Client:
COFORD (National Council For Forestry Research & Development)

Project Type:
Farmer survey and desk study.

Project Title:
'Factors influencing Farmer Participation in Forestry' (Co-authored with Pat Collier and Jim Dorgan)

Overview:
This study was undertaken to identify the factors that influence farmers to plant trees and the constraints that hinder such forestry development.

The study included a review of forest policy and the rate of afforestation and previous studies. It also included a survey of farmers to ascertain their attitude to forestry and their intention to plant in the near future. Other areas looked at were the socio-economic factors of farmers and the area of the promotion of forestry.

Result:
Paul reviewed the environmental constraints that impact on the establishment of new forest plantations. This work involved a review of all environment legislation and regulation relevant to forest development. It also involved talking to all stakeholders involved in forest development (i.e. regulators, advisors, forest contractors, industry associations and farmers). As a result of the review a number of constraints were identified.