IFRI form

Sample indicators from repeated site visits

1. Forest form

1. Changes in forest area.
2. Changes in the species list.
3. Alterations in the institutional rules and arrangements that govern use of and access to the forest; specifically, types of penalties, types of fines, and use of fines.

2. Forest plot form

1. Plant species list for each sample plot.
2. Number and types of trees, shrubs, and saplings within each plot.
3. Diameter breast height of trees, shrubs, and saplings.
4. Soil types and changes in soil condition (e.g., soil erosion).
5. Indications of forest disturbance.

3. Settlement form

1. Changes in population density.
2. Changes in settlement’s economic status.
3. Changes in the number of households located near the forest.
4. Changes in the availability of close substitutes for forest products.
5. Development of local organizations with mandates to manage and govern use of and access to the forest.

4. User group form

1. Changes in the nature and composition of the user group(s), including the changes in the number of groups.
2. Increasing forest improvement activities by the user groups.

5. Forest user group relationship form

1. Changes in the distance between the user group and where in the forest products are harvested.
2. Changes in the items harvested and the amount of products harvested.
3. Development of other sources of forest products.
4. Increase in the percentage of user group needs met by the forest.
5. Improvements in the forest condition as ranked by the user group(s).
6. Improvements in members’ attitudes to conservation.
7. Improved resolution of conflicts within or between user group(s).

6. Forest products form

1. Changes in the items and quantities of products harvested.
2. Changes in the end use of products.
3. Changes in the quantities and prices of products sold.
4. Improvements in the quantities available for subsistence.
5. Increased availability of products.
6. Changes in the cost of close forest product substitutes.
7. Changes in the methods and tools used for harvesting.
8. Changes in the development and enforcement of sets of rules and penalties regarding forest use.

7. Forest association form

1. Changes in nature and composition of forest association.
2. Increase in association’s forest improvement activities.
3. Changes in association’s rules and their enforcement.
4. Alterations in the nature, composition, and authority of the association’s executive.
5. Increased commitment to the association.
6. Changes in composition of staff and officials and the nature of their duties.
7. Changes in amount and source of finances.
8. Changes in association’s objectives.
9. Improved mechanisms for resolving internal conflicts.

8. Non-harvesting organization form

1. Changes in number, nature, and composition of organization(s) involved in forest governance.
2. Changes in organizations’ activities.
3. Increased/decreased conflicts between governance organizations and user groups.
4. Improved level of organizations’ commitment to forest(s) and user group(s).
5. Changes in amount, source, and expenditure of finances.

9. Organizational inventory and inter-organizational arrangements form

1. Changes in organizations’ activities.
2. Changes in relationships between organizations.
3. Improved conflict-resolution mechanisms.

10. Site overview form

1. Changes in basic site parameters.
2. Changes in external policies affecting site.
3. Unusual field conditions at time of field visit .