This one-day seminar focused on forests and off-farm areas that constitute vital resources for the food security and livelihoods of the rural poor in many developing countries. These lands are often used in integrated ways by local communities under communal customary arrangements while often formally owned by the state. Unclear land rights make these resources and associated livelihoods particularly vulnerable in the current context of increased demand for land, and this needs to be better recognized in and articulated in discussions on land rights and responsible investments.

The seminar examined these issues by bringing together representatives from the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), SIDA, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector. The event contributed to knowledge sharing around forests and community land rights and discussed ways forward and concrete actions that different actors can play to advance those rights.

For more information, contact Kristina Fermskog at [email protected] or visit the Siani website. 

Organized by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), the Land Rights Research Initiative (LARRI) and the “Forests and Landscapes and Food Security Theme”, a collaboration between the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI) and the Forest, Climate and Livelihood Research Network (Focali).

Agenda

Presentations:

Global forest and community tenure challenges – Ms. Jenny Springer, Director of Global Programs, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI)

Tenure trends and pressures on forest communities in Cameroon – Mr. Samuel Nguiffo, Secretary General, Centre for Environment and Development (CED)

Priorities and strategic initiatives for securing forest and community land rights – Mr. Andy White, Coordinator, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI)