The effectiveness of decentralisation reforms in the Philippines's forestry sector

Issue Date

11-2008

Abstract

Decentralisation reforms and political conditions in the Philippines present an ideal environment for forest management by recognising the land entitlements of upland and indigenous communities and promoting the involvement of local government units. By assessing whether current conditions - policies, institutions, and programmes - are conducive to effective decentralisation, this study examines the present state of decentralisation in the forestry sector of the Philippines. By analysing case studies conducted in Nueva Vizcaya Province, it also attempts to answer a broader question: when is decentralisation a success and when is it a failure? A number of uncertainties are revealed, along with various issues that hamper decentralisation, and that are interrelated and reinforce one another in much the same way as they have done over the past decade. The study highlights the need for caution when increasing the involvement of government at different levels, as it affects the pace of decentralisation reforms. It also shows that a mix of site-specific interventions and community endeavours that focus on securing local livelihoods has led to some success. This is a strategy that helps decentralisation reforms. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source or Periodical Title

Geoforum

ISSN

167185

Volume

39

Issue

6

Page

2122-2131

Document Type

Article

College

College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR)

Language

English

Subject

Community-based forest management, Decentralised forest management, Local government units, Local livelihoods, People's organisations, The Philippines

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2008.07.003

Digital Copy

YES

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