Considering the Practical Rationality of Experimental Operation in Developing Countries: Reality and Challenges under a Rigid Community Forestry System in Cambodia

Forests

Takayuki Kurashima¹  Toshiya Matsuura²  Asako Miyamoto²  Makoto Sano²  Sophal Chann⁴  Eric J. Jokela³ 

[1] Division of Southeast Asian Studies, Graduate School of Asian and African Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;Department of Forest Management, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1, Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaragi 305-8687, Japan; E-Mails:;id="af1-forests-06-03087">1Division of Southeast Asian Studies, Graduate School of Asian and African Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Jap;Institute of Forest and Wildlife Research and Development, Forestry Administration, Street 1019, Phum Rongchak, Sankat Phnom Penh Thmei, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh 12101, Cambodia; E-Mail:

关键词: community forestry;    scientific forest management;    upland use;    commercial crop expansion;    organizational network;    Cambodia;   

DOI  :  10.3390/f6093087

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Influential stakeholders have highlighted many constraints inherent in conventional scientific forest management plans for community forestry (CF) and presented simpler alternatives. Nevertheless, some developing countries continue to use rigid, complex and high-cost plans and regulations. This article considers two issues: (1) why heavily-regulated or rigid CF systems were originally introduced and why they continue to be used in developing countries despite critiques and counterproposals; and (2) under what circumstances will such CF systems face an impasse, and what can be done to resolve the situation. Using Cambodia as a case study, we examine the development of a rigid CF system, review negative factors influencing the upland forested area, clarify the unfavorable situations arising from these factors and discuss likely problems associated with the CF management system. International organizations played a key role in the introduction and maintenance of rigid, complex and high-cost CF systems in Cambodia. Conflicts and crises arise when the administration prosecutes local farmers for illegal cultivation or deprives communities of CF management rights because of the expansion of commercial crop cultivation and the lack of adequate community management in response to unprecedented changes. A likely practical solution to the probable impasse is the development and funding of a functional network of CF management committees, rather than the adoption of an entirely new, alternative system.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.