Dilemmas in participatory forest management in North west Pakistan

Deforestation in the North-western (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Province of Pakistan has drawn attention towards shortfalls of traditional state controlled systems of forest management. Accordingly a comprehensive institutional reform process in the forestry sector of province was introduced in mid 1990s with support from various donor agencies. This book – based on author’s Ph.D. research – attempts to underline the livelihoods perspective of participatory or joint forest management initiatives in Northwest Pakistan. The main aim is to understand the linkages between rural livelihoods, the role forests play in the livelihoods and impact of (changing) forest governance on these livelihoods. Based on the analysis, issues or factors are identified that are hindering the effectiveness of participatory forest management in the province.