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Contract NGOs in Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines

Abstract Qualitative research methods were used to assess the effectiveness of contract non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines at providing services, using participatory methods, and building the capacity of community-based forest management (CBFM) groups. The analysis is based on data from four CBFM sites in the Philippines. The findings suggest that contract NGOs have varying degrees of effectiveness at delivering services, using and encouraging participatory methods, and helping build the capacity of CBFM groups. Because the CBFM program was new, it focused on relatively more straightforward technical and planning functions. The high number and technical difficulty of deliverables, coupled with lack of experience in resource management on the part of some contract NGOs, may have contributed to relatively lower performance in service delivery activities. Contract NGOs performed better in the area of participatory methods, reflecting their experience in grassroots and community development. Capacity-building performance was as expected, relative to the participatory and service-delivery categories. Capacity building activities require long-term commitment and unique sets of skills, and are therefore challenging for the NGOs to implement. More attention to designing feasible and effective contracts is needed. Because CBFM is a long-term strategy, we recommend greater levels of support to help groups develop collective interests in forest resource management and build the capacity to satisfy programmatic requirements.