Policy Brief: Post-CFR Recognition Policy Support

How can the recognition of CFR rights translate into positive and equitable livelihood and conservation outcomes? Much will clearly depend upon the collective decision-making processes adopted at the local level and the policy support provided post-recognition. Hence a study was conducted in six villages in eastern Maharashtra with CFR rights to understand whether and under what conditions CFR management can realize its transformative potential, i.e.,
1. enhance livelihoods equitably,
2. conserve/regenerate forests and
3. empower communities
The study used a combination of ecological (one-hectare plot and transect-plots method) and socioeconomic (interviews, household surveys and focused group discussions) methods to understand the post-CFR rights recognition forest status, the post-CFR processes, CFR-related interventions, and its contribution to livelihoods. We consciously chose villages that were supported continuously by civil society organizations (CSOs), so as to explore the best-case scenarios.