The importance and influence of policy and partnerships in community forestry in developing countries

Community management of forest and forest resources in developing countries has been a rising trend since the 1970s. This shift arose due to instability in communities, on social and economic scales, as well as high deforestation rates. Governments have the option to devolve rights and title to communities to empower them to access and manage the forest resources, giving communities a chance at better livelihoods. Partnerships with external actors also provide influential assistance to communities through building communities capacity and providing funding and infrastructure. Using case studies from North and Central America, South Asia and Africa, this essay examines the potential of policy and partnerships within the realm of community forestry. Impacts of policy and partnership are assessed, followed by a discussion on current successes and setbacks. The author makes suggestion for emerging community forests in developing countries and a look at the future of community forestry.Forestry, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat