Supporting small forest enterprises: A cross-sectoral review of best practice

Small and medium forest enterprises (SMFEs) are the norm in many developing country contexts. They often make up 80–90% of enterprise numbers and more than 50% of forest-related jobs. While there is little evidence that large-scale commercial forestry plays a substantial role in reducing poverty, SMFEs offer better prospects – especially when they work together in associations. SMFE associations offset scale disadvantages and cut costs, allow surpluses to be used in strategic upgrading, and strengthen bargaining power. They also help to reduce poverty in that they: accrue wealth locally,..