Considering the Practical Rationality of Experimental Operation in Developing Countries: Reality and Challenges under a Rigid Community Forestry System in Cambodia

Takayuki Kurashima,Makoto Sano,Toshiya Matsuura,Sophal Chann,Asako Miyamoto

doi:10.3390/f6093087

Takayuki Kurashima, Makoto Sano + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/f6093087

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Abstract

Influential stakeholders have highlighted many constraints inherent in conventional scientific forest management plans for community forestry (CF) and presented simpler alternatives. Nevertheless, some developing countries continue to use rigid, complex and high-cost plans and regulations. This article considers two issues: (1) why heavily-regulated or rigid CF systems were originally introduced and why they continue to be used in developing countries despite critiques and counterproposals; and (2) under what circumstances will such CF systems face an impasse, and what can be done to resolve the situation. Using Cambodia as a case study, we examine the development of a rigid CF system, review negative factors influencing the upland forested area, clarify the unfavorable situations arising from these factors and discuss likely problems associated with the CF management system. International organizations played a key role in the introduction and maintenance of rigid, complex and high-cost CF systems in Cambodia. Conflicts and crises arise when the administration prosecutes local farmers for illegal cultivation or deprives communities of CF management rights because of the expansion of commercial crop cultivation and the lack of adequate community management in response to unprecedented changes. A likely practical solution to the probable impasse is the development and funding of a functional network of CF management committees, rather than the adoption of an entirely new, alternative system.

Highlights

In 2004, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued a working paper regarding participatory forestry in developing countries [1]
This study focused on the community forestry (CF) system in Cambodia
Field observations and interviews were conducted mainly during 2013–2014. These involved a survey of 18 CF sites and their surroundings within the district by car, motorbike and on foot, as well as interviews conducted with stakeholders, such as village leaders, leaders and members of CF management committees, the staff of local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local forestry and other administration officials

Summary

Introduction

In 2004, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued a working paper regarding participatory forestry in developing countries [1]. The other is under what actual circumstances such CF systems will face an impasse and what can be done to address the situation To answer these questions, the process of developing such CF systems, some current negative factors influencing the surrounding forested area, and two unfavorable situations arising from the negative factors were investigated using a region of Cambodia as a case study. Few studies have noted the implicit factors that make the application of bureaucracy to a CF system possible in developing countries, as well as the specific process itself, an exceptional policy brief has hinted at the structural aspects embedded within international assistance aid, such as the “aid dilemma” [14] This article considers these factors, including the support framework for the introduction and enforcement of a rigid CF system, by focusing on the process. We consider the CF system in other countries where that system is at a more developmental stage than in Cambodia, as well as information from the Cambodian National Forest Program, to evaluate the evolution and future of the Cambodian CF system

Research Site and Methods

Regulatory Components and Content

Introductory Process and Formative Background

Findings

Discussion

Conclusions