FORESTRY ACTIVITIES AND DEFORESTATION PROBLEMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The study, a contractor"s final report, is attached to an evaluation (PD-AAK-001-A1) of the project under which it was produced and is based on site visits, a review of pertinent literature, and interviews with donor agency personnel. The report assesses major donor forestry activities and their constraints, LDC forestry information gaps, ecological and geographic areas needing the greatest assistance, and solutions to deforestation problems. Current data is provided on 631 completed, ongoing, and proposed forestry-related projects that are grouped by geographic region and activity (i.e., industrial, conservation, education, research, reforestation/afforestation, integrated development, and administrative assistance). The constraints, ecological impact, and organization of forestry activities in 17 LDC"s are also described in detail. A 199-item bibliography in Spanish, English, and French is included (XD-AAK-002-1). Included in the study"s conclusions are that: deforestation is mainly caused by shifting agriculture and the lack of fuelwood; foresty projects suffer excessive implementation delays; some donor projects, including A.I.D."s, contribute to deforestation; and action, instead of research, is needed. Although donor forestry activities have increased, these efforts are still insufficient to offset the projected 75% deficit of wood biomass demand over supply in LDC"s by the year 2000. The study also notes that most donor projects are industrial, e.g., saw-mill construction, which do not address the deforestation problem. In addition to recommendations to alleviate the constraints noted above, it is recommended, inter alia, that: immediate food and fuelwood needs be met while avoiding long-term fuelwood depletion; stress be placed on agroforestry and community forest projects, on environmental values, and on redressing forestry personnel shortages; donors increase collaboration among themselves and with host countries; and that forestry projects be integrated into agricultural development plans.