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TRANSCRIPT
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UNION' OF MY AN' "M" "A' vR' P'?',p
MINISTRY OF FORESTRY FOREST DEPARTMENT
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UNION OF MYANMAR
M1N1STRY OF FORESTRY FOREST DEPARTMENT
"Teak-Based Multi-Storied Agroforestry System: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Forest Management"
IITO Project PO 3/98 Rev.1 (F) .
jointly undertaken by
Forest Department, Myanmar and International Tropical Timber Organization CIrrO)
National Workshop on A~roforestry
.26 December 2002
Taw-Win Hall, Forest Department Yangon, Myanmar
CONTENT
No. Description
1. Introduction
2. Opening Session
3. Resource Papers Presented at the Workshop
4. Discussions and Commendations on Resource Papers
5. Workshop Recommendations
6 Photos taken from the Workshop
7. Workshop Agenda
8. List of Participant
9. Opening Speech by Deputy Minister, Ministry of Forestry
10. Opening Remarks by Dr. Hwan Ok Ma, Projects Manager, mo
11. Resource Paper 1: "A Brief on mo Project - PD 3/98 Rev.l (F) and Agroforestry System"
12. Resource Paper 2: "Establishment of Agroforestry Plantations and Participation of Local Communities"
13. Resource Paper 3: "The Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry Activity in Myanmar"
14. Resource Paper 4: "Review on Community Forestry and Agroforestry studied in Vietnam"
Page
1
1
2
3
5
6-7
Annex 1
Annex 2
Annex 3
Annex 4
Annex 5
Annex 6
Annex 7
Annex 8
"Teak-Based Multi-Storied Agroforestry System: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Forest Management'
ITTO Project PD 3/98 Rev.1 (F)
jointly undertaken by
Forest Department, Myanmar and International Tropical Timber Organization (InO)
National Workshop on Agroforestry
1. Introduction
The ITTO Project, PD 3/98 Rev.1 (F), which is entitled "Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry
System: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Forest Management', implemented
jointly by Forest Department (FD), Myanmar and International Tropical Timber Organization
(ITTO) had convened a national workshop on the 26th of December 2002 at Taw-Win Hall of
the Forest Department. The project's workshop, of which the theme was to review and
exchange of knowledge regarding agroforestry systems was chaired by U Soe Win Hlaing,
Deputy Director-General of Forest Department ( Annex 1).
A total of 32 persons of which 23 officials from the Ministry of Forestry and 9 farmers who were
involved in the agroforestry activities of the project had participated in the workshop (Annex 2).
2. Opening Session
The Deputy Minister H. E. Col. Thaik Tun attended and deliver~d an address for the official
opening of the workshop. In his address, population explosion, technology explosion and
globalization are highlighted as major challenges facing the entire world at the 21 st century.
Environmental deterioration with its associated adverse effects includes loss of forests and
trees. The Bago Yoma of Myanmar, which is the natural habitat of teak has been facing the
loss of teak forests. In rehabilitating the Bago Yoma teak forests, cooperation of local people
apart from the effort of Forest Department has been seen as an increasingly important
element. In this respect, it should be emphasized to give priority on improving the socio
economic condition of the local communities who are participating in the forest rehabilitation
management. Finally, the Deputy Minister urged the participants, observers and resource
persons to fully utilize the outcomes of the workshop in view of reforesting the entire Bago
Yoma Region with teak forests. The workshop participants were also encouraged to make
~~~~--.-.-----.--.-- ._- --- _ .. _---_._--_._- ....
2
valuable discussions with greater interest. Full address delivered by the Deputy Minister is given
in Annex 3.
The second speaker was Dr. Hwan-Ok Ma, Projects Manager of the Committee on Forest - '-"':
Industry, who attended the workshop as ITTO representative. He firstly expressed thanks to
the personnel of the Ministry of Forestry for organizing such a national-level workshop on
agroforestry as an activity of the ITTO project, PD 3/98. He mentioned that forestry is very
important sector for the Union of Myanmar because the forest coverage exceeds half of the
country's total land area. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Forestry have been
emphasizing on the achievement of sustainable forest management (SFM). The present
workshop itself was a corner stone signifying the implementation of SFM. Agroforestry, in
effect, has sourced from Myanmar's term "taungycl' which is now renown worldwide. He
continued that keen interest and cooperation of local farmers are of the key to the long-term
success of forest plantations, using "taungya method". In line with this, he stressed that local
people's regular income and way of life have to be uplifted. He disclosed that the outcomes and
the deliberations made at this workshop could lead to this end. Dr. Hwan-Ok Ma concluded his
remarks by expressing best wishes to all attendants and responsible personnel for the new year
to come. ( See Annex 4 )
3. Resource Papers Presented at the Workshop
There were 4 resource papers presented and disused at the workshop, and they are:
(1) A Brief on ITTO Project - PD 3/98 Rev.l (F) and Agroforestry System by U Than Aye,
Assistant Director, Watershed, Management Division of FD, and U Chit Hlaing, Project
Coordinator, PD 3/98 Rev.l (F), FD. ( Annex 5 )
(2) Establishment of Agroforestry Plantations and Participation of Local Communities by U
Myint Sein, National Project Manager, PD 3/98 Rev.l (F), FD. ( Annex 6 )
(3) The Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry Activity· in Myanmar by U
Memh Ko Ko Gyi and U Sein Thet, National Consultants, PD 3/98 Rev.l (F). (Annex 7)
(4) Review on Community Forestry and Agroforestry studied in Vietnam, by U Aung Thant
Zin and U Aung Mya, staff officers, FD. ( Annex 8 )
3
4. Discussions and Commendations on Resource Papers
Paper No. 1: A Brief on IITO Project ( PD 3/98 ) and Agroforestry System
U Tin Swe Latt, participant from Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation
Association (FREDA), a forest-related non-governmental organization of Myanmar, made an
intervention that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) should duly be given high priority with
regards to the implementation of the project's activities.
U Shwe Kyaw, Director-General of the Forest Department discussed that forest plantation
established by the project should .. take species composition to be planted, introduction of
understorey plants and the nursing and regeneration of naturally incoming valuable tree
species into the forest plantation into account for the stability of ecosystem and the immediate
environment.
Paper No. 2: Establishment of Agroforestry Plantations and Participation of Local
Communities·
U Kyi Maung, Director of the Planning and Statistics Division, FD suggested that long-term
income generation activities should be carried out on the continuous basis in the year beyond
the project's implementation period. He emphasized that such continuation was vital for the
sustainable development of the plantations established by the project.
Dr. Mya Thwin, who is the General Manager of Myanma Agricultural Services, the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation discussed that spacing is an important criteria for increased crop
productivity. He warned that crop productivity of perennial crops could be lessened if planting
area is not sufficient enough for their proper growth. Together along with the perennial fruit
trees, he added that seasonal crops should also be planted for immediate returns. In view of
further promoting gross domestic products (GDP), it was suggested to Tang-oil trees like other
perennial crops.
U Kyi Maung again supplemented that technical assistance from Myanma Agricultural Services
(MAS) should be sought for in the mixed planting of perennial and seasonal crops. He
emphasized that long-term maintenance of plantations is equally essential.
Dr. San Win, Assistant Director from Forest Research Institute noted that the yield from
taungya crops planted in the project site were rather low, calling for further improvement for
increased productivity. He also discussed that soil conservation and upkeep of soil structure
and fertility status should effectively be carried out and net cultivable area for each taungya
cutters (farmers) who are participating in the project should also be reviewed and surveyed.
4
Dr. Mya Thwin from MAS supported Dr. San Win's point of discussion that the yields form the
agricultural crops of the project were considerably low and it was therefore necessary to exert
more efforts to improve the productivity of the crops. He also discussed that the project's
progress should be presented year by year. He further added that participation of farmers was
of prime importance for long-term success, round table discussions and open dialogues apart
from provision of trainings were also recommended.
The farmers, who were working in the project plantation and participating in the workshop
made some important points that water resources should be conserved and developed, spacing
of forest trees planted in the agroforestry plantation should be given due consideration, and
nitrogen should be more supplemented because of its low content in the soils of the project
site.
Paper No. 3: The Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry
Activity in Myanmar
The farmers from the project site advised that they should better have the free choice of crops
to be planted in the project's agroforestry plantation and also stressed that they preferred to
use their own farming practices.
The attendant from MAS discussed that level of technology to be applied in farming practices
should, by adapting local conditions and farmers' existing knowledge, be further improved and
incentives should be provided to motivate the farmers and plantation workers in participating
agroforestry. He also highlighted the significant role of research and development for long-term
success.
Paper No. 4: Review on Community Forestry and Agroforestry studied in
Vietnam
U Tin Swe La tt, a participant form FREDA asked that with regards to agroforestryj community
forestry, whether Vietnam had any guidelines and instructions which was similar to Myanmar's
Community Forestry Instructions, 1995. If Vietnam has any instructiol1s, he advised that the
resource paper should better express.
U Sein Thet, national consultant of the project insisted that it was advisable to prefer the
degraded forest lands in selecting sites for establishing forest plantations.
5
U Kyaw Htun, Associate Professor of the Forest Department discussed that provision of support
were important tools in implementing community forestry. He also stressed that extension
services through effective public communication means should widely applied.
U Khin Hlaing from Forestry Extension Division of FD intervened that all the extension services
could not be rendered by the FD's head office alone. He added that local forestry staff should
also undertake extension services for their respective townships on localities.
5. Workshop Recommendations
(1) To place more emphasis on monitoring and evaluation on the project activities and its
progress.
(2) To pay more attention on species composition in establishing forest plantations and
ag roforestry.
(3) To introduce understorey in plantations.
(4) To provide tending operations for naturally regenerated trees in agroforestry
plantations.
(5) To cultivate seasonal crops together with planting of fruit trees in agroforestry
plantations.
(6) To continue the promotion of income generating activities even when the project is
terminated in view of achieving sustainable development. It is especially
recommended that social and economic development activities are to be continued in
the project area of Pyu Township.
(7) To provide more incentives in establishing community forests.
(8) To further widely promote the educational and extension services through various
channels of media and to conduct more trainings about agroforestry.
(9) To conduct more extensively the research and development activities with regards to
agroforestry.
(10) To wisely apply experience, lessons and outcomes of the project in implementing
similar projects.
(11) To review and re-analyze the strengths and limitations of the Community Forestry
Instructions,issued by FD in 1995.
--------------- --
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s taken from the workshop
ANNEX ( 1)
WORKSHOP AGENDA
ANNEX (1)
"Teak-based Multistoried Agroforestry System:
An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Development of Forests"
National Workshop on Agroforestry (26 December 2002)
Workshop Agenda
Taw Win Convention Hall
Forest Department
Opening session
08:30
09:00
09:05
09: 15
09:25
COFFEE BRAKE
Technical Session
10:00-10:45
10:45-11:30
11:30-12:15
LUNCH
13:30-14:15
14: 15-15:00
15:00
Registration
Opening session
Inaugural speech by Deputy Minister Lt. Col. Thaik Htun, Ministry of
Forestry
Opening statement by Dr. Hwan Ok Ma, Projects Manager, ITTO
Closing of the Ceremony
Chairperson: U Soe Win Hlaing (Deputy Director General)
Forest Department
A Brief on ITTO Project - PD 3/98 Rev.l (F) and Ag roforestry
System
(U Chit Hlaing and U Than Aye)
Discussion
Establishment of Agroforestry Plantation and Participation of Local
Communities
(U Myint Sein)
Discussion
The Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry
Activities in Myanmar
(U Mehm Ko Ko Gyi and U Sein Thet)
Discussion
Review on Community Forestry and Agroforestry studied in Vietnam
(U Aung Mya and U Aung Thant Zin)
Discussion
Workshop Recommendations
Closing Remarks
ANNEX (2)
LIST OF PARTICIPANT
ANNEX (2)
FOREST DEPARTMENT
"Teak-Based Multistoried Agroforestry System: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Forest Managemenf'
mo Project PD 3/98 Rev.l (F)
NATIONAL WORKSHOP ( 26 December 2002 )
List of Participant
1. U Tin Swe Latt, Member, Forest Resource and Environment Conservation and Development Association
2. Dr. Mya Thwin, General Manager, Myanma Agricultural Service
3. U Tin Latt, Director, Natural Forest and Plantation Division, Forest Department
4. U Maung Maung Tun, Assistant Director, Natural Forest and Plantation Division, Forest Department
5. U Tin Htwe, Assistant Director, Natural Forest and Plantation Division, Forest Department
6. U Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, Assistant Director, Administration Division, Forest Department
7. U Soe Win, Staff Officer, Administration Division, Forest Department
8. U Bo Ni, Assistant Director, Planning and Statistics Division, Forest Department
9. U Tin Tun, Staff Officer, Planning and Statistics Division, Forest Department
10. U Khin Hlaing, Assistant Director, Extension Division, Forest Department
11. U Saw Win, Assistant Director, Training and Research Division, Forest Department
12. U Min Thein Myint, Assistant Director, Protection and Inspection Division, Forest Department
13. U Kyaw Zaw Thwin, Assistant Director, Watershed Management Division, Forest Department
14. Dr. San Win, Assistant Director, Forest Research Institute, Forest Department
15. U Win Maung, Deputy Director, Dry Zone Greening Department
16. U Min Aung Min, Assistant Director, Dry Zone Greening Department
17. Daw Zin Mar Htun, Assistant Director, Planning and Statistics Department
18. Daw Thit Thit Mar, Staff Officer, Planning and Statistics Department
19. U Tin Maung Aye, Assistant Director, Toungoo District, Forest Department
20. U Soe Thant Kyi, Range Officer, Pyu Township, Forest Department
21. U Myint LWin, Deputy Range Officer, Pyu Township, Forest Department
22. U Han Soe, Forester, Pyu Township, Forest Department
23. U Than Aung Forester, Pyu Township, Forest Department
24. U San Myint Htun, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
25. U Sein Hlaing, Farmer, ITTO Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
26. U Mya 00, Farmer, ITTO Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
27. U Nyunt Win, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
28. U Tin Shwe, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
29. U Maung Than, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
30. U Golper, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
31. U Hla Win, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
32. U Hla Shwe, Farmer, mo Project PD 3/98, Pyu Township
ANNEX (3 )
OPENING SPEECH
BY
DEPUTY MINISTER
MINISTRY OF FORESTRY
ANNEX (3)
Opening Speech delivered by H.E. Col. Thaik Htun, Deputy Minister, Ministry of
Forestry at the National Workshop on Agroforestry organized jointly by Forest
Department and IITO Project PO 3/98 Rev. 1 (F) - ;"".,:
Distinguished Guests,
Resource Persons, Participants, and
Ladies and Gentlemen
Taw Win Hall, Forest Department, Yangon Dated 26 December, 2003
Firstly, it is my pleasure to welcome forestry professionals, farmers from the project site,
Dr. Hwan-Ok Ma representing mo and all the participants to this significant workshop.
We understand that it is very important time to conserve and rehabilitate trees and forests, and
plantation forestry has, as such, extensively been practiced. Agroforestry system is one of main
arms of the plantation forestry, it therefore calls for the convening of this workshop. I wish to
urge the participants and resource persons to discuss agroforestry matters very thoroughly at
this workshop.
Reforestation and planting trees are indeed very important because the 21st century has 3
challenges which are facing us. The first challenges is "Population Explosion", which can be
seen to be associated with such issues as larger space for increased population, increased need
for housing and settlement and increased numbers of agricultural farms for food production.
The needs of the future generations for food, clothing and shelter would also be mounting up.
The root cause of these issues originates from "Population Explosion" which is a challenge of
the 21st century. The second challenge facing us today is "Technical Explosion", which is
developing rapidly. Advanced technologies have been applied to satisfy the basic needs of the
growing population. However, the use of advanced technologies for increased food production
sometimes brings up undesirable consequences. For instance, it would be increased in
productivity of the prawn farming by using Intensive Plus technology. But, the prawn farming
area after using such technology would be useless for agriculture farming and would be difficult
to grow even for forest trees. That is the affect of technical explosion.
The third challenge is commonly understood as "Globalization". From forestry and
environmental points of view, depletion of Ozone layer and global warming are the processes
which would have impact at the global scale. Every country all over the world has to collectively
protect the Ozone layer depletion and global warming. Environmental deterioration occurring in
one location of the world could lead to unintended environmental impacts in other parts of the
world due to inter connects of the globalization process. I wish to stress that concerted effort,
2
involving all of us is crucial for protecting and preventing against these undesirable
environmental impacts which could be imposed by globalization.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I now turn to the workshop. I wish to reiterate that this workshop is organized at the
national level and I am confident that all the participants would place high values on this
nationally significant workshop. In time with this, I want to emphasize that the success of this
workshop would be an important instrument to the benefits of the Ministry of Forestry and to
the benefits of the country as well. You all know that teak is native to Sago Yoma, which is
characterized with climate, soil and the environment favoured by teak. Kyathaung Wa
(fJambusa po/ymorpha ) grows quite well, and teak and Kyathaung Wa are the very closed
nature associates. In the past, we had formed teak plantations in the Sago Yoma, and those
plantations were found to be less successful. The major reason of being less successful is that
local communities have to fulfil their basic needs first, rather than taking care of and protecting
the teak plantations established in and around their locales. Local villagers were not reluctant
to take planted teaks for using as house posts, and excessive cutting of planted teaks by local
villagers was then attributable to deterioration of teak plantations in the Sago Yoma. This past
experience indicated that local communities should have alternative farming systems together
with income generation activities without adversely affecting teak plantations within the context
of partnership approach. The agroforestry project in Pyu Township is following this approach. I
am confident that with the gaining of positive results from the Pyu Agroforesry Project, the
present area of 500 to 1000 acres under agroforestry plantation would drastically expand until
it covers the entire Sago Yoma. Whilst the Sago Yoma is the best habitat of teak, deforestation
is found to be the most. Good accessibility and easy harvesting and transportation
opportunities encourage quick disappearance of teak forests in the Bago Yoma. Replanting is
also easy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In such situation, participation of local communication is found to be the key for long-term
success. The 6 imperatives identified in the Myanmar Forest Policy of the Ministry of Forestry
includes "People Participation" as an imperative. With the raising of People Awareness, People
Participation could be intensified. These two should be incorporated for the sake of sustainable
development. In order to achieve these two, agroforestry workshops are also to be held at
places where the farmers are residing. Planting of mangos, pine apples, cashew nuts and other
good-income fruit trees are to be integrated in the agroforestry practice. This integration may
lead to elimination of cutting planted teak trees. It is expected utilization of teak trees before
due time could be much reduced when local villagers have enough income for their subsistence
3
living. From then onwards, surplus income should be derived from livestock breeding activity in
addition to planting of forest trees and fruit trees. Concerned with livestock breeding activities,
foresters have to consider those which are forest-based. For example, Sambur farming is a
relevant activity for foresters: F'(fty samburs from a farm could have produced about 4 Kg of
juvenile horn, earning substantial in-come of more than 10 million Kyats. Local villagers can
catch wild deer from forests for their own farming. The Ministry of Forestry will assist those
villagers in producing juvenile horns and in marketing also. Or, the juvenile horns produced
could be sold to the Ministry of Forestry. Other wildlife species such as barking deer could also
be farmed. Present stock could be provided by us. Local villagers can undertake deer farming
business jointly with the Ministry of Forestry. We must find out ways and means of increasing
the villagers' income with low input. The market ensured and highly income medicinal plants
should be planted in teak plantations. By this way, farmers' income would be increased and
they will not cut teak trees. They will protect teak plantations by themselves because of their
expectation on high income from medicinal plants. For example, 1 viss of Bombayaza medicinal
plant ( Rauwolfia serpentina ) gives 400 kyats (Myarmar currency). From the thousands acre of
teak plantation, ten-thousand viss of Bombayaza could be harvested. Therefore, it is also a way
for income generation. Furthermore, the persons attended from agricultural sector would give
suggestions at the workshop how to grow agricultural crops and the participants from livestock
breeding sector would advise and present their vies on improving livestock breeding activities
which are considered appropriate to the farmers. With particular concerns for long-term
development, foresters will have to undertake field visits to villages in view of maintaining
continued support to the farmers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
and Participants,
I wish to take this opportunity to brief on what management system is meant by. In a
management system, "Contact", "Control" and "Command" are the key. Contact means to have
continuous touch with the local communities so as to ensure the exchange of information
between related parties all over the time. Control means to put forward dos/ don'ts to the
villagers so as to keep the activities on the right track. Command means to encourage the local
people to make certain action so as to ensure the benefits for them. If these three "Cs" are
implemented, local peoples' good participation would be achieved. With good participation, our
teak plantations would also be successful on the long-term basis. In the absence of the three
"Cs", good participation of local people may remain elusive.
Another important point to be taken into account is that income should not end at the stage of
sufficiency for basic needs. Income must be increased to a level, at which social costs such as
4
cost for donation, cost for supporting relatives could be born by surplus money. Generating the
income to such level should be taken into account with deeper enthusiasm than ever before,
and it is of my view, presented to you for due consideration. If reviewed, Need, Drive and
-Ir;c'entives are also important: the real needs of local communities are to be analyzed; assure
that their needs will become realized, we will support you and you should, in turn, not do these
and those things; and finally let the local people to have more income and this increased
income will be a good Incentive. Upon accomplishing the "Need", "Drive" and "Incentive", I am
confident that local communities' behaviour and action would be on the right track. Once the
above trend is achieved, then I dare claim that fully-stocked condition of the whole of the Sago
Yoma with successful teak plantation is well within our reach. You may be able to recall that
there had been an agricultural slogan. The slogan is "Flushing the Sago Yoma with gold, (Le.
with rubber trees). Sut Sago Yoma is not the habitat of rubber trees. Only our teak is native to
the Sago Yoma. And, it is well understood that teak is more valuable than rubber tree. Teak
grows happily in the Sago Yoma. For all of us, both environment and economic dimensions are
to be accounted for in endeavouring to green and restore the Sago Yoma and its entire
environment. While restocking the Sago Yoma with teak forests, I wish to urge you all that
social and economic conditions of rural populace must be brought up through effective
participatory approach implemented jOintly with local communities.
Thank you all.
ANNEX (4)
OPENING REMARKS
BY
Dr. Hwan-Ok Ma Projects Manager
International Tropical Timber Organization (lTTO)
ANNEX (4)
Opening Remarks given by Dr. Hwan Ok Ma, Projects Manager, IITO at the Opening
Ceremony of the National Workshop on Teak-based Multistoried Agroforestry
System jointly organized by IITO Project PD 3/98 Rev.1 (F) and Forest Department,
Yangon,.-Myanmar
Tawwin Hall, Forest Department 26 December 2002, Yangon
U Thaik Htun, Deputy Minster of the Ministry of Forestry
U Shwe Kyaw, Director-General of Forest Department,
Respect~d Directors of the Ministry of Forestry,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to attend the at the Opening ceremony of the National
Workshop on Tea-based Multistoried Agroforestry which is being organized by the Forest
Department under the mo Project.
First of all, I would like to welcome all of distinguished guests and all the participants of this
workshop. On behalf of International Tropical Timber Organization, I would like to extend
ITTO's best wishes for the success of this workshop in the end of the year 2002.
I also wish to express my sincere thanks to the Forest Department for organizing this
Agroforestry workshop with the participation of key stakeholders, including nine farmers from
the project sites and for inviting me to this workshop.
Excellency, Dear participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I believe that Myanmar's tropical forests have always been an essential part in the patterns of
life for its people and continue to be of fundamental environmental, social and economic
importance in national development. I noted that the Union of Myanmar has placed a high
priority on achieving sustainable forest management and that the Government's efforts toward
sustainable forest management were well recognized in a ITTO's review on the progress of
achieving the ITTO year 2000 Objective which was conducted in 2000. According this review, I
am pleased to mention that Myanmar was regarded as one of the advanced countries in
implementing sustainable forest management in 28 producer countries in the Asia-Pacific, Latin
American and African regions.
I believe that today workshop will be another milestone for Myanmar to undertake its efforts
toward sustainable forest management based on an integrated approach since this workshop
2
will address the issues, success stories and constraints facing the practice of teak-based
Multistoried Agroforestry System.
Agroforestry social forestry or community forestry one all people-centered participatory ......... ,:
approach through forest management decentralization and devolution. Taungya method, which
has now been widely recognized as Myanmar term for agroforestry. As we all know, this
Taungya method, which is the integrated planting of trees and crops, was initiated in Bago
Yoma teak-bearing forests of Myanmar since the 1850s. Since then, this method has, been
applied consistently in establishing teak plantations. Notwithstanding the fact that time-to time
modifications are being made in view of improving agroforestry, the basic nature of. the
integrated use of trees, plants and agricultural crops could not have been changed.
Therefore, it is very interesting to note that agroforestry systems, which are being impiemented
many tropical countries through their own or international projects, was exclusively derived
from Myanmar's Taungya system.
When we are making concerted efforts to achieve sustainable forest management, we are
placing greater emphasis on the role of local communities who are mostly rural landless poor.
The underlying reason is that these rural people are the day-to-day managers and forest users,
and they are virtually curbing the shape of forest health and conditions. In this context, mo has prioritized the well-beings of forest workers and forest dwellers as one of the criteria
identified in its Policy Guidelines for SFM. Accordingly, mo has provided Myanmar with its
financial and technical support to implement this project for further promotion of agroforestry
system in Myanmar.
Dear participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please allow me, once again, to appreciate the work of the Forest Department in organizing
this workshop. It is very interesting to note that nine farmers who are involved in the
agroforestry works of the project are participating in this workshop. Likewise, two participants
are from Agriculture Sector. Moreover 5 project field staffs are among the participants. I notice
that the rest of the participants are from Yangon Headquarters and they will be resources
persons who will share their professional experiences in agroforestry to the success of the
workshop. I am strongly confident that with the presence of these all stakeholders, further
advancement of agroforestry systems will be made in Myanmar.
I hope that more close cooperation between ITIO and Myanmar will be established through
the successful implementation of this national workshop.
3
Excellency, Dear participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, may I reiterate mo's commitment to support the Ministry of Forestry in
meeting the high expectations for the smooth and successful implementation of the mo-o -..'--1:
sponsored projects in Myanmar to support the sustainable development of Myanmar forest
resources.
I wish the workshop very much success with deliberations of the participants and resource
persons with diverse backgrounds in agrofoestry. We are now in a time of New Year eve. I also
wish you all good wishes for the year 2003 and a Happy New Year.
I thank you very much for kind attention.
ANNEX ( 5)
Resol-frce Paper 1
"A Brief on ITTO Project - PO 3/98 Rev.1 (F) and Agroforestry
System 11
by
U Than Aye, Assistant Director, Forest Department
U Chit Hlaing, Project Coordinator, ITTO Project PD 3/ 98 Rev.l (F)
ANNEX (5)
A Brief on ITTO Project - PO 3/98 Rev.1 (F) and Agroforestry System
U Than Aye, Assistant Director, Forest Department and
Professor U Chit Hlaing, Project Coordinator, PD 3/98 Rev l(F) ",".,
1. Summary
1.1 Origin
Bago Yoma has traditionally been the home of teak, where natural teak grows very well.
Natural teak forests in India and Thailand were being degraded due to a number of reasons.
Likewise, some of teak forests of Bago Yoma in Myanmar have inevitably been facing with the
adverse impacts of population growth, encroachment and excessive cutting of trees and
fuelwood.
The Project Area, Myayabinkyaw Reserve was famous for its natural teak forests. However,
many parts of its east side are now being affected by encroachment for agriculture due to
accessibility from near-by urban area along opposite of main-road (Yangon to Mandalay). It can
be seen from Yangon-Mandalay main road and if these wouldn't timely be managed to restore,
the degradation would further go into inside the Yoma. Consequently, it is noted that
Myayarbinkyaw reserve should be better reestablished with agroforestry plantations as a buffer
zone.
So, the Project (PD 3/98), "Teak-based multistoried Agroforestry System; An
integrated Approach towards Sustainable development of Forests" was proposed in
1997 and it is now being implemented in Myayarbinkyaw reserve in Phyu Township. It is aimed
to carry out Teak-based Multistoried Agroforestry whereas the natural teak bearing stands
area. Besides, the agricultural crops are included in this area because it would not be
sustainable without emphasizing social and economic interests of local people. We would like to
know the condition of association of teak, pyinkado, padauk, rubber, Thiho thayet in future. So
there is a research program in this project and it is a lot of hope to know. From this view of the
background objectives, it is also presented how to demonstrate, discuss and organize the local
people whether it is practicable and worth doing. However, teak plantations can be established
for Forest Department at least. It means that Forest Department can get teak plantation in its
natural habitat.
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
Title
Providing Agency
Project Site
Executing Agency
Starting Date
Duration
Project Funding
Total Plantation Area
2
Teak-based Multistoried Agroforestry System: An Integrated
Approach TOV{cj(ds Sustainable Forest Management
ITTO - International Tropical Timber Organization
Myayarbinkyaw Reserve Forest, Compartment (49, 50, 51,
52), Phyu Township, Toungoo District, Bago Division.
Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry
1 April 2001
24 months (up to 31 March 2003)
Myanmar Government Contribution
mo Contribution
670 acres (270 hectares)
- Kyat 18,09,600
- US$ 229,315
2001-2002 Plantation Area = 545 acres (220 hectares)
2002-2003 Plantation Ares = 125 acres (50 hectares)
Members of farmer 78 persons
Cultivated area by farmers 670 acres (271.15 hectares)
Agricultural and cash crops - Pineapple, Cashew-nut, Mango, Paddy, Beans, Kapok, Rubber
Permitted species All tree species apart from teak
1.2 Development Objectives
To restore productivity and ecological balance of the degraded natural forests of Bago Yoma to
achieve progress towards sustainable forest !llanagement of forming mixed and multistoried
plantations of teak and other species of high economic potential based on partnership between
Forest Department, related agencies, public sector and local communities.
1.3 Specific Objectives
(1) To establish teak based multistoried plantations integrated with other industrial
timber species and agroforestry to enhance site value and generate early
economic returns.
(2) To identify research and development (R&D) activities to monitor and evaluate
economic potentials and environmental effects of teak-based plantations with
different species associations and different spacing.
3
1.4 Supervision
Project activities are implemented under the leadership and guideline of Director
General, Forest Department as a chairperson of Project Steering Committee.
2. Community forests and Agroforestry System
2.1 Forest Resources
Due to the topographical and geographical conditions, Myanmar is a country that has plenty of
forest resources. From the time of Myanmar Kings, Myanmar forest management system have
been practiced systematically to conserve the forests for getting -better from time to time and
up to now on the sustainable basis. Teak, hardwoods, bamboo and canes are being extracted
regularly although the natural forests are faced with degradation and deforestation like other
countries- due to the effects of various social and economic reasons.
2.2 Importance of Forests
Myanmar teak is famous and recognized for its best and extraordinary qualities although the
growing of teak is distributed to some South-East Asian countries. Bago Yoma is the legendary
home of natural teak stands. So it is needed to take account of the environmental stability,
timber supply and well-being of local people in addition to other forest services. The
development of Agricultural sector also much related with the existence and development of
forest trees.
2.3 Forest Situation
It is found that most of the natural forests have been deteriorated and undermined because of
the encroachment into forests for agriculture, infrastructure development and settlement as the
population expands other landuses, uncontrollable illegal cutting and increasing of shifting
cultivation. The forest cover was 65.8 percent of total land area in 1925 and decreased to 52.7
percent in 1975. According to the satellite images in 1989-1990, the forest cover was assessed
to be of 50.8 percent of total area. The annual forest cover had decreased at a rate of 220,000
hectares (543,000 acres) or 0.64 percent of the actual forest area during the period of 14 years
from 1975 to 1989.
2.4 Forest Conservation and Reforestation
Forest management had started systematically in Myanmar since 1856 and the first Forest Act
was enacted in 1902. The forest reservations were begun from 1870. Based on the need of
forest cover for future, Forest Policy has identified that reserved forests and protected public
4
forests are to be formed up to 30 percent of the total area of the country. There are 13 major
operations including the girdling of teak by Myanmar Selection System and establishment of
forest plantations for the environmental conservation and rehabilitation. Forest Department
applied agroforestry system was introduced in systematic way as project in Shan State
(Southern) started after the year of 1980. From the late of 1995, activities on community
forestry are included by participation of rural people.
2.5 Establishment of Forest Plantations
In Myanmar forestry, it has started to emphasize on natural regeneration and plantations since
1980 to restore the degraded forests. Up to 2001, 0.7 million hectares of plantations were
implemented, of which constituting 55 percent of commercial plantations, 7 percent of
industrial plantations, 28 percent 'of village firewood plantations and 10 percent of watershed
piantations. The Teak Special Plantation Programme was laid down to plant the 100,000 acres
totally for the whole .country as though annual of 20000 acres for each 5 year plan that started
from 1998 -1999 to 2038-2039. During 40 years it will be 8 phases of 5-year plans.
It is found that total plantations in the last decade are 81.2 million hectares in developing
countries. There are 33.8 million hectares in China, 14.6 million hectares in India, 6.1 million
hectares in Indonesia, 0.5 million hectares in Thailand, 0.2 million hectares in Philippine and
280 thousand hectares in Myanmar.
2.6 Plantation by taungya system
Dr. Brandis organized the Kayin taungya cultivators to introduce taungya system in the teak
plantation from the early C?f 1856. From this time, Agroforestry system based on taungya was
gradually developed year after year. The importance of taungya cultivators was accepted as it
was realized that plantations were more successfully by using taungya system.
2.7 Community Forestry
The population in Myanmar is estimated about 51 millions in 2001-2002 and 80 millions in
2030-2031. 70 percent of the population are living in villages and counting on the natural
forests around their surroundings for their basic needs including forest products. The
sustainability of natural forests is dependent on the participation of local people because these
people living close to the forests rely on the surroundings.
There are mainly four activities for community forestry and it can be identified as follows.
(1) people participation in management of local supply reserved forest and
protected public forests.
5
(2) people participation in movement of tree planting
(3) people participation in establishing the Agroforestry.
(4) people participation in managing the state owned forests.
For the purposes of implementing the sustainability of forests{ of satisfying the basic needs of
local communities{ of active participation by the local population and to increase public
awareness which is defined in the Forest Policy (1995){ Community Forestry Instructions are
issued by the Forest Department in December 1995.
Community Forest means: Forestry operation in which the local community itself is involved;
such as:
• Establishment of woodlots where there is in sufficient fuelwood and other '
products for community use. .
• Planting of trees and exploiting of forest products to obtain food supplies{
consumer products and income at farmers' level.
Since 1995{ Community Forestry has been much more encouraged to achieve the basic needs
of local communities{ reduction of shifting cultivation and local social and economic
development.
Community Forests can be established in the following areas:
(a) With the permission of the government{ on reserved forest, unclassed forest{
protected forest and land at the disposal of the State
(b) Village owned fuelwood plantation established with the permission of ~irector
General of the Forest Department
(c) With the permission of the owner (s) on private owned land or land owned by
government organizations or non-government organizations
• The duration of land lease for the establishment of Community Forest is
initially set for 30 years.
• After a period of 30 years, with the permission of Director General of
forest Department{ determine whether or not to extend the lease
depending on the performance and the desire of the users' group.
• The Forest Department has to provide the forest users' group with the
assistance of seeds and seedlings{ technical assistance and expertise
necessary for the establishment of Community Forestry free of charge.
6
• No tax shall be levied on the users' group or members of the users'
group concerning the forest products. The forest products can be sold to
non-members of the group at reasonable prices. Taxation shall be
exempted from the sale of these products.
• For marketing of the forest product to areas outside the village, tax shall
be levied by the Forest Department at specified rates.
By means of experience or traditional custom, local people have good knowledge about
the correct crops in their locals, availability of water supply, weather conditions, site
selection and growing methods. Therefore, it can be more potential for forest
development if local people are to manage and conserve the forests in their locals by
themselves.
According to the records, Community Forests have been established about 1,497
hectares up to the end of 2001 and members of users' group are almost 17,500.
Moreover, over 3,642 hectares of community forest are being established in Taunggyi
District of Shan State.
3. Sharing responsibilities of Forest Management
In some Asia - Pacific countries, community forest processes are developed and carried out in
different ways or approaches based on principles of forest management through people
participation like community and social forestry approaches.
The past legal status is no longer relevant to the present situation and it is learnt that about 3-
9 million ha of tropical forest was degraded (destroyed) between the year 1951 and 1990.
Development of community forestry approach can be learnt as follows.
In China, the transfer of forest resource ownership was introduced nationwide in the late
1980. In 1994, the government initiated the Comprehensive Development of Mountain Areas
(CDOMA) which has been carried out through pilot projects.
In Philippines, the government officially acknowledged the right to manage the natural
resources within their ancestral lands for high land dwellers. The lake sebu Ancestral Domain
Community Association (LSADCA) was founded and formally recognized by the government. It
was a total land area of about 40,000 ha which had been managed by LSADCA.
In Lao, several decrees were issued between 1994 and 1996 and these decrees support the
devolution of the responsibility for planning and implementation of rural development and
management of both agricultural and forest lands.
7
In Vietnam, the law on Protection and Development of Forests (1991), in combination with
the land law (1993), reaffirms the legality of long term allocation of lands and forests to
house~olds and individuals for agricultural purposes and forest production. In 1998, 7.7 million
ha of forest land have been allocated to various users.
In Thailand, the villagers were provided with Forest Village Development (FVD) funds and it
was introduced in 1979. The Land Use Certificates were provided to households occupying
degraded forests areas before 1982. Under FVD program, land area of about 55000 ha was
allotted to the villagers.
In India, the Joint Forest Management -JFM was issued and land area of 10.25 million ha was
managed under JFM in the early of 2000.
In Nepal, Forest User Group were formed over 9700 groups and 0.65 million ha of forest cover
was under management and conservation at the end of 2000.
In Myanmar, according to the records up to 2002, forest area of about 13,360 ha. was
allotted to establish community forestry for Forest User's Group with 17,058 members/ users.
As the process of launching the community forest practices was promulgated legally in
international society or other countries, Community Forestry Instruction (1995) was issued to
implement the program in Myanmar.
The establishment of Community Forest was being carried out throughout the country. But the
Forest Department alone cannot accomplish such a holistic program. Coordination and
cooperation among related institutions and organizations is necessary. It is a predominant
factor that Forest User's Group must have the administrative opportunities in the management
of their forests.
The self-reliance should be created and the developers should take opportunities according to
the User's Group and member's effort and interests so as to promote self reliance.
In present situation, people participation and coordination of private sector is necessary to be
further developed so as to ensure the sustainable forest management.
4. Highland Reclamation Programme
It is known that there are 123 million acres of total forest area in Myanmar, Closed forests and
unclosed forests are 85 million acres and 38 million acres respectively, have been degraded by
shifting cultivation. Unless the shifting cultivation is carried out in correct ways and with sound
technology, it will be affected to the environmental issues. Concerning the shifting cultivation,
8
the state has laid down the Highlands Reclamation Programme in order to alleviate the
deforestation, people migration and delay of social and economic development.
Following this program, collection of demographic data, survey and terrace fa!r.ning are to be
carried out. The program has been launched for the Highlands Reclamation and stabilization of
the shifting cultivation with the modern agricultural technology. The Highland Reclamation
Programme (HRP) was deliberately worked out, countering on terrace farming; contour bund
farming, strengthening of agro-forestry and fruit tree orchards with the use of machineries
where terrain permits. The key is that the development of their traditional farming system
depends upon the provision of assistance including both technologies, in-kind and other
incentives~ Their participation and partnership are given the highest possible priority, and their
local ecological knowledge is to be fully or realized.
To this end, experience of some other countries might be worth noted as good lessons. For
instance, shifting cultivators in Indonesia were forced to move to new frontier area under a
resettlement programme during ,1971 to 1981; establishing forest reserves and nature
conservation areas in Philippines, Thailand and Ghana have been used to evict the shifting
cultivators from these areas; in Uganda, a forest was reserved and some 3,500 people were
violently evicted and their possessions; in Bolivia, some forest were converted to state
controlled protected reserve, forcing forest dwellers to move outside. These governmental
interventions were found ended with no success, and considered as socially unacceptable
programme, which was denied by the shifting cultivators.
Ministry of Forestry, being one of the most responsible ministries in formulating and
implementing the HRP, has prepared a 5-year work plan, entitled "Elimination of Shifting
Cultivation System in Myanmar" (Forest Department, 2002), and the plan has' identified some
major tasks for stabilizing and eliminating the shifting cultivation. These major tasks include
demographic and socio-economic survey on shifting cultivation in highland regionsr
enhancement of agroforestry system, intensification of contour bund construction, integration
of fruit tree planting, establishment of forest-based demonstration farms and forest users
income generation groups, increased utilization of natural bio-composts, and awareness raising
and capacity building of both government staff and local dwellers concerned.
Agroforestry, community forest, contour bund farming and forest plantation are in relation with
each other and it is considered that these are important factors for long- run development of
human settlements in these areas.
9
5. Agroforestry in Project Area [PO 3/98 Rev. 1 (F)]
2001-2002 Plantation
Location
Area
Species
Spacing
Myayarbingyaw forest reserve, (Compartment No. 49, 50, 51), Phyu
Township, Toungoo District.
545 acres (220 hectares)
Teak( Tectona grandis), Pyinkado (Xy/ia kern), Padauk ( Pterocarpus
macrocarpua), Mazeli (Cassia siamea), Rubber, Cashew-nut, Kapok, Mango
2.5 meter X 2.5 meter
Experimental Design
Design Area
Complete Randomized Block Design 109 acres ( 44 hectares)
Split Plot Design (Random line) 218 acres (88 hectares)
Split Plot Design ( Individual Complete Random) 218 acres ( 88 hectares)
Species Quantity Percent
Forest/Fruit trees Forest trees 251,840 68 %
Fuelwood 32,920 9%
Rubber/Kapok 59,400 16 %
Fruit trees 26,440 7%
370,600 100 %
2002-2003 Plantation
Location Myayarbingyaw reserve, (Compartment No 52), Phyu Township, Toungoo
District.
Area
Species
Spacing
125 acres ( 50 hectares)
Teak( Tectona grandis) , Pyinkado (Xy/ia kern), Padauk ( Pterocarpus
macrocarpus), Mazeli (Cassia siamea), Rubber, Cashew-nut, Kapok,
Mango, Danyin.
2.5 meter X 2.5 meter
10
Experimental Design
Split Plot Design (Random line)
Species
Forest/Fruit trees Forest trees
Fuelwood
Ru bber /Ka pok
Fruit trees
Community Forestry in Agroforestry Plantation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
User's Group
Members
Date of organization of
Income Generation Group
Revolving Fund
Provision from Project
6. Training Programme
(1) Agroforestry Training Course
Quantity Percent
40610 48 %
12592 15 %
23285 27 %
8573 10%
85060 100 %
8 groups
78 persons (670 acres)
6 July, 2002
3 million kyats
Distribution of seeds, fruit trees like
pineapple and mangoes, fertilizers (free'of
charge), and agricultural tools
(2) Community Forestry Training Course
(3) Field Training of soil and water conservation
(4) Community Forestry and Nursery Practice Training
(5) Socio-economic development assistance Training Course (for local peopl~
near Bago Yoma)
11
6. Opportunities and Constraints
6.1 Opportunities
6.1.1 Community Forest
(1) It is a good model of people awareness raising and participation among Forest
Department, local authorities and taungya farmers.
(2) Farmers can obtain .profits from the products of short-term and long-term crops.
(3) It can promote people's reliance to an extent in some regions.
(4) Farmers can more realize that if they do the best they will get more profits
based on their work power and interests.
(5) The taungya farmers understand that the Forest Department is helping them
without negligence.
(6) Farmers can understand and accept the value of forest and goodwill of
department from News, Radio and Television.
(7) Farmers can get both in-kind and technical assistance from some projects.
6.1.2. Forest Department
(1) Forest Department has a clear view on the importance of community forests
which can be able to conserve the forests.
(2) Community Forests could be a means to arrest degradation and declination of
forests.
(3) Community forests can fulfil! the basic needs and income generation
opportunities for local people near forests.
(4) Community forests can improve the degree and momentum of participation of
local taungya farmers.
(5) Forest Department can use the Community forests as a tool to conserve and
maintain the environment and forests by local people.
(6) Concerning with the agroforestry, Forest Department staff can learn about soil
and water conservation through trainings and study tours .
. (7) Extension services on activities such as agroforestry, nursery techniques and
soil, water and environmental conservation are uplifted by the related training
courses.
6.2.
(1)
12
Constraints
It has still weakness to get good level of people participation in community
forestry.
(2) Departmental personnel's interests, understanding and skillfulness are still weak
in Community Forests.
(3) It is needed to further promote the extension and education works so that
Community Forests could be fully understood by public.
(4) It is often a conflict between local people and department personnel and it is.
necessary to negotiate with local people for site selection of plantation. (Farmers
simply believe that good soils are more productive. Sy Forest Department, it is
aimed to recover the depleted and degraded forest lands.)
(5) Local farmers cannot afford to have the initial investment for cash crops, fruit
trees and agricultural tools because they are poor. (It is not sure whether it can
be provided by the project during running period.)
(6) It is now waiting and watching the results whether partiCipating and
coordinating in Community Forests are profitable.
(7) It is necessary to provide the requirements for their basic needs at the moment
(before income sourced from fruit trees within short-term period is available)
because fruit trees may take long time for income generation.
(8) People participation is limited on some areas, such as Sago Yoma, Magwe
Division (west side of Ayarwady River) and upper Sagaing Division, because fire
woods and small.timber:s are still in good supply.
(9) Difficulty of getting suitable lands is an impediment to establish the Community
Forests. Forest lands for Community Forest are mostly deteriorated while the
requirement of farmlands by growing population is increaSing.
(10) In Community Forestry Instructions, it is prescribed to help the user groups for
seeds and seedlings with free of charge in first rotation. It should be considered
to distribute not only forest trees but also fruit trees (mango, liche, orange, etc.)
13
7. Discussion
(1) Agroforestry as Taungya has been introduced on small scale in teak plantation since
1856. For Taungya system, farmers cultivate only 2 to 3 years. At present, Agroforestry . ",,"':
is aimed to be practiced in one place without moving another place.
(2) We can see and notice thqt the farming of apple, orange, tea, banana, coconut, Duran,
Danyin, mango, guava and jack-fruit gardens are mixed with one or more species.
Some of these are home-gardens and some may be commercial and private-owned.
Some are conserved along the range of hillside as there are agroforestry plantations.
Some villagers protect natural forests and woodlots which are occurring along the
streams, springs and valleys. It is a traditional farming system and can be found in hilly
regions. In Shan State (south), some trees are protected and left standing within or
between their farmlands in order to use for fuelwood and shading. They are not
accustomed to planting the forest trees and fruit trees in rows or individually in
agricultural farmlands and gardens. They are not used to growing trees in their
farmlands or gardens which are suitable to interplant fruit trees.
(3) For Forest Department, the objectives of forest management include protection against
the deforestation. In fact, there is no room for any forestry agencies to manage the
forests if there is no forest. We have been taking account on the living standard and
basic needs of. rural people. Local supply working circle, fuelwood reserves and
exclusion blocks in reserves are constituted to provide the basic needs of rural people.
Furthermore, agroforestry and community forests are established, and at the same time
home-garden and woodlots are being encouraged for increased supply of fuelwood and
local use of timber.
(4) In encountering deforestation and environmental restoration, it is fully relied on the
participation of local communities. Formation of user's groups or participation of
individuals to protect the forest degradation is an important key. Therefore, it is
advisable to create a condition that will facilitate the participation of rural people.
(5) It is presented that the following issues are to be reconsidered to further enhance
interest of local people.
(a) To clearly identify the individual or private ownerships of user groups and
community groups. (It is now being exercised in Myayarbinkyaw Project
Agroforestry Plantation.)
(b) To plant the tree along the upper range and grow the fruit trees in the middle
range without mixing trees with fruit trees so as to get suitable land for growing
14
fruit trees and agricultural crops. (It means to plant block by block. However,
agroforestry with fruit trees like mango and pineapple is established in the mixture
of teak and pyinkado by rows in Myayarbin -gyaw plantation.)
(c) Farmers should be provided with safety-net measures for long-term benefit that
the conditions or terms of land lease and ownership of tree and crops are required
to describe more clearly. More emphasis on Forestry Extension should be done.
(Pyinkado and Padauk species are reserved trees and the ownership of these trees
are to be clarified.)
(d) It should be reconsidered that a limit of how many trees are to be included in the
agroforestry plantation. For example, if there is an instruction to plant 40 forest
trees in one acre; or if forest trees are planted as a normal plantation, there is no
chance for the farmers to grow fruit trees on the long-term. It may be practicable
in short-term. In other words, it may result in low investment in these forest
lands, and therefore low outputs only could be expected.
(e) In accordance with the 30-year National Forest Management Plan, Community
Forests are to be developed to promote the opportunities of income generation for
local people. Agricultural crops and fruit trees should be grown in forest lands with
the favourable conditions of weather, topography and soils so that farmers may
have more annual income. We should think about the establishment of Community
Forests through agroforestry approach if food crops and fruit trees are suitable
with the prevailing conditions of weather, topography and fertility of soil. If so, the
Community Forest will provide not only forest products but also surplus income or
direct economic benefits to the local communities, and it will lessen the
deterioration of forests. As a result, socio-economic development of rural people
could be enhanced. So this paper is discussed and prepared highlighting the
importance of assistance to and partnership with local communities by means of
.implementing agroforestry system in compatible with the locations of community
forests.
ANNEX (6 )
Resol-wce P ~per 2
IIEstablishment of Agroforestry Plantations and Participation of
Local Communities ll
by
U Myint Sein, National Project Manager
ITTOProject PD 3/ 98 Rev.l (F)
1. Introduction
Establishment of Agroforestry Plantation And
Participation of local Communities
ANNEX (6)
Myayabinkyaw in Sago Yoma was giant forest in the past. It is situated in the position in parallel
and access to Yangon-Mandalay Motar Road. This condition favour for many villages to situate
around it. On the other hand, the terrain is favourable for agricultural practices. These conditions
are inviting to use the land in Myayabinkyaw in big amount so as to leave the eastern part of
Myayabin as deforested area. Present deforestation could go deeper into the Sago Yoma in the
future. Therefore, Myayabinkyaw Reserve should be rehabilitate so that it stands as buffer zone
which is able to reduce the impact on good forest in Sago Yoma. Furthermore; good teak forest
could be seen again in MyayabinKyaw Reserve. That is the reason that "Teak-based Multi-storied
Agroforestry System: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Management of Forests'
project was formulated and implemented. This paper presented the implementation of
agroforestry plantation and rural people participation.
2. Objective
The objective of this paper/ work is to monitor how the performances of the project meet the
project's objectives and to strengthen the future works to be progressively successfUl based on
pros and cons of practicing activities.
3. Project Brief I Facts about the Project
3.1 Location
Compartment No. 49, 50, 51, 52 of Myayabinkyaw Forest Reserve, Pyu Township,
Toungoo District, Sago Division.
3.2 Implementing Agencies/ Agencies Concerned.
Implemented by Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry Myanmar with the consultation
and by the aid of ITTO.
3.3 Project Period
Two years (form 1st April 2001 to 31 st March 2003)
3.4 Budget
Myanmar Government's contribution -
mo's Contribution
3.5 Total Area Planted / Area of the Project
270 Hectares ( 670 Ac)
2
1809600 kyats
229315 US$
4. Present Conditionl Status of Teak- based Agroforestry Plantation.
4.1 Project's First Year (2001-2002)
4.1.1 Location - Compartment No. 49,50,51 of Myayabinkyaw Reserve
4.1.2 Area - 220 Heaters (545 Ac)
4.1.3 Species - Teak (Tectona grandis), Padauk (Xy/ia kern), Padauk (Pterocarpus
macrocarpus), Mezali (Cassia siamea), Rubber, Cashewnut, Mango, Kapok
4.1.4 Spacing - 2.5m x 2.5m ( 8' x 8')
4.1.5 Design - Complete Randomized Block Design - 44 Ha (109Ac)
Split Plot Design (Random line)- 88 ha (218 Ac)
Split Plot Design (Individual Complete Random )- 88 ha . (218 Ac)
Kapok were planted in 3 rows along the boundary of the whole area of this year plantation.
Furthermore, one row of kapok was planted between the different designed blocks as a linear.
The experimental design for the whole area of this year plantation is shown in Annex 1. The
diagrams of each design are shown in Annex 2.
4.1.6 Species planted and Survival percentage
Teak
Pyinkado
Padauk
Rubber
Mezali
Species
Mango & Cashewnut
Kapok
Total
No. of trees planted
186,000
32,920
32,920
34,360
32,920
26,440
25,040
370,600
Survival %
90%
90%
95%
75%
86%
90%
80%
'88% (Average)
3
4.1.7 Crop growing Condition
The activities for plantation establishment such as 'Ya' cutting, planting, weeding, etc. were done
by the labours, available from the villages near by. At the 'Ya' cutted area, only 3 farmers
planted 1 acre of paddy and 2 acres of pigeon bean. Although the paddy fields grew well, they
were destroyed by the wild pigs. 2 acres of pigeon bean were grown well and harvested 2.5
basket per acre.
4.1.8 Growth of planted trees
The growth condition of planted t~ees of teak- based agroforestry plantation (2001-2002) is
shown in Table (1). It is found that Padauk is the best one, and Rubber, Mezali and Mango/
Cashewnut are in second position. The third best growth species are Teak and Kapok.
4.1.9 Discussion on growth of species
Good drainage in plantation area let the site for not swamping and this condition is favourable to
Padauk. Due to many factors, soil structure of this plantation site becomes hard and therefore
moisture content of the soil becomes reducing. It becomes limitation for the growth of teak.
4.2 Projects Second Year (2002-2003) .
4.2.1 Location - Compartment No. 52, Myayabinkyaw Reserve
4.2.2 Area - 50 ha (125 Ac)
4.2.3 Species - Teak, Pyinkado, Padauk, Mezali, Rubber, Cashewnut, Mango, Kapok
4.2.4 Spacing - 2.5m x 2.5m (8' x 8' )
4.2.5 Experimental Design - Split Plot Design (Random line}(shown in Annex .3)
4.2.6 Species planted and Survival Percentage.
Species No. of trees planted Survival %
Teak 30,930 92%
Pyinkado 4,840 86%
Padauk 4,840 98%
Rubber 5,445 80%
Mezali 12,592 84%
Cashewnut 5,073 92%
Mango (Sein-ta-Ione) 400 94%
Mango (Ma-chit-su) 3,000 74%
Kapok 17,840 84%
Dog Fruit 100 88%
Total 85,060 86% (Average)
4
4.2.7 Corp growing condition
In this year plantation, only 3 Taung-ya farmers involved in land preparation CYa'cutting) for 10
acres in the beginning . Hence, some labors from the villages near by were organized for 'Ya'
cutting for the left area. After 'Ya' cutting, another 12 Taung-ya farmers further involved and
therefore total Taung-ya area became 55 acres. Sesame and Pigeon bean were interplanted as
Taung-ya crops.
4.2.8 Growth of Planted trees
The growth condition of planted trees of teak-based agroforestry plantation (2002-2003) is given
in Table (2). Rubber, Mezali, and Kapok were found as the best growth species in this year
plantation. As the second, Teak, Padauk, Cashewnut and Mango were found and the third best
growth species was Pyinkado.
4.2.9 Discussionj Evaluation on growth of species.
Rubber, Mezali and Kapok species became the best growth species in this year plantation
because they are durable. Rubber trees reached about 20" height when transplanting at the site.
Why Pyinkado trees grew slowly is that they are shade-bearers and they naturally grow slowly in
their early ages (3 yrsj 4yrs). Their good growth could be generally expected after 5 years.
S. Participation of Local Rural People
Local rural people involvement and their participation play a vital role in successful
implementation and sustainable development of teak-based agroforestry plantations in
Myayabinkyaw. In the project area, establishment of community forests (plantations) was
tried in line with the Community Forestry Instructions (1995). Starting from June 2002,
Project Manager, National Consultants, Assistant Director and Staff Officer paid intensive
visits to the project site and highly organized for the formation of user groups for the
management of community forests (plantations) to be proposed. The result came in as
follow.
6. Field Level Trainings
Training No.:
Name of the course:
Duration:
No of Participant:
1
Agroforestry
from 15-9-2002 to 16-9-2002
30
\ \ \
-'
Subject conducted:
Training No:
Name of the course:
Duration:
No of participants:
Subjects conducted:
Training No:
Name of the course:
Duration:
No of participants:
Subjects conducted:
Training No:
Name of the course:
Duration:
No of participants:
Subject conducted:
5
(1) Concept of Agroforestry
(2) Agroforestry practices in Myanmar
(3) Important of Forest Trees in Agrofrestry
2
Community Forestry
5-11-2002 to 6-11-2002
30
(1) Definition of Community Forestry and Some Salient
Points from Regulation No 1/95 , Forest Department.
(2) Procedures for Establishment of Community Forests.
(3) Writing-up of Management Plan for Community Forests.
(4) Instructioos how to write-up annual report for
Community Forests.
3
Soil Conservation (Theory & Practice)
27-7-2002 to 30-7-2002
39
(1) Role of Taung-ya farmers in implementing the aim of
Agroforestry Project.
(2) Basic concept of soil erosion and conservation needs. _
(3) Appropriate measures for soil conservation in
Agroforestry plantations
(4) Soil conservation practices (contour burn planting, Bio
weeding and Bio-compost making, Shan Dam Method,
Erosion Control by bamboo trench digging method).
4
Community Forestry and Nursery Establishment
1-9-2002 to 2-9-2002
49
(1) Community forests and social developments.
(2) Agroforestry practices
(3) Site selection for nursery establishment
Training No:
Name of the course:
Duration:
No of participants:
Subject conducted:
6
(4) Seed pretreatment, nursery preparation and
techniques.
(5) Grafting and nursing techniques for seeding
(6) Nursery establishment and Management.
planting
. (7) Planting techniques for Rubber, Cashewnut and Mango.
(8) Community forestry instructions and procedures.
5
Socio-economic development of local people by the support
of Bago Yoma forests.
12-9-2002 to 13-9-2002
36
(1) Comparison of present and 30 years back condition of
Myayabinkyaw Reserve
(2) Advantages of Teak-based agroforestry plantations.
7. Research, Extension and Incentives to be succeed Community Forest
Establishment
In the project area of Myayabinkyaw, Soil testings were done for teak-based agroforestry
plantations by the support of the Forest Research Institute. 16 sample plots were selected in the
project area and 6 soil samples were taken from each sample plots respectively. A sample of soil
profile (1 meter depth) was also taken. Altogether 99 soil samples were tested for physical and
chemical soil properties.
(a ) According to the test results, content of the Nitrogen and Phosphorous was low and
.... Potash was in the usual content range. From such research results, Taungya farmers
were informed to use the fertilizer "UREA" for Nitrogen fixation and "SUPERPHOSPHATE"
for Phosphorous fixation.
(b) The arrangement was planned for farmers to be able to discuss with professionals from
Department of Agriculture for how to select annual and perennial crops to grow at the
soil in Myayabinkyaw.
(c) Incentives were supported for farmers who settled in the field and practiced
agroforestry. The total amount of incentives in terms of cash was 104,000 kyats for seed
of agroforestry crops, 240,000 kyats for buying pineapple shoots and free issue of
fertilizers. Furthermore, the cost of 17 houses was bone by the project and each house
costs about 16300 kyats. Therefore, the total cost was 277,100 kyats.
7
(d) User groups were formed and resRonsible persons from such groups were organized to
sit a meeting once or twice a month. In the meeting, the objectives and progress of
community forest establishment were discussed and extension was made.
(e) One income generation group was formed in which all members from user groups were
included. This income generation group was initiated to enhance the awareness of the
members from user groups, to meet their basic needs and to have some amount of
investment for lifting up their living. The cost of agroforestry crops, and cost of fertilizer
were supported through income generation group, but not in cash, as in in-kind
assistance.
(f) There is an arrangement to save 300 thousand kyats as revolving fund for income
generation group based on the number of members, average cost of their living and the
development of the group. The revolving fund is intended to increase if it is necessary to
support for further success of the project. But, abide by rules and regulations must be
enforced to the members.
(g) It is found that members of income generation groups pay attention on planting
Sesame, Pigeon bean and 'Mut bean.
(h) Project's farmers are being organized and urged to plant more good cash crops such as
Kapok, Dog fruit etc. They own more perennial crops and trees, they will meet long term
development and the project area would be sustained.
8. Evaluation
(a) In the establishment of Teak- based agroforestry plantation, Teak, Padauk and Mezali
are found to be the best growth species out of planted 4 species: Teak, Pyinkado,
Padauk and Mezali. Pyinkado is also potential one. Among the planted cash crops:
Rubber, Mango, Cashewnut and Kapok, the Cashewnut shows the best growth at the
moment. However, it is a bit early to decide which one is the best because present
period is short for perennial crops.
(b) Out of the community forest area 670 acres, crops were planted in 194.6 acres. This
reflects that user group's member did not well understand on the essences of
community Forestry Instructions, Management Committee and member of user groups.
Cc) This is the first experience of these farmers in Community Forestry. So that they have
never seen the benefits from Community Forestry and therefore they have less
confidence and interests on it. If they receive tangible benefits, it is expected that the
other farmers will join to the community forestry development.
8
(d) The absence of community forestry activities in and around the project area let the lack
of evidence to show farmers how the benefits are getting/ receiving.
(e) In the implementation of community forestry, more access and coordination with the
concerned agencies/ organization is still needed.
(f) It is also needed that the responsible staffs from township forest department have to be
enhanced more understanding on CFI and have to paid more field visit for monitoring
and evaluation.
(g) Some member form User groups are land less and hand to mouth people. Therefore,
they have to solve their daily meals urgently and this becomes limitation for emphasizing
on their works in establishing the plantations.
(h) Members of User Group are living in the villages which are only 3 or 4 miles from the
project site. Hence, they have less desire to settle in the project site for working.
(i) Income generation group was formed to have the self reliance and incentives were
provided to members of user groups to be able to implement CFI successful.
(j) User groups want to work only with the project's supports and some user groups'
members are working only on the margin of their responsibilities to be eligible for
receiving project's support.
9. Recommendations and Suggestions
(a) Further research is needed to find out that which species is the best and which are the
potentia Is in the project area among Teak-based multi- species.
(b) Further. research is also needed to find out that which cash crop is the most suitable for
the project area and the best income crop for the farmers.
(c) Planting of cash crops such as pineapple, beetle leaf, pepper, medicinal plants, sesame
and beans is to be urged.
(d) Staffs from the forest department who assigned to the project should pay field visit
actively and, organizing and motivating should be done successively to achieve the
success of Community Forestry activities through the local community involvement.
fully understanding of user group's members to the forest activities and
management of Community Forestry.
9
following to the Community Forestry Instructions with the uriderstanding on it.
fully understanding of local administrative body to the community forestry.
(e) Training on Community Forestry should be done more.
(f) The responsible staff of specific community forest has to pay field visit and monitor on
field activities whether user groups are working along with the targeted time at their
area permitted for community forest.
(g) Field tools, seeds and seedlings that needed by members of user groups should
supported in time.
(h) Necessary prevention measures have to be set up in planted area to protect the
,A disturbance from human and fires.
(i) Although community forestry is working in the from of group, it needs to define
personnel or family ownership within the framework of the group and to enhance the
sense of ownership.
(j) Shirking may naturally exist in group works. Therefore, it is to enhance the self reliance
and ownership. In otherwise, the work is although in the form of group, it is needed to
simply define the responSibility, rights and ownership of a person or family.
(k) More supports should be provided in the period of community forest formation and
conservation in which profits are not yet available.
(I) There will be more success if member of user group settle and establish a village where
very near to the project area. The project is organizing to do so and necessary
assistances would be provided for establish,ing a village.
For example-
Construction of a school and hiring the teachers
Construction of medical care building and hiring the nurse.
Providing of necessary materials both for school and clinic
(m) For the sustainability and progress of community forestry, the project activities would be
effectively success when the concerned local farmers provide necessary supports with
fully understanding on project's activities.
10
10. Conclusion
In Myayabinkyaw Reserved forest where good teak forests covered in the past, the attempt
would be further made for the success of teak-based multi local species growing and the
sustainability of agroforestry plantations through the people participation. Example of this
success would be sampled for the establishment of community forests and user groups, and
conservation of the forests in Bago Yoma Region. Sustainability of the forests can not be
attained by the Forest Department alone nor farmer alone. Partnerships, each other helping and
proper way for getting ownership and management of community forests will meet the socio
economic development of rural people and environmental stability for the next generations.
Naturally-balanced soil, water, climate and environment were unchangeable and they would be
good foundations for long-term development of crops, food security and income generation of
rural farmers.
11 Table ( 1 )
Growth Condition of 2001-2002 Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry Plantation
220 Hectare (545 Ac)
No. Date of SUNey Heigh of species (inch)
and work item Teak Pyinkado Padauk Rubber Mezali Mango, Cashewnut Kapok
good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad
1 20-7-2001 6 5.5 6 5 5.5 6 6.5
Planting
2 25-8-2001 9 7 6.5 7 6.5 6 8 7 6.5 6.5 6 5.5 7 6.5 6 8 7 7 7.5 7 6.5
First weeding
3 27-9-2001 10 7.5 6.5 7.5 6.5 6 11 '9 7.5 7 6.5 6 8 7 6.5 10 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 ,'1"
Second weeding
4 30-10-2001 11 8 " . 7 8 7 6 13 10.5 8.5 8 7 6.5 8.5 7.5 7 12 10 9 10 8.5 7.5
Third weeding
5 15-12-2001 12.5 9 7 9 7.5 6.5 16 12 9 10 7.5 7 9.5 9 7.5 17 14 10.5 12.5 9.5 8
-6 4-12-2002 24 12 9 12 9 7 42 24 18 36 24 18 32 24 21 29 24 18 24 22 12
------ - - -- -----------
12 Table (2 )
Growth Condition of 2002-2003 Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry Plantation
50 Hectares (125 Ac)
Date of Survey l Heigh of species (inch)
and work item I Teak " I Pyinkado Padauk Rubber Mezali Mango, Cashewnut Kapok
good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair bad good fair I bad
1 \15-6-2002 I
6 6 8 20 6 7 12
Planting
2 125-7-2002 81 71 91 71 71 61 101 91 25
1 25
1 241 221 101 71 61 91 81 71 181 151 12
First weeding
3 17-9-2002 91 81 61 81 81 61 121 101
351
351
301
24/ 14/ 9/ 6/ 12/ 1°1 7/ 251
221 12
Second weeding
4 115-10-2002 121 91 71 91 BI 71 141 111 401
401
381
271 201 111 71 13
1 111 81 321
301 13
Third weeding
5 14-11-2002 141 91 71 101 81 71 161 121 481 481 441 301 241 121 71 161 121 81 481 361 14
13 Annex (A)
Pyu Township Forest Departmen, Myayabinkyaw Reserve, Compartment No. (50, 51, 52)
...
t
600
600m
Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry Plantation (2001-2002)
Experimental Design for 545 acres of the 1st Year Plantation
600m
~ 250m--+
Complete Randomized Block Design (44 Heactares)
Split Plot Design (Random Line) (88 Heactares)
Split Plot Design (Individual Complete Random) (88 Heactares)
14 Annex (B)
I. Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD)
lOOm
50 m 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 = Pure Teak
24 21 26 25 22 23 2 = Teak +Pyinkado
33 36 35 32 31 34 3 = Teak + Padauk
42 45 46 41 44 43 4 = Teak + Rubber
55 52 53 54 56 51 5 = Teak + Mezale
6 = Teak + Cashew Net
1. The area of 44 hectare is selected for Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD). The
area is divided into 3 main blocks which the size of each block is 250m x 600m (800' x
1920'). Planting spacing is 2.5 m x 2.5m and the density of each main block is, therefore,
24,000 stackings or trees. The main block area is subdivided into 30 sub-blocks in which
the size of each block is 50m x lOOm (160' x 320'). Since the planting spacing is 2.5m x
2.5m, the density of each sub-block would be 800 stackings of trees.
2. The figure of each sub-block is shown above. The digits stated in the plots are the
species to be planted that mentioned at the side of figure.
3. The reason why species are planted as defined design is to have the composition of teak
and other selected species in 2 rows after 2 rows in the beginning and to be evenly left
the planted species after thinning.
Trees are planted as defined by digits. Some explanations, how the trees are planting, are given
as follows.
Ca) As per '1' is stated teak only, all trees, 800 stackings, were planted teak purely in
the plot '11'.
(b) In the plot '13', '1' is stated for teak only and '3' is stated for teak and Padauk
mixture. In the first 400 stackings (10 row x 40 stackings) teak trees were
C:\My DoclIlllent\IT'!' O\Procceding\Eng\9-UMSein Annex-8.doc
15 Annex (B) continued
planted purely. In the next 400 stackngs (10 rows x 40 stackings) trees were
planted by Padauk 2 ro,«s, Teak 2 rows, Padauk 2 rows, Teak 2 row and Padauk 2
rows. Therefore the species composition in the plot '13' would be 560 teak trees
and 240 Padauk trees respectively.
(c) In the plot '23', '2' is for teak + Pyinkado and '3' is stated for teak+ Padauk.
Therefore, in the first 400 stackings, teak and Pyinkado were planted 50% each.
In the next 400 stackings, teak and Padauk were also planted 50% each. The
species composition in the plot '23' would be 400 teak trees, 200 Pyinkado trees
and 200 Padauk trees.
11. Split Plot Design (SPD) (Random Line)
1. The Split Plot Design ( Random Line) is practiced in the area of 88 hectares. The area is
divided into 6 main blocks which each block is 250m x 600m (800' x 1920'). Planting
spacing is also 2.5m x 2.5 and the density of each main black is, therefore, 24,000
stackings or trees.
2. In a main black, there are 100 rows in which each row consists of 240 stackings. Selected
species are planted 2 rows after 2 rows. In the block, the percentage of teak is 50%, that
is, 50 rows are already set for teak. For example, teak is planted in the first 2 rows after
that the other specie is planted in next 2 rows and Teak comes again in 2 rows, and then
followed by the different other species with 2 rows and so on. Apart from teak, the
selected other species are Pyinkado, Padauk, Rubber, Mezali and Cashewnut/ Mango.
Those other species are selected randomly to plant in 2 rows which is adjacent to teak 2
rows.
3. From the total area 88 hectares, Split Plot would be formed in three different topographic
conditions: (1) top portion (2) slope portion and (3) lower portion of mountain ranges.
The size of each split plots is 50m x SOm. For each topographic condition, 40 plots would
be split and total area for e.ach topographic condition would be 10 hectares. For three
topographic conditions, total area would be 30 hectares. From those split plots, the
necessary data would be collected.
16
Ill. Split Plot Design (SPD) (Individual Complete Random)
Annex (B) continued
1. The Split Plot Design (SPD) (Individual Complete Random) is practiced in the area of
another 88 hectares. The area is also divided into 6 main blocks which each size of block
is 250m x 600m (800' x 1920'). Planting spacing is also 2.Sm x 2.5 and the density of
each main block is, therefore, 24,000 stackings or trees.
2. Each main block was divided into 5 plots. From this 5 plot, 3 plots were planted line by
line. When planting in the left 2 plots, 50%. of stackings (planting place) is set for teak
and the left 50% is set for all the other species. Selection of stacking (planting place) is
computerized.
3. Formation of split plots is same as mentioned in paragraph 3 in Split Plot Design
(Random line). The slit plots would be formed mostly in the portions where species were
planted by computerized selection.
17 Annex (C)
Pyu Township Forest Department, Myayabinkyaw Reserve, Compartment No. (52, 53)
Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry Plantation (2002-2003 )
--'---- .. ------~
.J
I I I I I r I
, , , r , , , ,
r r r r
ITTiTl LlllJJ
A
C
, ,
~----------
Layout of Experimental plot (152 Ac or 50 Hectare)
, r , ,
L
Split Plot Design (Random Line)
...,
.J
I I r r I I I I I I r I I I I I L I I I r r r r r , r , , , I , r , , , , , I '8 r ,
'A , r r r , , , r , r , , , I , , , , I r , , I , r , , I r I , , , , , , , I , r r , , I ,
r , , r , , , I , r , , , r r , r r , , , , r , , r , r , r , , , , , , , , , r , , r ,
r , , , , , , , , , , I , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , I r r I I , , , I , , r r , , ..., L
Special Experimental Plot (17 Ac) ( divided into 4 sub-plots and they are rounded by Kapok planting)
Kapok planting area (14) Acres
Teak 2 rows/ other species 2 rows are planted
Planted according to Radon line
&8~t:·~~ Project Site of PD 3/98
JOOO-JOOO !,."4r!;:.!k.re:f"~.': 2000-2001 Project's Pilot Plantation
&ir!f:~·~g~=~:~:n~~4~:.~:.~ ~= A Bamboo Cottage provided by the Project.
C"'e C'" C'" ="" ="" jeo:>-J=e J !~e!=~Q:rOSlt:oQ
A Teak Tree from 2001 ... 2002 Plantation
~o C"" (;;-w~~'®t'i:J&{j~! ;a, j ~
"-0, ~t,J '-' oGec~fboo~
o ,~ ~
:!:;'=ie~e~e~!~t:~&,:=g=;:~!ig: Agroforestry Training at Project Site
ANNEX ( 7)
Reso""rce Paper 3
liThe Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry
Activities in Myanmar"
by
U Mehm Ko Ko Gyi, National Consultant ( Silviculture)
U Sein Thet, National Consultant ( Soil 'conservation)
lITO Project PD 3/ 98 Rev.l (F)
ANNEX (7)
The Need for Community Mobilization in Community Forestry Activities
in Myanmar
by Mehm Ko Ko Gyi and Sein Thet
1. Introduction
It can be seen that in every tropical countries, including Myanmar, forests are usually
managed by government organization. Consequently, the government normally owns
forestland and forest resources. Because of the vast expense of forestland, and the
resistance of the forest staff to accept the required changes in management that is
necessary with the changing time, leads to uncontrollable indiscriminate extraction of forest
products. It is no longer sufficient to apply forest rules, acts and instructions in protecting
the forests from encroachments for housing, ya cutting, illicit felling, etc. which evolved from
the socio-economic conditions of the rural people.
In the past, the ratio of the forests and the population is such that there is sufficient supply
for the population and it was effective to centralize the management system .. However, with
the increased in population and the condition is such that the existing forests can no longer
meet the demand of the present population, it is becoming difficult to work effectively under
the centralized management system. Thus, in some tropical countries, the rural communities
who have relied on the forests traditionally are given their traditional rights and forest
managements have changed to management with peoples' participation. However, the
government will still play the important role in sustainable forest management.
In Myanmar, the forest policy used before 1995 identified the following (3) imperatives that
do not include people's participation into consideration.
(a) To prevent soil deterioration by protecting with forest cover.
(b) To ensure sustainable production of timber and other forest produce
(c) To be able to use the forests for health and recreation by the people
However, with the increased in population and the changing time and situation, the
Government becomes aware of the need to revise this policy so as to be in line with the
present situation.
The new Myanmar forest policy (1995) was therefore formulated and approved by the
cabinet (27/95) that was held on 20th July 1995. The Ministry of Forestry through
notification No. (21/96) dated 23rd February1996 notified it. It is a major development in
the forestry sector to keep pace with the changing socio-economic and environmental
2
concerns. The forest policy was formulated keeping in line with the Forest Principles
adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development 1992 and it
has formalized the commitment and intent of the Government to ensure sustainable
development of forest resources while conserving wildlife, wild plants and forest
ecosystems, and enhancing the ways of living of indigenous people (Forest Department,
1999).
In order to be able to implement the extensive national objectives successfully, the
government has identified (6) imperatives in the Myanmar forest policy (1995) that are to be
implemented (Forest Department, 1995b).
(a) Protection
environment.
- Protection of soil, water, wildlife, biodiversity and
(b) Sustainability - Managing forest resources to ensure perpetual supply of both
tangible and intangible benefits accrued from the forests for the present and
future generations.
(c) Basic needs - Providing fuel, shelter, food and recreation from the forest to
the people.
(d) Efficiency - To harness, in the socio-environmentally friendly manner, the full
economic potential of the forest resources.
(e) Participation - Enlisting people's participation in the conservation and
utilization of the forests.
(f) Public awareness - To create public awareness on the vital role of the forests
in the well-being and socio-economic development of the nation.
These (6) imperatives are the nucleus or foundation of the forest policy in the prescription
and the successful implementation of its objectives. It will be noticed that emphasis is also
given to "people's participation" and "public awareness" in the revised forest policy.
Further more, in order to fulfil! the need of the local community and to conserve the forests
through the participation of the rural community, the DG of the Forest Department (FD) has
also issued the Community Forestry Instructions through its instruction No.1/95 dated
1/12/1995.
It was issued with the objectives of getting support in the economic development of the
country, getting environmental stability and balanced ecosystem and facilitating the basic
3
requirements for livelihood of the people in consonant with the forest policy through
people's participation in regenerating denuded areas and reforestation of degraded forests.
Community forestry activity is an activity where the local community themselves participate
to get their requirement of fuelwood and other forest products through establishment of
wood lots and conservation & protection of degraded natural forests in areas where these
produce are scarce, and the practice of agroforestry for food and income generation.
It is therefore very clear that the intention of the FD is to enlist people's participation in
forestry sector development activities in order to provide "people-based development" and
also create public awareness and mass motivation for protection and conservation of forests.
2. Status of community forestry in Myanmar
Community Forestry Instructions was issued in order to initiate the community based forest
management system. It emphasized the importance of participation of all the parties
concerned in both the process of planning and implementing activities so as to ensure that
all would share the benefits. This calls for a bottom-up approach where the potentia Is, the
self-confidence and ability of the community to organize and develop themselves according
to their own priorities are essential.
At this stage, it will be seen that the interest of the FD and that of the community are quite
different. The FD will have macro level economic interests that see the forest as an
important source of timber exports while the community will have micro level economic
interests who are dependant on the forestland and resources for their survival. However,
the community must be empowered to stand equally with the FD so that their interests are
also recognized and respected, if they are to work together towards their common goal of
sustainable management of these natural resources.
Although the community forestry instructions were issued since 1995, there is still much
effort needed on the part of the FD to convince the community on the benefit of this activity
and to get them involved in it. It can be seen from Table 1, that majority of the community
forests established (92.8%) were within the Human Development Initiative (HDI) project
areas where sensitization and support were given for this activity by the project.
4
Table 1. The status of community forestry establishment in the country
Community Forests Established (acre)
Sr. No. State! Division Outside Project Within Project Total Area Area
1 Kachin - - -2 Kayar - - -3 Kayin 250.00 - 250.00
4 Chin 160.00 - 160.00
5 Taninthayi - - -
6 Sago (West) 2,697.00 - 2,697.00
7 Sagaing - - -
8 Magway 1,048.00 8,108.54 9,156.54
9 Mandalay - - -
10 Mon - - -
11 Rakhine 186.00 - 186.00
12 Yangon 727.00 - 727.00
13 Shan - 48,289.91 48,289.91
14 Ayeyawady 561.00 15,822.77 16,383.77
Total 5,629.00 72,221.22 77,850.22
Percentage (7.2%) (98.8%) (100%) Source: U Kyaw Zaw Thwin & U Myint Aung (2002)
Community forests cannot be established without the willingness of the community to
participate in this activity. They should not be made to oarticipate in this activity without
their consent and being aware of the Community Forestry Instructions (CFI) and the benefit
that they can gain from it. Thus, the local community should be properly sensitized on CFI
and the socio-economic benefit that they can gain from such activity.
From Table 1, it can be seen that the percentage of community forests established outside
the project area is only (7.2%) of the total area established within the country. This
indicated that t~ere is a need for more effective sensitization by the staff of the FD in these
areas. In order to be able to sensitize the local community more effectively, the FD should
enhance the capacity of their staffs on community mobilization, community forestry
instructions together with its role in the forest policy and its importance to the department
for sustainable forest development. It is also very important that the field staffs should
learn the new role to support and work hand in ha!ld with the local community rather than
5
to police them. Community forestry will be successful only when the staffs of the FD
understand and accept the concept of CFI and is prepared to work hand in hand with the
local community.
3. Community development
A great majority of the rural communities that live near and around forests depend heavily
on the forest products produced from the forests for their subsistence livelihood. They are
normally poor, landless, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people with very low
standard of living. Their ancestors have managed and lived in consonance with this
environment since time immemorial until these forests were taken away from them with
rules and regulations laid down by the government that prohibit most of their activities and
their ownership. The needs of the forest communities were overlooked and not fulfilled as
was evident from the policy used prior to 1995. Since then, unconsciously, conflicts exist
between the forest communities and the staffs of the FD. As far as possible, these conflicts
should be resolved based on the cultural values of the people rather than based on only
legal deterrents. There were many cases of encroachment, illicit felling, malicious
destruction of the forests, etc. that are beyond the capacity of the FD to control.
With the formulation of the nE;w Forest Policy in 1995, which recognizes partiCipation of the
people and public awareness, FD should change its management system so as to be in line
with the new forest policy and attain sustainable forest management. The issuance of
Community Forestry Instructions (1995) that is in consonance with the new Forest Policy
was a right move made by the FD. However, as was mentioned earlier, implementation of
the instructions is meager and is very slow. This activity would be more successful if
combined with community development, as environmental development programmes should
introduce the mechanisms by which the development process becomes part of the culture of
the people. Moreover, development depends on mobilizing people, and people's
participation is an essential element within a process in bringing a better standard of living
and quality of life to its people (RAPA, 1990).
Community development need not be like what was implemented by the HDI programme
that involves high inputs. It can also be in the form of Community Forestry with
Agroforestry where the community is supported with high value fruit seedlings and seeds for
Agriculture crops plus sensitization and some training to build up their traditional knowledge
and improve their livelihood on self help basis.
6
Where support from International Organization is available in the form of projects (like this
ITIO project), opportunity should be taken to include community development as one of the
components for sustainable forest management. This, in fact is desirable by most of the
International Organizations to whom the project proposals are to be submitted. Support
with all sectors, including livestock should be considered where high inputs are available. In
such a case, community development should be designed on a self-help pay back system so
that there will be sustainable development.
In community development work, it is more effecbve to work with homogeneous farmer
groups around a common economic activity than with individuals. Also, smaller groups work
better than larger groups. Case studies revealed that groups of 60 to 150 have promoted
successful communal operations (Bruce, 1999).
According to Sharma (2000), the foundation for a long-term sustainable success in
community development is a self-help approach builds upon traditional knowledge and
encouraging a sense of ownership of the development process and resources. In addition,
assuring quick as well as long term economic and environmental benefit generation and
social equity specially based on gender and other disadvantaged classes is equally
important. Thus, in order to convince the community about the development process,
sensitization and frequent contacts with the communities are very important. This takes
---:timB] understanding ()f their tRlditional culture and patieflt~·, - - . .:" ,.-.. ........... __ ... _-.. [ . ~.-=-- .•
Self-help approach is very important in community development for sustainability.
Community should be sensitized and encouraged to rely on themselves and not to rely too
much on the support they get from external sources. Development activities should not be
like showering gifts. Support should be given just to help the community to overcome the
difficulties in carrying out their traditional income generation activities and they should be
made responsible for the support they get.
Traditional knowledge that exists in the local community is time tested. The communities
have survived for centuries with their traditional knowledge. Their traditional knowledge,
that they are used to, should be strengthened and should not be replaced.
Sense of ownership of the resources and the development process· is also one of the
important factors in the community development process. Self-help approach and building
up on the traditional technical knowledge of the community owned and led programme in
the development process can create sense of ownership to the local community. The
community should also be able to participate in the planning, implementation and
--, ~--------- --------.------
7
management of their development process and should also have a sense of ownership of
the community based organization for their empowerment. In the HDI III programme, the
policy guideline for water harvesting is not to construct new structures but participate in and
provide inputs to those which the people themselves build and initiate (Sharma, 2000). This
is to help guarantee their ownership of the water resources created or modified.
Equity and transparency specially based on gender and other disadvantaged class (e.g. land
less & marginal farmers) is also vital in successful implementation of community
development. In the HDI III programme, land less and marginal farmers were given priority
in livestock sector as they cannot benefit much from support from agriculture sector, and
women farmers were mainstreamed into all activities, which were earlier classified for men
only. For better social mobilization, equity and transparency, quarterly general assembly of
the CBOs were organized, and this was found to be successful, as no problem of
accountability or conflict were reported (Sharma, 2000).
Quick and long term benefit should be the target of any activity in community development.
As we are dealing with poor, landless, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people, it is
necessary that the natural resource and environmental management activities result in
direct quick net profits to the participating farmers, or else their participation should not be
expected. They cannot be expected to wait for a long period to reap the benefits of their
activities. Thus, any income generating activities assuring quick economic benefits to the
community are to be encouraged.
Sensitization is essential to mobilize the community in community development. In order to
encourage self-help approach, create sense of ownership, strengthen the traditional
knowledge of the local community, and have distributional equity among men, women and
all social groups, frequent and repeated sensitization is needed. However, these cannot be
accomplished in a short period of time. These efforts need a time frame of approximately
15 to 20 years (Sharma, 2001). Building up of friendship, trust and respect of the
community together with effective sensitization is the right tract to successful community
development.
The effectiveness of sensitization can be seen from the experience in the HDI III
programme in the Southern Shan State. There were 5 townships headed by 5 Sectoral
Specialists (SS) from different sectors. Two of the SSs that were in charge of Nyaungshwe
and Ywangan were retired Forest Officers and they sensitized the community in their
township very intenSively on community forestry. The comparative response of the
8
community on the proposal for establishment of community forests can be seen in Table 2.
and Figure 1 below.
Table 2. Proposal for establishment of community forests by communities
Sr. Township Area Percentage No. (acre)
1 Kalaw 807 4.1
2 Nyaungshwe 10r392 52.8
3 Pindaya 726 3.6
4 Pinlaung 2r933 14.9
5 Ywangan 4r835 24.6
Total 19,693 100.0 . Source: Sharma (2002)
Figure 1. Community forest proposed
12000 NSE
10000 en 8000 (]) '-t)
6000 ro
4000
2000
0 Township
-.- - -.-~--. --_._------ ------- -- .
Reference:
KLW=Kalawr NSE=Nyaungshwer PDY=Pindayar PLG=Pinlaungr YNG=Ywangan
4. Community development in the Myayabinkyaw project area
Formation of community forest was organized at the initiation of the project. Howeverr the
project staffs had difficulty in mobilizing the local community and were able to mobilized
only (19) persons. Three national consultants were recruited for (3) months starting from
June 2002. Although community development was not in the term of reference of this
9
consultancy, the activity was initiated due to the request by the DG of the FD. The DG
himself strongly believes that sustainable forestry development can be achieved only by the
participation of the local community through community development. Project activities
namely, agroforestry and community forestry are all linked up with community development.
These activities will be successful and sustainable only if the local community could be
mobilized to participate through community development.
During the first visit to the field on 12 June 2002, a meeting with the community was
organized. Only 23 villagers from 4 villages (i.e. Gyogaing, Pyaungthay, Nyaungbintha and
Kyetbaungchaung villages) participated. Responsible persons present at the meeting were,
U Myint Sein (National Project Director), U Tin Maung Aye (Assistant Director, Taungoo
District), U Aung Mya (Project Field Manager as well as Staff Officer, Phyu Township), U Soe
Thant Kyi (Range Officer), U Soe Myint, National Consultant (Plantation Forestry), U Sein
Thet, National Consultant (Soil Conservation) and Mehm Ko Ko Gyi, National Consultant
(Silviculture). The national consultants sensitized the villagers on the importance of
environmental conservation and the formation and benefits of "income generation group".
They were also briefed by the NPD on the project activities.
With the repeated sensitization received from the national consultants the participation of
the villagers improved in the following meetings and eventually, it was able to form the
"Forest Plantation Workers Income Generation Group" (FPWIGG) on 6 July 2002. Up till 15th
August 2002, there were 59 members (reported by project field manager).
Majority of the local community of the Myayabinkyaw project area are landless hand to
mouth casual labourers that depended upon the forest for fuelwood production. Very small
percentage is landowners who are involved in agricultural activities. In order to reduce the
pressure on the forests and be able to regenerate the degraded areas, it is important that
other income generation opportunities be created for them. This could be a support to them
either in the form of agroforestry, agriculture activities, livestock breeding or off-farm
activities that are traditionally common in their villages. Once their livelihood is changed,
the pressure on the forest will be reduced and sustainable forest management is more
assured.
4.1 Training and study tour
Trainings, workshops and study tours are also very important components of community
development activities. These activities will enhance the awareness of the community,
broaden their outlook and give them inspiration to work hard.
10
In this respect! the national consultant (Soil Conservation) conducted a Job-Training on Soil
and Water Conservation from 29th to 30th July 2002 at Myayabinkyaw Project site. 35 forest
workers and 3 Forest Department staffs attended the training.
Similarly! the national consultant (Plantation forestry) organized a general training for the
FPWIGG on forestry activities and nursery establishment on the 1st and 2nd of September
2002 at Zeyawady. The national consultant (Silviculture) participated by giving training on
introduction to community forestry and community development. 49 FPWIGG members and
some Forest Department staffs attended the training.
The national consultant (Silviculture) also proposed a study tour for the FPWIGG members
to the Southern Shan State so that they can observe and discuss with the Farmers Income
Generation Groups (FIGGs) and Women Income Generation Groups (WIGGs) that were
formed by the Watershed Project of FDjFAOjUNDP. At the same time! they can also see the
successful field activities that are being carried out by the FIGGs and WIGGs. "To see is to
believell and this is particularly true for the rural people. It was envisaged that the trip will
broaden their outlook and that they will accept the concept more by having farmers to
farmers discussion rather than being sensitized by national consultants or FD officials. This
is also one of the important components of the development process and should be
conducted whenever funds are available.
As an IEC material, the national consultant (Silviculture) has prepared and distributed to the
Executive Committee (EC) members, a guideline on the responsibilities of the FPWIGG EC
and ifs members. The national consultant (Silviculture) also prepared a material concerning
project support and how the payback should be collected. These materials were prepared
with the object of giving the FPWIGG some information on how to run their Income
Generation Group.
4.2 Project support
In order to give incentive and create a revolving fund (RF) for the FPWIGG, project support
to the members of the FPWIGG was proposed by the national consultants. However, the
support suggested was just to help the local community to carry out their traditional
activities so as not to disturb their sense of ownership and self help approach. The support
was grant in kind which should be paid back to the FPWIGG RF with a nominal interest at
harvest time. Payback was recommended only for income generation activities. However,
in order to encourage the FPWIGG members to participate more in the environmental
11
conservation activities, payback was not suggested for forestry and soil conservation
activities.
It is important that there should be equity in the distribution of the project support.
However, exceptional cases like members who participated very outstandingly in the
conservation activities was recommended to be rewarded by providing him with high value
support such as a cow or a pair of draft bull if he requested. But, he will still need to pay
back within a time frame.
S. Conclusion
Community development is a long term process that needs patient, understanding and close
and frequent contact with the people. Community developers should never loose sight of
the importance of sense of ownership, respect and understanding for indigenous technology
and culture, equity and transparency.
It is now time and is very important that the staffs of the FD become good community
developer and start taking responsibility for community forestry. The success of community
forestry and sustainable forest development is now depending on how well the staffs of the
FD can mobilize the rural community. Thtls, it is recommended that:
(1) FD headquarters instructs all districts to sensitize and encourage the local
communities for the establishment of community forests. The number of
applications for the establishment of community forests that was put up by
the local community is to be reported to the headquarters for inclusion in the
annual work plan as target.
(2) Staffs of the FD be given training on community mobilization, community
forestry instructions and the importance of community forestry for
sustainable forest development.
(3) The process of community development needs 15-20 years. Thus, the
community development process started by the national consultants at
Myayabinkyaw reserve be continued by the Phyu Township staff.
(4) Opportunity should be taken to 'include community development process for
sustainable forest development in all project formulations.
ANNEX (8)
Resol-frce P ~per 3
IIReview on Community Forestry and Agroforestry studied in
Vietnam ll
by
U Aung Mya, Staff Officer, Forest Department
U Aung Thant Zin, Staff Officer, Forest Department
ANNEX (8)
Review on Community Forestry and Agroforestry -studied in Vietnam
1. Introduction
Trees and forests had been living on the earth from the million years ago while providing many
diverse benefits to living things. EspeCially, human beings had been benefited tangibly and
intangibly from the forests. Consequently, forests were unmanageably exploited more and more
by the human beings. Over exploitation on forests and unexpected natural disasters led to the
deforestation. Therefore, it is very important to utilize forest systematically through protection,
conservation and reforestation, and this approach would not be successful without any
involvement of lo~al communities. I,n such a way, the concept in forest management becomes
emphasis on Agroforestry, which would not only provide staple foods, crops and fruits but also
forest products. Community Forestry is a forest management in which local people participated
by themselves.
In Myanmar, community forestry development dated back concretely in 1995 by issuing
Community Forestry Instructions. In some parts of Myanmar, community forestry activities have
been introdUCing and some extent of community, forests were already established. Forest
department (FD) of Myanmar, in cooperation with International Tropical Timber Organization
(ITTO) made an effort "Teak-based Multi-storied Agroforestry System: An Integrated Approach
towards Sustainable Development of Forests' project in Myayabinkyaw Forest Reserve, Pyu
Township, Toungo~ District, Bago Division and the plantations area established by the project
would be intended to transfer to local peoples as community forests.
Therefore, this study was conducted in Vietnam, where is not too diverse from Myanmar in
geographical and natural conditions, to study the agroforestry activities and community forestry
development there. The relevant knowledge and experiences gained from the study tour are
expected to practise in project implementation.
2. Objective
This study Tour was arranged to meet the following advantages.
(1) To be able to compere the activities of community forestry and agroforestry
between two counties.
(2) To study the agroforestry community practices in Vietnam not only for project staff
but also for farmer and to be able to share their colleagues in the field works.
(3) To enhance two countries' collaboration.
2
3. Members of The Study Tour
This study Tour group was formed with the following personnel:-
(1) U Aung Mya, Staff Officer
Pyu Township Forest Department
(2) U Aung Thant Zin, Staff Officer
Project Coordinator's Office, FD
(3) U Nyunt Shwe, Farmer
Pyaung-thay village, Pyu Township
(3) U Myint 00, Farmer
. Pyaung-thay village, Pyu Township
4. The Institutions and Sites Visited
Leader
Member
Member
Member
This study was hosted by Department for Forestry Development (DFD) under Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam. The institutions and sites visited are as
follows:
(a) On 11-11-2002, two institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development: Department for Forestry Development and Forest Research Institute,
were paid visit and studied.
(b) On 12-11-2002, Department of Forestry Development of Sac Giang Provenance and Hun
Lung Forest Enterprise in Sac Giang Provenance were visited in the morning. In the
afternoon, the study tour group visited on a firm owned by a farmer under Agroforestry
Project implemented by Thai Royal Family in collaboration with Hun Lung Forest
Enterprise since 1996. After that, the group visited to a farmer's farm under
Afforestation Project supported by German GTZ organiz;ation.
(c) On 13-11-2002, in Tuyen Qunag Provenance, the group was called for director of the
provenance in the morning and then visited to a farmer's firm under the Integrated
Project funded by Sweden government. In the' afternoon, the group visited at a site
practicing RVAC agroforestry system which is closely taking care of DFD, Tuyen Qunag
Provenance and three farmers household are living there and working there.
(d) On 14-11-2002, Forest Research Center under Paper Cooperation in Viet Tri City, Phu
Tho Provenance was visited and after that the group went to the field .where research
results are applied.
3
(d) On 15-11-2002, the group visited at a farmer's firm under the rural development project
funded by Sweden government. Then, the tour group returned to the DFD of Phu Tho
Provenance and discussed on the project implementation and opportunities and
constraints.
(d) On 16-11-2002, Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable in Hanoi was visited.
5. Knowledge Gained From Study Trip And Discussions
5.1 Natural and geographical conditions of Vietnam
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam lies on the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula in
South East Asia. The country shares borders with China in the north, Laos and Cambodia to
the west and the Eastern Sea to the east and south. Total area of the country is about
330,000 square kilometers. Two third of the total land area is covered by mountains and
highlands.
Vietnam, rich in river, has 2,500 rivers longer than 10 kilometers.
The mean annual rainfall is between 1700-1800 mm. In the mountainous areas, the rainfall
occasionally reaches as much as 3,000 mm while in some regions have 500 mm per
annum.
Humidity is relatively high ranging at 80%.
It is indicated that there are 4 seasons, Spring-Summer-Autumn-Winter, in Vietnam.
However, it can. be assumed 2 distinct seasons, dry season and rainy season, according to
the raining condition. The rainy season fall in May to October and dry season last from
November to April.
Though Vietnam is located entirely in the tropic, the climatic conditions of the country vary
region by region due to wider range of longitude and elevation. The average temperature
increases gradually from 22° C to 2l C in the north- to the south.
The population is 80 million of more than 50 ethnic groups. Over 80% of the population
live in rural areas. Nearly 75% of the labour force is engaged in agriculture and is directly
rely on the land and forests for their livelihood.
4
Status of Forest
Ca) Major Forest Type in Vietnam
The most dominant forest types found in Vietnam are as follows:-
- Tropical Evergreen Broad-leaf Forest
- Subtropical Evergreen Broad-leaf Alpine Forest
- Dry Dipterocarp Forest
- Coniferous Forest
- Mangrove Forest
- Melaleuca Forest
Bamboo Forest
Cb) Flora and Fauna
According to national inventory record, Vietnam possesses 12,000 plant species in
which 100 species are dominant in the composition of forests and 354 species are
regarded as commercial timber. 40 varieties of bamboo has commercial value and
rattan species are also estimated to be 40.
Vietnam is reported to be home to 11,217 animal species including 1,009 bird
species, 265 mammal species and 349 reptile species.
Cc) Forest cover and estate
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development CMARD), by the
end of 1999 the total forest area in Vietnam was 10.9 million hectares which is
33.2 percent of the country total area including 9.4 million hectares of natural
forest and 1.5 million hectares of production forest.
The forests in Vietnam are clasSified under three categories:
- special use forest C national park, nature conservation, historical area, etc .. )
- protection forest C watershed, sandy, sea waver, etc .. )
- production forest
There are differences in management of these thre~ forest categories.
At present, there are 5.35 million of hectares of protection forests, 1.52 million hectares of
special use forest, and 4.04 million hectares of production forest. By the year 2010, 0.65
million hectares of protection forest, 0.49 million hectares of special use forest, and 3.96
million hectares of production will be planted, in order to increase forest cover to 43% of
the country area.
5
5.2 Development and trends of Vietnam forestry
Forest Policy in Vietnam focus on three main trends:-
(a) development in the direction of social forestry with the participation of multi
sectoral economics
(b) a transition in forestry from harvesting of natural resources to the sustainable
management and utilization of forest resources, and
(c) development of forestry in the direction of market-oriented economy, increasing
contribution of the forestry sector to the country's economy and sOciety.
PoliCies in the direction of so~ial forestry especially emphasized on local people participation
in the development and protection of forests. Forest land (with and without forest cover)
has been allocated or contracted to households, individuals, and organizations for long
term forestry purposes, and local people also receive more benefits through the benefit
sharing policy. Besides these developments, the sector's policies are paying more attention
to the development of traditional forest management activities.
The forestry policies are always reviewed and amended to increase the participation of
rural communities in forest management through "rights of forest owners", benefit-sharing
and management policies.
From 1990 to date, Vietnam has issued about 150 important policies related to forestry in
the following forms:
Forest Law issued by the National Assembly
Resolutions by Governrnent
Decisions bye the Prime Minister
Regulations and circulars
Ministerial guidance
The following are important and core forestry policies.
• Law on protection and development of forests (under reviewed and amended)
• Land Law (1993) reviewed and amended in 1998-2000
• Government Resolution 01/ep (1995) on the allocation and contracting of land
for agriculture, forestry, and aquacture production to state enterprises
6
• Government Resolution 02/CP on the allocation of forest land to various
sectoral economics of management and use for long-term and sustainable
forestry development
• Prime Minister Decision 661/QD-TTg (1998) on the objectives, tasks, policies,
and organizations for the establishment of five million hectares of new forest
• Government Decree No. 163/1999jND-CP concerning allocation and lease of
forest land to organizations, households, and individuals for long-term forestry
purposes
• Prime Minister Decision No. 08/2001/QD-TTg (2001) issuing regulation on
management rules of special-use forest, protection forest, and production
forest
• Prime Minister Decision No. 178/2001/QD-TTg (2001) on the rights and
obligations of households/ individuals allocated and contracted forest and
forest land for benefit-sharing.
5.3 Social forestry development
Before 1986, forestry was a centrally planned and subsidized sector operating on the basis
of state-managed mechanism, such as state forest enterprises or co-operatives. However,
present forestry policy is operating in the direction of social forestry, regulated under the
Land Law and Forest Protection· Law, Resolution 02/CP, and 163/1999jND-CP by the
government. Some salient points related to community forestry are as follows:
Land ownership belongs to the people, however, households, individuals, and
organizations are allocated land and water surface planned for long-term use and
management for agriculture, forestry and agriculture development purposes.
They have the right to exchange, transfer, rent, inherit, or mortgag~ the right to
use the land allocated to them,
the right to contribute their land as capital for jOint ventures with domestic and
foreign organizations and individuals in order to boost production.
Agencies, households and individuals do not have to pay land-use fees the whole
forest land areas allocated.
Forest land allocation has an area limit of not over 30 hectares for households and
individuals duration of and allocation is 50 years.
7
Upon expiry of the duration, if the land users wish to continue using the land and
the land has been used for the correct purposes allocated, the state shall comply
with that wish.
The state also contracts land for forest production purposes to organizations, households,
and individuals, with the duration depending on each type of forest (50 years for protection
forests and special use forest, depending on the business rotation for production forest).
Up to 1998, 7.1 hectares of forest lands were allocated to different types of users
(Government agencies, families, and other organisations). During 1993 to 1997 1.9 million
hectares of forest land could be protected, 0.22 million hectares Furthermore, about 11,000
of agroforestry orchards, area allocated to 20 thousands of families. They are now earning
big amount of Vietnam Dongs which is equivalent to 1300- 1800 USD.
5.4 Administration, Research and Extension in Forestry Scoter
Department for Forestry Development (DFD) is formed under the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development Under the DFD, district level township DFDs are organised.
In regards with research, institutes are established under DFD, MARD and Private
Organisations such as Forest Research Institute under DFD, Fruits and Vegetables.
Research Institute under rv1ARD and Forestry rebated Research Institute under Pulp &
Paper Cooperation.
The species produced in big amount by research institutes are Acacia hybrids and
Eucalyptus hybrids. This mass production is done through cuttings and tissue culture. The
other ~::''='=<: '3re also foul under research. Teak tissue culture is also present. The media to
distribute research results and research activities were letter, pamphlets, tracings and TV.
The research Institute under Paper Cooperation even made for social development of rural
people.
Extension Division is formed in DFD to extends the forestry related mufflers to the people
Sub- divisions are also established in provinces, township and villages, Even in village
level, forestry extension works are working for distribution on of forestry related knowledge
and information and existing in forestry practices. The counterpart for this study town is a
extension specialist from DFD.
5.5 Field visits to the Farmers
The farmers where visited are the ones who .worked are still working in projects. In the
project, they worked individually (family) but in the darning up of Village Development Plan
8
in the forest protection and conservation the farmers (family) are working together in the
form of community group
In the implantation of project activities, trials were intimated to organize the local people
by showing them. After that, let the demonstration sites establishment by the cooperation
between the projects and interested farmers. Finally, farmers became establishing
replications.
For the monitoring and evaluation survey books were distributed to each farmer's
household. The progress of each farmer was recorded by both farmer and extension
worker. Within a certain period, a workshop was organised to get the feed-backs from the
farmers. By this way, the future activities were made to be better.
The Agroforestry Project implemented by Thai Royal Family covers the area of 2400
hectares. in the project area about 100 hectares were under the coordinating scheme by
supporting necessary assistance. A farmer's farm under this scheme was paid visit this area
is Milton. At the top part of his area, forest tree species (Acacia & Pine) were planted. At
the middle pat (slopes) and lower part, Liches were planted and pineapples were also
erosion. Chillir beans and vegetables are also planted in the lichen and pineapple's rows
Soil mulching was done with straw to maintain soil moisture for planted trees.
After that a farmer's farm worked under the "Reforestation Project" funded by GTZr
Germany was studied. The aim of this project is to protect soil erosion in bared mountain
ranges of 12rOOO hectaresr to conserve the micro-environment, to generate. 3 User groups
were formed and each group has to drawn up management plan and regulations. In his
farmr paddy were planted in flat area, Liche and tea were planted in slope area and
Eucalypti and Acacia plantations were established at the top part and they are going to be
sold to pulp and paper mill. DFD teak the responsibility of harvesting and transportation for
forest species and the profit sharing is 60% for the farmer and 40% far the DFD.
In Tuyen Quang Provenancer the two projects: Mountain Rural Development Project
funded by Sweden and Integrated Fund for Agricultural Development Project funded by
various sectors of the countryr are advance money. At the time of harvesting, farmers have
to sell respective company. When harvesting the forest species, farmers have to sell them
to the DFD. According to farmer said, th.ey have good income and it is enough for their
living.
Then, the area working under RVAC Agroforestry System was visited. In this area, 3
families were working together with the condition of different ownership. At the top portion
of the hill, Eucalyptus and Acacia hybrids were planted. At the middle portion, Liche and
9
Mango were planted. Between the Liche and Mango trees, beams and banana plants were
grown. Pineapple, grasses and medicinal plants were planted to protect the soil erosion. At
the bottom portion of the hill, vegetables were planted and pig raising was done. At the
low area, ponds were dug and fish farming was done there. This is the system in which
land resource is effectively used through the integrated farming.
At the visited place where the research results of research institute under Paper
cooperation were on-ground implemented, land owner is DFD. Under the Eucalyptus trees,
tea plants were grown. Tea plants were owned by the farmer and Eucalyptus trees were
owned by DFD. Planting cost and maintenance cost were given to the farmer by DFD. After
final harvesting, 12% of the net selling mon~y from forest trees was paid to the farmer.
In Phu Tho Provenance, a farmer's form working under the mountain rural development
project funded by Sweden government was paid visit. Leading person of this farm is a
woman and the size of the farm is 27 hectares. The area was bare land in the past. In the
beginning of the project, she had to attend trainings and then had to prepare the land use
plan. This land-use plan was discussed with extension worker and then revised it. After
revising the land-use plan, it was implemented. She got a loan, 6 million Vietnam Dong
(USD 40,000) from the government and invested all in the farm. She established own
nursery and planted Acacias in the farm to have soil improvement and Eucalyptus in some
places. Being low income from forest species, about 13 hectares (half of total area) of
forest plantations was cut and Liche, Mango, Tea and Beans were planted. Pig raising was
done large scale. In some place, small ponds were built and fishes were raised in the
ponds. Exotic fish species were breed in separate ponds. Manure of pigs were sent passing
through the concrete trench to the ponds for fish feeding. Chickens were also raised. Up to
now, she has already given half of loan money back. She hoped to give the rest half of loan
money back to the bank after harvesting the rest Eucalyptus and Acacia hybrids. On the
way back, a farmer's farm producing bamboo shoots was visited. Bamboo species from
China and Philippines were introduced. He explained Bamboo breeding, bamboo shoot
production and market conditions.
After that, the group visited in Provincial DFD and discussed the points to want to know.
This project implement 12 activities and they are;-
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Poverty alleviation
Land-use planning and land allocation
Extension and research
Credit system
Rural market and business
(6) Capacity building
(7) Institutional strengthening
(8) Gender issue
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(9) Development of policy and strategy
(10) Exchange information inside and outside
(11) Monitoring and evaluation
(12) Infrastructure development
The coordinator of this project pointed out that the causes to achieve the success are good
organizational management, human resources, weather information, effectively use of
Participatory Rural Appraisal. The weak point of the project is that project area situated in
less accessible area so that difficult to communicate. In this project, a Market Information
System was established. To collect the market information bicycle, motor-cycle, telephone
and email were used. Journal, daily newspaper and television were used to distribute the
collected information. The system was success and effective. At the beginning, only about
half of the farmers were although interested, all farmers were finally participated. Because
of the information on the cost of farm tools, fertilizer, seed and seedlings, and selling price
of agricultural products, farmers could take reasonable decisions. They could sell their
products to the place getting good price and they could take back the commodity which
they couldn't find in their place.
6. Evaluation
(a) The forests in Vietnam were destroyed by war, natural disasters and illegal cutting so
that they were rapidly degraded. The condition of being degraded and bared land was
favouring to push private forestry in Vietnam ..
Cb) Policy, Law, Instructions and Regulations supported for private involvement in forestry
sector.
Cc) In the allocated farm, many farmers were working by individual and weak in group
working. However, working by individual was found in success so that it is better to be
encouraged.
(d) In distribution of research results to the people, the performances of extension were
evaluated as successful. The reliance of local people to the Research Center could be
know how people came to the Research Center to buy good seed and seedlings.
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(e) Farmer's farms were success due to the supports from the project. Even the projects
were terminated! they could stand by themselves.
Cf) In the 3 provenances where the group visited! farmers planted only Acacia hybrid and
Eucalyptus in big amount.
(g) In visited 3 provenance! Liche and tea were planted everywhere. This may excess
production in the region and it would lead to unbalance in local market.
(h) Being planting forest species and agricultural crops! and livestock breeding on the
allocated land. This becomes family work which generate their income. Integrated
farming was done by supporting of loans and incentives. The supporting of incentives
found to be attractive for farmers in the beginning of project activities.
7. Conclusion
Agroforestry system is not only supporting the income generation of the rural people but also
conserving the environment and microclimate. Community forestry is found as a mechanism for
the development of forestry sector. Though the information! technology and experiences
exchange! the strength and weakness in forest management could be further implemented by
better ways.