Arnold, J.E. Michael. 1997. "Social Dimensions of Forestry's Contribution to Sustainable Development." (Working Paper)

Abstract

"This paper primarily deals with forestry's contributions to the livelihood systems of huge numbers of people in poorer countries - and of poorer people in richer countries (Smith & Quaile 1997). For these people, forests and forest products perform a much more direct and basic function, as a source of food, other material and cultural inputs, income, and household security. The paper focuses on information that enables us to define the importance of forests and forest outputs, and on identifying people who depend most on forest products. It also explores the changes in the relationship between people and forests, and who benefits and loses from such changes.

"Secondly, the authors focus on the institutional context and the implications for policies, and for the design and implementation of both macro and local institutions and regulations. Issues include equity, participation and conflict management, and the roles played by the state and non-governmental institutions. The paper also underlines the importance of having the right information available to improve our understanding of what is happening, and why it is happening."