Sri Lankan Community Forestry Project (SLCFP) Independent Completion Review (ICR) Management Response for ICR Recommendations The ICR Team recommended that the FD consider: Increasing the role of communities in the management of enrichment and buffer zone plantings whenever they can be planted with species useful to communities. Management Response: This issue was discussed at the highest level with Forest Department (FD) officials. The FD is keen on finding ways to increase community involvement in enrichment and buffer zone areas. Since the ownership of forest reserves and buffer zones lie with the Department and cannot be alienated to farmers, alternate models for continued community engagement should be developed. In response to this the FD has already introduced specific fruit and food trees in enrichment and buffer zones that are useful to communities. Black pepper has been the most successful economic crop for buffer zones. For example, there is a good market for pepper and animal damage is also less. FD will work with farmers to promote other suitable crops for different geographic areas e.g. cashew for sandy soil etc. Modifying the planting density of teak woodlots to allow much longer intercropping of annual crops, and including a mix of fruit and nut tree species that generate more regular income. Management Response: FD has already agreed and acted on this. A special team was appointed to study this requirement and were requested to develop new feasible models. Recommendations provided by the team have been accepted by FD and will be implemented in future community forestry activities. The alternative models proposed by the team include considerations on the financial gains and cost-effectiveness of such models. Rubber is one of the alternative crop proposed FWLs) by FD. (for Farmers’ Wood Lots – Interspersed with the rubber plantation, farmers could practice inter-cropping for five years. Rubber tapping also could be commenced from the sixth year onwards which will provide additional financial benefits to farmers. Carrying out the analysis of the financial efficiency from the of farmers’ perspective alternative models of the FWLs to maximise their benefits, thus reducing threats to forests in the area. Management Response: This requirement was included in the same study as mentioned above. CBOs that have been established under SLCFP have functioned as the link or entry point to the program sites for other agencies entrusted with rural and agricultural development. Strengthening such links is needed to have a scaling up effect and sustain community development outcomes. CBOs should be supported to network with other CBOs locally, and across sites to share the experience and stimulate their work.
Sri Lankan Community Forestry Project (SLCFP) Independent Completion Review (ICR) Management Response for ICR Recommendations The ICR Team recommended that the FD consider: Increasing the role of communities in the management of enrichment and buffer zone plantings whenever they can be planted with species useful to communities. Management Response: This issue was discussed at the highest level with Forest Department (FD) officials. The FD is keen on finding ways to increase community involvement in enrichment and buffer zone areas. Since the ownership of forest reserves and buffer zones lie with the Department and cannot be alienated to farmers, alternate models for continued community engagement should be developed. In response to this the FD has already introduced specific fruit and food trees in enrichment and buffer zones that are useful to communities. Black pepper has been the most successful economic crop for buffer zones. For example, there is a good market for pepper and animal damage is also less. FD will work with farmers to promote other suitable crops for different geographic areas e.g. cashew for sandy soil etc. Modifying the planting density of teak woodlots to allow much longer intercropping of annual crops, and including a mix of fruit and nut tree species that generate more regular income. Management Response: FD has already agreed and acted on this. A special team was appointed to study this requirement and were requested to develop new feasible models. Recommendations provided by the team have been accepted by FD and will be implemented in future community forestry activities. The alternative models proposed by the team include considerations on the financial gains and cost-effectiveness of such models. Rubber is one of the alternative crop proposed (for Farmers’ Wood Lots – FWLs) by FD. Interspersed with the rubber plantation, farmers could practice inter-cropping for five years. Rubber tapping also could be commenced from the sixth year onwards which will provide additional financial benefits to farmers. Carrying out the analysis of the financial efficiency from the farmers’ perspective of alternative models of the FWLs to maximise their benefits, thus reducing threats to forests in the area. Management Response: This requirement was included in the same study as mentioned above. CBOs that have been established under SLCFP have functioned as the link or entry point to the program sites for other agencies entrusted with rural and agricultural development. Strengthening such links is needed to have a scaling up effect and sustain community development outcomes. CBOs should be supported to network with other CBOs locally, and across sites to share the experience and stimulate their work.