An assessment of the potential of community forestry in Samoa: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science in International Rural Development

Abstract

Community forestry has been identified as having the potential to provide income for rural communities and help redress the impending supply crises facing the timber industry in Samoa. In 2004, the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Meteorology prepared a proposal for a community forestry programme with a goal to "Increase widespread commitment to sustainable woodlot farming to increase community income and develop a sustainable forestry industry." (MAFFM, 2004, p. 7) The potential for community forestry to achieve these aims is explored, beginning with a review of literature relating to the nature of forest resources, community forestry and the timber industry in Samoa. In light of an apparent lack of commitment by villages and farmers to community forestry activities, the review, and subsequent case studies in two villages in Savai'i, sought to identify constraints to the adoption of community forestry activities. During this process it was established that the two distinct types of community forestry involved in timber production in Samoa, plantations on communal land, and farmer woodlots, are differentially constrained. The ability of the proposed Community Forestry Program to achieve its aims is dependent, to a large extent, on the recognition of the differences between these two types of community forestry. The Forestry Division has identified the timber industry companies and groups as having an important role to play in the success of future community forestry programmes. This potential role is examined, in terms of both plantations on communal land, and farmer woodlots. Before this Community Forestry Program proceeds, a detailed assessment of the costs, benefits and risks associated with both long and short rotation species should be undertaken, given the frequency of major cyclones. It is also concluded that the programme encourage private enterprise and the exploration of joint venture agreements for the maintenance and harvesting of the existing plantation forests. Further to this, the project should include a focus on the establishment of farmer woodlots, as opposed to plantations on communal land, and the utilisation of existing traditional communication structures as an important part of the promotion of these woodlots. However, acknowledgement should be made of the limitations of the traditional communication process, particularly as it relates to differential access to information within villages. Acknowledgement should also be made of the level of expertise that exists within Samoa, and to this end the programme should draw upon this expertise, rather than relying predominantly on external "experts". To make the most of the expertise that exists within the Forestry Division, a much more open process of communication and a more consultative management style should be promoted.