Evaluation : forest incomes for environmental sustainability midterm performance evaluation

Qualitative evaluation methodologies, involving ninety-four key informant interviews, twenty focus group discussions, and eight field observations, were used to supplement documentary data. The evaluation’s principal conclusions are: (1) FIFES has become more of an agricultural extension activity than the community forestry activity originally intended; (2) community forests should be used to finance forest management and protection and improve the welfare of their populations by sustainably producing and selling commercial forest products and services; (3) community forests can effectively protect biodiversity by protecting key habitats for endangered species and ecosystems, implementing best forestry practices and supplying market demand for forest products; (4) the involvement of women and youth in decision-making processes and financial management is necessary for community forests to become successful and sustainable. The principal recommendation is to refocus FIFES on creating model community forests that are linked to Liberia’s overall forestry sector, thereby helping it to improve.