The emerging role of forestry as an important tool in poverty alleviation: a role for Norwegian development assistance?

The international forest policy dialogue has significantly changed the approaches related to forestry of many international organisations and donors. The World Bank has changed its forest policy, and the FAO has established a Facility to support the establishment of National Forest Programmes (NFPs) in member countries, and several bilateral donors are including forestry in their poverty alleviation efforts.

This report, commissioned by NORAD, recommends that forest programmes are integrated with PRSPs, and that bilateral support is given to the establishment and implementation of National Forest Programmes (NFPs). Forestry related activities should be seen as an element in a broader development effort. Support to institution building and capacity building would also enhance the effect of forestry in poverty alleviation. Support to the NFP facility hosted at FAO is also recommended.

Norwegian development policies are not effectively integrated with Norwegian participation in the international policy dialogue on forests. The report recommends that a more coherent policy should be sought. NORAD should take part in the ongoing international dialogue on forestry and poverty.

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