will depend on continuation by NGO's of RRDP programs. Problems facing current forestry programs (post-RRDP) include: Remaining neglect of upland areas; Overlapping regulatory jurisdictions; Unclear land titles; Poverty and illiteracy; Continued pressures on forests.
