Social equity and livelihood implications of REDD+ in rural communities - A case study from Nepal

M Poudel; R Thwaites; Digby Race; G R Dahal

doi:10.18352/ijc.444

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Social equity and livelihood implications of REDD+ in rural communities - A case study from Nepal

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Social equity and livelihood implications of REDD+ in rural communities - A case study from Nepal

M Poudel, R Thwaites, Digby Race and G R Dahal

International Journal of the Commons, Vol.9(1), pp.177-208

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18352/ijc.444

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Abstract

community forestry

livelihoods

multiple outcomes

poverty and equity

REDD+

Despite growing international consensus that the use of the policy instrument REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries) could be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions from the forestry sector and support bio-diversity with livelihood benefits, there are a range of unresolved issues, including potential implications for rural livelihoods. This paper presents results from recent research that examines social equity and livelihood implications of the piloting of REDD+ through Nepal's community forestry system, within selected villages in the Gorkha district of Nepal. The research reveals the varying experiences of households, closely correlated to the socio-economic attributes of the households. Despite the 'no harm and equitable' policy, this research indicates that not everyone is experiencing the anticipated benefits of REDD+. Although poorer, women-headed and marginalized households are targeted in some ways (e.g. seed grants), the support is limited, and inadequately compensates the loss they have experienced in other ways (e.g. limited access to forests). Households bundling by caste may not necessarily address equity, but is likely to increase intra-caste marginalization. © 2015, Igitur, Utrecht Publishing and Archiving Services. All rights reserved.

Details

Title: Social equity and livelihood implications of REDD+ in rural communities - A case study from Nepal
Authors: M Poudel (Author) - Charles Sturt University
R Thwaites (Author) - Charles Sturt University
Digby Race (Author) - Australian National University
G R Dahal (Author) - Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), United States
Publication details: International Journal of the Commons, Vol.9(1), pp.177-208
Publisher: Utrecht Publishing and Archiving Services
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.18352/ijc.444
ISSN: 1875-0281
Copyright note: Copyright © 2015 The Author. Content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Organisation Unit: Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451260202621
Output Type: Journal article