Advancing equity in community forestry: Recognition of the poor matters

R. K. Sunam, J. F. McCarthy

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    31 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The community forestry program in Nepal has been advancing as a successful means of improving the condition of forests. However, as in other areas around the world, Nepal's community forestry initiative continues to face unresolved equity issues. This paper seeks to explore underlying causes of inequity using contemporary theories of justice. Examining two community forest user groups in the middle hill districts, the study finds that lack of recognition in interpersonal and public spheres exacerbated the powerlessness of marginalized people, reducing their participation in decision-making. The paper argues that, while distributional rules advanced by the program are crucial, the problem of recognition remains an unaddressed but necessary pre-condition for achieving equity. This suggests that policy and practice in community forestry needs to focus on broader political questions, including representation in decision making, making space for the voice of members to influence decisions, and transforming socio-economic and political institutions and cultural practices.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)370-382
    Number of pages13
    JournalInternational Forestry Review
    Volume12
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010

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