The Reforestation Value Chain for the Philippines

The Reforestation Value Chain for the Philippines

background

This paper describes the reasons for the failure of reforestation projects in the Philippines and the potential actions to improve success. When reforestation is focused narrowly on tree plantings, they can last for a few years (mostly 3) but then are easily cut by farmers who want to resume farming, by people in need of wood, or by people feeling that the reforestation was unjust. Most reforestation projects do not have plans beyond tree establishment.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors suggest an approach that considers the value chain of all activities associated with the reforestation. Value-added activities associated with reforestation include seed production, seedling production, tree planting and maintenance, harvesting, processing, and marketing. The authors encourage the inclusion of local people sin the production of seeds from indigenous species to enhance the abilities of the trees to grow, use more ecologically sustainable species, and allow the landowners to help improve an industry which is still in its infancy. Even though most of the land that is reforested is owned by the government, many people live and depend on that land. Granting land tenure to farmers who participate in government reforestation programs can help gain meaningful commitment, participation, and “buy-in” from local farmers. The authors suggest that reforestation will be much more successful if the different stages of the reforestation value chain be considered and linked to those who can benefit from it and support that step.

 

Reference: 

Lasco RD. The Reforestation Value Chain for the Philippines. In: Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services. Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services. Springer Netherlands; 2008:193–206. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-8261-0_9.

Affiliation: 

  • ICRAF, World Agroforestry Centre - Philippines