Community forestry and population issues: Four case studies.

Project INT/94/P40, executed by the FAO Forestry Department (Community Forestry Group) aims to develop planning and management tools that facilitate the integration of demographic variables in participatory planning exercises geared to community forestry. A key aspect is to enhance the contribution of demographic analysis in the preparation of forestry programmes, through analyses of the the relationship between population dynamics and natural resources in forestry dependent communities. Some selected lessons drawn from the four case studies: (1) A complex relationship exists between population dynamics and community forestry: Increased population does not necessarily mean increased deforestation. (2) Historical trends and events have to be considered in order to understand the relationship between population and community forestry. (3) External factors come into play when analysing population and community forests such as; markets, management issues, economic factors, level of development and policy intervention. (4) Institutions and tenure arrangements at the local level (both formal and informal) need to be equally and legally recognized. (5) The concept of 'optimum population' and 'carrying capacity' exist at the local level, outsiders can learn and use this in their research and training. (6) Social, cultural and population issues are not adequately addressed in forestry curricula and training. (7) Demographers and other social scientists lack an understanding of the interaction between population dynamics and natural resources. '