Exploring the Forest - Poverty Link: Key Concepts, Issues and Research Implications

Abstract

"This paper provides a global review of the link from forests to poverty alleviation. Definitions are clarified and the key concepts and indicators related to livelihoods and poverty reduction and prevention are explored - distinguishing between the analysis (using broader welfare elements) and the measurement of poverty (using more tangible, traditional indicators). Reviewing the macro-level literature on the relationship between economic growth, inequality and poverty, we find that economic growth usually does trickle down to the poor and that poverty reduction without growth is in practice very difficult to achieve."