REPORT 1: Community Forestry and Institutional Component

Sri Lanka Community Forestry Program MID TERM REVIEW

Report on the Community Forestry and Institutional Component

Prepared by

Herath M Bandaratillake

(Community Forestry and Institutional Specialist)

28 September 2014

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page i

Initiative Name Community Forestry Program Aid Works initiative number Commencement date 27 th August 2014 Completion date 18 th September 2014 Total Australian $ A$ 4.97 million Total other $ SL Rs. 80 million (A$ 0.70 million) Delivery United Nations Development Programme organisation Implementing Forest Department, Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy Partner Country/Region Sri Lanka Primary Sector Forestry

Acknowledgements The author of the report would like to extend his sincere appreciation to Mr. Anura Sathurusinghe, Conservator General of Forests, Mr. Lal Abeygunasekara, Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry and Extension), Mr. Ramitha Wijethunga, UNDP, Mr. Dunstan Fernando, Australian High Commission for providing assistance and support throughout the review.

About the Author Mr. H.M.Bandaratillake was the Community Forestry and Institutional Specialist and Deputy Team Leader of the Mid Term Review (contact: [email protected] ). He has had a long career in the Sri Lankan forestry sector and was formerly Conservator General of Forests, and Director of the Forest Resources Management Project (FRMP) funded by the ADB. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the institutional and technical challenges facing the implementation of community forestry programs. He was involved as the National Consultant for the Feasibility Assessment of the Sri Lanka Community Forestry Program in 2010.

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Table of Contents

Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... iii Executive Summary ...... 1 1. Background ...... 4 2. Introduction ...... 4 3. Evaluation Purpose and Questions ...... 5 4. Methodology ...... 5 5. Evaluation Findings ...... 6 5.1 Component 1 - Field Activities ...... 6 5.2 Component 2 - Institutional Support for the Forest Department ...... 7 6 Assessment of Performance...... 9 7. Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 11 7.1 General Conclusion ...... 11 7.2 Recommendations ...... 11 Appendices ...... 13 Appendix I - Attendance of the meetings with MTR mission Appendix II - Community Forestry Sites established under the CFP up to 2014 Appendix III - Distribution of 2010 & 2011 CF sites within the country Appendix IV - Local Training Programs conducted under CFP in 2013 and 2014 Appendix V - Procurements Completed by UNDP in 2012/13 and 2014 under CFP Appendix VI - Indicators to be included in the Quarterly/Six Monthly & Annual Progress Reports of the SLCFP

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page iii Acronyms and Abbreviations

BFO Beat Forest Officer CBO Community Based Organisation CF Conservator of Forests CFM Community Forest Management CFMP Community Forest Management Plan CGF Conservator General of Forests DFO Divisional Forest Officer DS Divisional Secretary FD Forest Department FEO Forest Extension Officer FFA Forest Field Assistant GN Grama Niladari GoA Government of Australia GoSL Government of Sri Lanka ICR Independent Completion Report M&E Monitoring & Evaluation MTR Mid Term Review NPSC National Program Steering Committee PCU Program Coordination Unit PDD Program Design Document PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal PSM Program Supervisory Mission RDCF Regional Deputy Conservator of Forests RFO Range Forest Officer Rs. Sri Lankan Rupees SHG Self Help Groups SLANRMP Sri Lanka-Australia Natural Resource Management Project SLCFP Sri Lanka Community Forestry Program SLFI Sri Lanka Forestry Institute TA Technical Assistance TOR Terms of Reference TOT Training of Trainers UNDP United Nations Development Programme

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page iv Executive Summary Background and Introduction The second phase of the Australian assisted Community Forest Management effort in Sri Lanka is the current Sri Lanka Community Forestry Programme (SLCFP) scheduled to be implemented during the period from 2012 ‐2016. The implementation of the field programme of the SLCFP was commenced in September 2012. The Goal of the programme is to: Improve the management of natural resources to support livelihoods and contribute to poverty reduction in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. The SLCFP consists of following two components: (1) Field Activities: To reduce deforestation and forest degradation by involving communities in forest management; (2) Institutional Support: To build the capacity of the Forest Department so community forestry approaches can be implemented nationally. There are five (05) Outputs under each Component Evaluation Criteria Ratings Evaluation Criteria Rating (1-6) Explanation Effectiveness 5 Forestry interventions such as, Establishment of Agro forestry woodlots, Enrichment planting, Buffer zone planting, Fire control, nursery program and Home garden development are effective methods to improve livelihoods of local communities. These activities are progressing well and geared to help reduce deforestation and forest degradation, support livelihoods and contribute to reduce poverty of the communities involved in the program. Efficiency 3 The management arrangements need to be improved to resolve following: Field staff vacancies at district level need to be resolved; Tamil speaking FEOs need to be posted in North and East districts; Awareness and extension material should be made available in Sinhala and Tamil languages; Funding need to be provided for 2010 & 2011 sites beyond 2013; M&E system of FD should be improved to capture impacts Gender equality 3 The gender equality issues are not adequately addressed by the project at present. This data is not sufficiently reported in relation to the forestry program. This aspect needs improvement in the future. Community Acceptance 4 The Community Forestry concept has been well accepted by the local communities. The SLCFP is supporting household livelihoods by improving the utilization and integration of forestry and agricultural resources, as well as supporting other income-generating activities. By this approach local people are empowered to identify their socio-economic and forest protection problems and manage them to meet the objectives of livelihood development. Among the forestry activities, agro forestry program is one of Sustainability 5 the most successful activities in all parts of the country. Considerable income is generated through cash crops during the early stages, and finally the main tree crop provides an enormous income to farmers. This program is very attractive to communities and they are very keen in protection and management of their woodlots. Sustainability of the program is ensured primarily due to generation of enormous livelihood support to communities.

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 1 - Evaluation Criteria Rating (1-6) Explanation Monitoring and 2 The current Monitoring and Evaluation system of the CFP Evaluation does not adequately capture impacts of project activities. The data on impacts of project activities are not properly recorded and reported in progress reports. This is a serious shortcoming and needs urgent attention to improve the M&E system.

Rating scale Satisfactory Less than satisfactory 6 Very high quality 3 Less than adequate quality 5 Good quality 2 Poor quality 4 Adequate quality 1 Very poor quality

Recommendations 1. Gazetting Regulations for amended Forest Ordinance has shown a slow progress up to now. Although, this delay is not a barrier for implementation of the community forestry programme this need to be expedited soon. 2. There is a serious shortage of Tamil speaking staff in North & East districts. Hence, there is an urgent need for recruitment of Tamil speaking Forest Extension Officers (FEOs) to these areas. A suitable arrangement need to be made to resolve this Tamil speaking staff problem for North & East districts. 3. There is large number of field staff vacancies in most of the districts where the CFP is implemented. The field staff vacancies need to be filled in order to ensure smooth implementation of the CFP Island wide. 4. Public awareness and extension material on the CFP highlighting the community involvement and benefits to the local communities need to be prepared in Tamil and Sinhala languages for the use of communities. 5. The current Monitoring and Evaluation system of the SLCFP adopted by the Forest Department does not capture impacts of the project activities. This is a serious shortcoming in the present M&E system of the project and needs urgent attention to take remedial action. 6. According to the PDD, the funding support from the CF program is provided only for one (01) year (2013) for 2010 sites, and two (02) years (2013 & 2014) for 2011 sites. Since CFP activities in all these sites were commenced in 2013, funding is required to continue the activities beyond 2013 (for 2010 sites) and 2014 (for 2011 sites). In order to resolve this issue, funding need to be provided for 11 CF sites based on the report submitted by UNDP and Community Forestry Specialist.

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1. Background The Government of Australia has extended its support for the community forest management in Sri Lanka since 2003. The first Australian assisted Community Forest Management effort was the “Sri Lanka Australia Natural Resources Management Programme (2003 ‐2009) implemented with a goal of contributing to poverty reduction through improved natural resource management (NRM) in the dry zone (later expanded to include the intermediate zone) of Sri Lanka. The programme also contributed for building the capacity of the Forest Department (FD), community organisations and other involved agencies to implement the processes. The second phase of this programme is the current Sri Lanka Community Forestry Programme – SLCFP (2012 ‐2016). 2. Introduction The Sri Lanka Community Forestry Program (SLCFP) was designed and implementation arrangements were finalized during 2010 to 2011. The implementation of the field programme was commenced in September 2012. The programme duration is 4 years commencing from 2012. The Goal of the programme is to : Improve the management of natural resources to support livelihoods and contribute to poverty reduction in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. The SLCFP consists of following two components: (1) Field Activities: To reduce deforestation and forest degradation by involving communities in forest management; (2) Institutional Support: To build the capacity of the Forest Department so community forestry approaches can be implemented nationally. There are five (05) Outputs under each Component 1. The outputs under Component 1 are: Output 1.1: Suitable program sites identified; output 1.2: Community groups formed and capacity enhanced; output 1.3: Community Forest Management Plans (CFMP) prepared; output 1.4: CFMPs implemented, and output 1.5: Home garden development program implemented. The outputs under component 2 are: Output 2.1: Regulations for amended Forest Ordinance developed and implemented: Output 2.2: Forest Department (FD) field staff trained in community forestry approaches; Output 2.3: Institutional strength to implement community forestry management improved; Output 2.4: Field level capacity of the Forest Department enhanced in technical areas that will contribute to the program goal, and Output 2.5: M&E of community forestry activities undertaken on a regular basis The main implementing agency of the SLCFP is the Forest Department. The responsibility of the UNDP (Sri Lanka) is to assist the Forest Department to implement the program through timely disbursing funds, procuring goods and services, facilitating external monitoring and evaluations and undertaking quality assurance of activities implemented under the program. According to the Program Design Document (PDD), SLCFP aims to establish 167 community forestry sites in 15 administrative districts 1. The Program is expected to increase forest cover over 23,000 hectares and involve 90,000 participants. However, the Forest Department has extended the community forestry programme to additional 3 districts in conflict affected areas, namely Mannar and Mullaittivu, and Kilinochchi which makes total number of districts 18. The total number of CF sites established up to 2014 is 147 in 18 districts. The total number of Community Forestry Sites (CFS) established up to 2014 is 147 in 18 districts. 3. Evaluation Purpose and Questions The objectives of this Mid Term Evaluation are to: • Assess the performance of CFP against the program objectives in accordance with the evaluation criteria and questions specified in this TOR. • Assess the impacts, effectiveness and community acceptance of the CF concept, • Assess accountability for expenditure of Australian public funds on CFP activities.

1 Table 2 of the Program Design Document (PDD) – Page 30

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 3 - • Assess the possible avenues to promote and sustain required policy changes towards community managed forests in Sri Lanka, and • Assess the systems and plans developed for CFP implementation and phasing out of external assistance. The main focus of the Forestry and Institutional sector report is assessment of performance against the stated objectives; assess the impacts, effectiveness and community acceptance and assess the systems and plans developed for CFP implementation. 4. Methodology The methodology adopted to conduct the Mid Term Review of the SLCFP included the following steps; a) A desk review of literature related to the SLCFP - b) Discussions with Australian Aid, UNDP, Conservator General of Forests (CGF), Additional CGF and Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry & Extension). c) Interviews and consultative meetings with Forest Department officers in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, , Ampara, Monaragala and districts (Please refer to Appendix I). d) Field visits to 06 Community Forestry sites in above districts and discussions with members of the Community Based Organizations (CBOs). ( Appendix I ) e) Report writing and submission of the report to the Team Leader. The Mid Term Review was commenced on 27 th August 2014. The field visits were conducted from 28 th August to 3 rd September 2014 (07 days). The table 1 shows the Districts, Forest ranges and CF sites visited during the field visit. The report writing was undertaken from 4 th to 8 th September and wrap meeting to present the Aide Memoire was held in on 10 th September 2014 during which the Team Leader of the MTR presented the Aide Memoire to the meeting. The Mission is expected to submit the final report to DFAT, UNDP and FD on 28 th October 2014. Table 1: Districts, Forest ranges and CF sites visited during the field visit No District Forest Range CF sites visited 1. Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Mahakirindegama 2. Anuradhapura Kekirawa Rathmalkanda 3. Polonnaruwa Habarana Erigeoya 4. Batticaloa Valachenai Koolavadi 5. Ampara Mahaoya Kokagala 6. Monaragala Bibila Dummalahela 7. Badulla No site visit No site visit A series of meetings were held with Regional Deputy Conservator of Forests (RDCFs), Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and other FD staff attached to 06 districts. In addition, four consultants had separate discussions with small groups of FD staff related their subject areas. During the site visits 06 CFP sites were visited and discussions including relevant data gatherings were held with CBO members. Further, four consultants had separate discussions with small groups CBO members related their subject areas. General observations made in almost all the project sites were the acceptability of the program by community members and their agreement with goals and objectives of the CFP. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been formed in all the CFP sites, their registered with the Divisional Secretary office of the relevant area, office bearers have been appointed, regular monthly meetings are conducted, Community Forest Management Plans (CFMP) prepared and implemented. 5. Evaluation Findings Although it was scheduled to commence in January 2012, Implementation of the field programme was commenced in September 2012. 4.1 Component 1 - Field Activities: The cumulative (old and new) target for Community Forestry and Home Garden Development Sites for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 is 103 in 15 districts as given in the PDD 2. Against this target, a total of 107 sites have been established by the FD in 17 districts up to 2013.

2 Program Design Document (PDD)

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 4 - These additional 4 sites were identified in 2013 from conflict affected areas namely Mannar and Mullaittivu districts. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been formed, Social Mobilization carried out, Community Forest Management Plans (CFMPs) prepared and implemented in all 107 CFP sites. In addition, a home garden development program has been carried out in all the 107 sites. Further, 40 CFP sites have been established for the 2014 program which includes one new district from the conflict affected areas namely Kilinochchi. ( Appendix II for details) Accordingly, at present (September 2014) a total of 147 CF sites have been established in 18 districts. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been formed in all 147 sites on one per site basis. Total membership of 147 CBOs is 5,621, including 469 female office bearers (37%) and male office bearers (63%). Implementation of CFMPs in 2014 CFP sites are in progress at present, and planting activities in these areas have been scheduled for November 2014. The number of CFP sites commenced from 2010 to 2014 for which funding has been provided from SLCFP is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: A summary of CFP sites funded by SLCFP

Seventeen (17) CF sites developed during 2010 and 2011 with FD funding have been included for implementation under the current program. But, the funding support from the current program is provided only for one year (2013) for 2010 sites, and two years (2013 & 2014) for 2011 sites. Therefore, funding is not available beyond 2013 for 14 CF sites commenced in 2010, and funding is not available beyond 2014 for 03 sites commenced in 2011 (See Appendix III foe details). Forestry activities in CFMPs include the following; • Establishment of agro forestry woodlots; • Enrichment planting in areas of existing forest; • Planting of trees in buffer zones; • Support to improve home gardens; • Construction of fire belts and live fences; The forestry activities carried out in 2013 and 2014 are given in table 3. The total area planted in 2013 and planned for 2014 would be 1,397 ha in all CFP sites. Anticipated total number of beneficiaries for 2014 program would be 6.116 families. Table 3: Summary of Forestry Activities carried out in 2013 and 2014 Activity 2013 2014 ® Total 1. Farmers Woodlots (ha) 322 212 534 2. Enrichment Planting (ha) 345 253 598 3. Buffer zone Planting (ha) 159 106 265 4. Total area Planted (ha) 826 571 1,397 5. Fire lines (km) 30.8 4 34.8 6. No of home gardens supported 4,616 925 5,541 7. No of Tree Management Programs 134 40 174

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 5 - 8. No of Plants distributed 184,640 In progress 184,640* 9. Total number of beneficiaries NA 6,116 6,116 # # - 2014 Only * - 2013 Only ® - Planned NA – Not Available Source: Forest Department, August 2014 4.2 Component 2 - Institutional Support for the Forest Department: 4.2.1 Regulations for amended Forest Ordinance: The original target in the M&E Framework of the PDD for this activity is that the regulations to be approved by end of 2010 and publicised and disseminated by the end of 2011. This target was revised at the wrap up meeting of the First Program Supervisory Mission fielded from 11-18 June 2013. Accordingly, the revised new target for gazetting the regulations is mid 2014. However, this activity still shows a slow progress. The approval of the Attorney General (AG) needs to be obtained prior to submitting the regulations to the Parliament for final approval. Although this delay is not a barrier for implementation of the community forestry programme, the MTR recommends that the FD pursue this matter and expedite the gazetting of regulations. 4.2.2 Training: The training program includes two components, local training and overseas training. The planned local training component for 2013 and 2014 comprised forty-five (45) training programmes for forest officers. All the planned training has been conducted in 2013 which was eleven (11) programs for 284 participants. In 2014, thirteen (13) training programmes have been completed up to August 2014 and this includes 220 participants (See Appendix IV for details). (Participants for these training comprised all categories of field officers of FD (ie, DFO, RFO, EO, BFO, and FFA). Overseas training program for 2013 and 2014 had been 04 and 07 respectively. These programs are given below; • Participatory project planning, monitoring and evaluation (2013) - AIT in Thailand; Conservator of Forests and 05 DFOs participated in this training. • Three (03) Study tours on Community Forestry Management (2013) – OUT REACH, India: Thirty nine (39) participants of all field staff categories (ie, DFO, RFO, RO, BFO, EO, FA) • Two (02) study tours on Community Forestry (2014) - OUT REACH, India: Three (03) Conservator of Forests and five (05) DFOs participated in these programs. • Five (05) training courses on Community Forestry (2014) - OUT REACH, India: Twenty five (25) participants of RFO, BFO, EO AND FA categories participated in these programs. 4.2.3 Preparation of Training and Extension materials: Number of training Modules prepared by SLANRMP have been updated and reprinted in Sinhala and English languages 2013 and 2014. Total of 15,000 books in Sinhala and 3,200 books in English have been printed. Following are the books printed 3; • Operational Guidelines for Community Forestry Management -1000 books in Sinhala • Guidelines for micro Enterprise Facilitation - 1000 books in Sinhala • TOT Module –Introduction &1-6 - 4000 books in Sinhala & 1000 books in English • Natural resources management -Participatory tools- Books 1-5: 1,000 books in Sinhala & 1,000 books in English • Natural resources management -Participatory tools- Book 1-5: 1,000 books in English & 5,000 books in Sinhala • Manual on production presentation & training evaluation: 200 books in English • Training of Trainers Guidance Module Book: 1,000 books in Sinhala • “Skill Development Collaboration” Book: - Module 1: 1,000 books in Sinhala • “Course Development, Planning & Methods of Training Skills” - Module 5: 1,000 books in Sinhala

3 Source: FD & UNDP

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 6 - Translation to Tamil languages: A retired FD officer has been contracted by UNDP for translation of extension material to Tamil language. The training material identified for reprinting and translation to Tamil language includes CFMP guidelines, Modules of TOT and Micro finance & Micro enterprise development guidelines. Most of this work has been completed at present. No extension material has been developed by the CFP for the local communities. These extension materials (pamphlets and brochures etc) need to be developed in Sinhala & Tamil languages as an urgent requirement. 4.2.4 Procurements The procurements completed by UNDP for the CFP during 2012/2013 and 2014 include Motor bikes, Scooters (for lady Forest Extension Officers attached to CFP), Computers & accessories, GPS, Tapes (30 m), DBH Tapes (10 m), Clinometers, Multimedia Projectors etc. In addition, orders have been placed to procure 3 four-wheel drive vehicles and these vehicles are expected in November 2014. The table 4 shows the key procurements done in 2013 and 2014 by UNDP. The total expenditure for procurements completed by UNDP in 2013 and 2014 (up to August 2014) is Rs.33.415 million (USD 264,469). The detail UNDP procurement list is provided in Appendix V 4. Table 4: The key procurements completed under CFP in 2012/13 and 2014 Item 2012/13 2014 Total 1. Desktop Computers 35 04 39 2. Laptop Computers 01 01 02 3. GPS 75 25 100 4. Tapes (30 m) 100 - 100 5. DBH Tapes (10 m) 100 - 100 6. Clinometers - 50 50 7. Multimedia Projectors 01 - 01 8. Motor bikes 45 95 140 9. Scooters - 10 10 Source: FD

In addition to procurements done by UNDP, DFOs have procured some equipments using CFP funds under the allocations provided by the head office of the FD. Information on these procurements is given in table 5.

Table 5: The equipments purchased by DFOs under CFP funds Item 2013 2014 Total 1. Desktop Computers - 05 05 2. Laptop Computers 03 01 04 3. Photocopy machines 05 01 06 4. Printers 12 04 16 5. Multimedia Projectors 04 - 04 6. Cameras 08 - 08 7. Fax machines 09 04 13 8. Scanners 02 - 02 9. Other equipments# 631 130 761 # - Other equipments include mainly furniture and minor office items such as calculators, power codes etc. Source: FD

4.2.5 Technical Assistance During 2012/13 UNDP has contracted following technical assistance for the SLCFP. 1. Programme Officer 2. Project Associate 3. Community Forestry Specialist

4 Source: UNDP

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 7 - 4. Trainer 5. Tamil Translator 6. Conducting Gender and Social Inclusion study 7. Conducting Alternative livelihoods study Advertisements have been published to recruit three other consultants namely a Sociologist, Gender Specialist and Livelihood Development Specialist. These recruitments are expected during October 2014. 6. Assessment of Performance 5.1 Effectiveness (achieving stated objectives): The effectiveness of the program in terms of forestry interventions such as Preparation of Management plans, Establishment of Farmers Woodlots, Enrichment Planting, Buffer zone planting, Fire control, nursery program and Home garden development are satisfactory. As described in section 4.1 these activities are progressing well and they are geared to move towards achieving the project goal and objectives, ie, Reduce deforestation and forest degradation, support livelihoods and contribute to reduce poverty of the communities involved in the program. Furthermore, indicators have been developed to measure the achievements towards meeting the project objectives (Appendix VI). However, present M&E framework adapted by FD does not capture impacts of project activities. The impact of the project activities towards meeting the project objective can be properly evaluated after revising the M&E system of the program. 5.2 Efficiency ( efficiency of management) : The mission did not observe any serious problems related to management. However some important concerns related to deployment of human resources have been noted, ie, (a) Field staff vacancies at district level, this problem was observed in most of the districts in the country; (b) Lack of Tamil speaking field officers in North and East districts, especially the shortage of Forestry Extension Officers create a serious problem for working with local communities in districts such as Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi; (c) Non availability of awareness and extension material in Sinhala and Tamil languages; (c) Non availability of funding for 2010 & 2011 sites beyond 2013; (d) Need to improve M&E system to capture impacts of project activities. However, in spite of these issues, the FD staff at each district, range and beat has shown a satisfactory commitment to reach the CFP objectives and targets. There are some energetic staff members who’s commitment on project work has contributed enormously on the progress of the project. 5.3 Gender Equality: The gender equality issues are not adequately identified and effectively addressed by the project at present. This data is not adequately reported in relation to the forestry program. This aspect needs improvement in the future. 5.4 Community Acceptance: The Community Forestry concept ‘contributing to livelihood development through improved forest management’ has been well accepted by the local communities. The SLCFP is supporting household livelihoods by improving the utilization and integration of forestry and agricultural resources, as well as supporting other income-generating activities. This community forestry approach aim to ensure that local people are empowered to identify their socio-economic and forest protection and management problems, prioritize them, prepare management plans to strengthen forest protection and to improve forest management, meet the objectives of livelihood development while sharing benefits. 5.5 Sustainability: Sustainability of forestry activities will depend on strengthening community organisations and diversifying income sources from forestry activities. Among the forestry activities, Agro forestry program is an ideal effort of this purpose. The Agro forestry program is successful in almost all CFP sites. The land is provided to farmers on long-term lease basis for a period of 30 years. Considerable income from cash crops cultivated by farmers is generated during the first 4-5 years. The medium term income is received through pre-commercial and commercial thinning operations. The final income is received after harvesting the main tree crop at the age of 30 years, and 80% of this income goes to the farmer. This program is very attractive to communities and they are very keen in protection and management of their woodlots. Sustainability of the program through this component is ensured due to generation of enormous livelihood support to communities.

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 8 - 5.6 Monitoring and Evaluation: It was observed that the current Monitoring and Evaluation system of the SLCFP adopted by the Forest Department does not capture impacts of the project activities. The reporting system includes only physical progress achieved against the Annual Action Plan of the FD. The data on impacts of the project activities are not properly recorded and reported by RFO, DFO levels, thus these aspects are not appearing in the progress reports prepared by the Head Office of the FD. This is a serious shortcoming in the present M&E system of the project and needs urgent attention to take remedial action. 7. Conclusion and Recommendations 7.1 General Conclusion: The community forestry programme is on the correct path and the community forestry concept has been well accepted by the local communities and the Forest Department officers. Most of the community members are very enthusiastic about the programme; they have a good understanding about the CFP, and its objectives. The program supports household livelihoods by improving the utilization and integration of forestry and agricultural resources, as well as supporting other income-generating activities. Local people have been empowered by the program to identify their socio-economic and forest protection problems and priorities them, prepare management plans; implement the plan while sharing benefits. 7.2 Recommendations: a) Gazetting Regulations for amended Forest Ordinance has shown a slow progress up to now. The revised target for completing this activity is mid 2014. Approval of the Attorney General needs to be obtained prior to submitting the regulations to the Parliament for final approval. Although, this delay is not a barrier for implementation of the community forestry programme this need to be expedited soon. b) There is a serious shortage of Tamil speaking staff in districts such as Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mullaittivu, Vavunia, Mannar and Kilinochchi. The majority of communities in these districts are Tamil speaking and they do not understand any other language. Hence, there is an urgent need for recruitment of Tamil speaking Forest Extension Officers (FEOs) to these areas. This matter has been brought up at the Second Program Supervisory Mission (PSM) held in November 2013 as well. A suitable arrangement needsto be made to resolve this Tamil speaking staff problem in above districts. c) There is large number of field staff vacancies in most of the districts where the CFP is implemented (Example: Batticaloa district-vacancies: BFO-10, EO-01, FA-21; - vacancies: BFO-10, FA-02). According to DFOs it is difficult to implement the CFP activities efficiently due to the staff shortage. Hence the field staff vacancies need to be filled in order to ensure smooth implementation of the program. d) No public awareness and extension material has been developed by the CFP for the local communities. Pamphlets and brochures on the Community Forestry programme highlighting the community involvement and benefits to the local communities from CFP need to be prepared in Tamil language for distribution among the Tamil speaking communities. It is also useful to have these materials in Sinhala language for distribution in other districts. e) The current Monitoring and Evaluation system of the SLCFP adopted by the Forest Department does not capture impacts of the project activities. The reporting system includes only physical progress achieved against the Annual Action Plan. The data on impacts of the project activities are not properly recorded and reported by field levels. Thus, these information are not appearing in the reports prepared by the Head Office of the FD. This is a serious shortcoming in the present M&E system of the project and needs urgent attention to take remedial action. f) The total number of 2010 & 2011 CF sites includes 17 sites located in 05 districts. This includes 14 of 2010 sites, and 03 of 2011 sites. According to the PDD, the funding support from the CF program is provided only for one (01) year (2013) for 2010 sites, and two (02) years (2013 & 2014) for 2011 sites. . Since CFP activities in all these sites were commenced in 2013, funding is required to continue the activities beyond 2013 (for 2010 sites) and 2014 (for 2011 sites). In

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 9 - order to resolve this issue, funding need to be provided for 11 CF sites based on the report submitted by UNDP and Community Forestry Specialist.

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 10 -

Appendix I Attendance of the meetings with MTR mission FD officers and Community Members Anuradhapura District No Name Designation Service Station 1. H.W.K. Jayathilaka RDCF Anuradhapura 2. Ajith Padmakumara ADFO Anuradhapura 3. L.G.Siriwardana ADFO Anuradhapura 4. K.H.U.Priyadarsha ADFO Anuradhapura 5. H.M.J.U.Herath RFO Kabithigollawa 6. A.P.B.Kiridigoda RFO Anuradhapura 7. G.H.N.Rajasiri RFO Kekirawa 8. Namalee Ranathunga FEO Anuradhapura 9. R.G.S.Pushpalal FEO Kekirawa 10. B.S.P.Balasooriya FEO Kekirawa 11. P.M.K.U.K.Herath FEO Thambuttegama CBO members participated at Mahakirindegama CF site - 32 CBO members participated at Rathmalkanda CF site - 41

Polonnaruwa District No Name Designation Service Station 1. H G Wasantha DFO Polonnaruwa 2. A J Mahendra Bandara Ass.DFO Polonnaruwa 3. D M S P Disanayaka RFO Dimbulagala 4. R M K R Ilukkumbura RFO Habarana 5. A A S C Ranaweera RFO Polonnaruwa 6. R A C D Ranasingha ARFO Polonnaruwa 7. S M Wijesekara BFO Minneriya 8. K M J Susil Kantha BFO Manampitiya 9. K G S Danapala BFO Lankapura 10. R S Liyanage BFO Elahera 11. H M T Damayanthi FEO Dimbulagala 12. W M H G Wikramasingha FEO Dimbulagala 13. W S Amarajeewa FEO Habarana 14. L M U S Jayathunga FEO Habarana 15. G G M S Pushpa Kumara FEO Polonnaruwa 16. D M A K Disanayaka FEO Polonnaruwa 17. K M Renuka Priyadarshanee FEO Dimbulagala 18. H R P Jayarathna FFA Manampitiya 19. W M Nalaka Karunarathna FFA Dimbulagala 20. R M S K Rathnayaka FFA Lankapura 21. A P Ariyawansha FFA Medirigiriya CBO members participated at Erigeoya CF site - 38

Batticaloa District No Name Designation Service Station 1. D.P.Prasad DFO Batticaloa 2. M.A.L.Hakeem RFO Pullumalai 3. W.Ramgith BFO Pulukunawa 4. A.P.Harinder BFO Vahanery 5. K.Ganeshemoorthy RFO Batticaloa 6. T.Thevadasan FFA Thoppigala

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 11 - 7. S.A.S.Karunarathne FEO Batticaloa 8. G.Ramachandren BFO Thoppigala 9. R.A.S.S.Ranasinghe BFO Batticaloa 10. N.Nadeshon RFO Valachchenai 11. S.Sathasivam FEO Pullumalai 12. Y.L.M.Faiz FFA Pulukunawa 13. M.K.Leenanda BFO Pullumali 14. N.Selvanayagam ARFO Valachchenai CBO members participated at Koolavedy CF site - 35

Ampara District No Name Designation Service Station 1. A.R.N. Munasingha DFO Ampara 2. Roshanth de Alwis ADFO Ampara 3. P.G.S. Thissera ARFO Mahaoya 4. M.B. Sarath Weerasena RFO Mahaoya 5. A.G. Sanath Priyantha Forester Ampara 6. R. Raviraj RFO Akkarapattu 7. S.M. Safeek FEO Akkarapattu 8. A.L.A.D.R. Abeyvikrama FEO Ampara 9. R.S.W. Disanayaka ARFO Ampara 10. M.W.C.P. Suranga BFO Mahaoya 11. D.M. Wijedasa FEO Mahaoya 12. R.G. Gunathilaka BFO Mahaoya 13. D.M. Anurasiri FEO Lahugala 14. K.N.S.G. Liyanage FFA Padiyathalawa 15. S.L. Jayathilaka BFO Serankada 16. H.A.K.K. Rohana BFO Padiyathalawa 17. R.M.S. Pathmakumara BFO Dehiatthakandiya 18. H.A.S. Dumindha Perera FFA Serankada 19. H.M. Jayawardana FFA Dehiatthakandiya 20. M.K. Kulasekara RFO Ampara 21. Rohana Jayathunga FFA Mahaoya 22. H.A.D.R. Prashantha BFO Panama CBO members participated at Kokagala CF site - 51

Monaragala District No Name Designation Service Station 1. Mr. R.P.M. Weerasinghe DFO Monaragala 2. Mr.W.M. Sirisena ADFO Monaragala 3. Mr. V.P. Wanigasingha RFO Bibila 4. Mr.K.J.C.K. Sirisena RFO Monaragala 5. Mr.W.D.M. Samarasingha RFO Thanamalwila 6. Mr.W.H.M.WijithasiriBandara RFO Wellawaya 7. Mr.M.P. Chinthaka RFO Siyabalanduwa 8. Mr.K.V.A.P. Chandrasena ARFO Monaragala 9. Mr.R.A.K.Jayawardhana FEO Thanamalwila 10. Mr.J.M. Ajith Kumara FEO Bibila 11. Mr.A.M.WasanthaBandhara FEO Monaragala 12. Mr.C.B.R.U.B. Gunarathna FEO Monaragala 13. Mr.J.M.NahalSamanweera FEO Siyabalanduwa 14. Mr.J.M.D.C.Bandara FEO Wellawaya 15. Mr.K.M.Gnanasena FEO Wellawaya

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 12 - 16. Mr.W.S. JagathPiyasiri FEO Bibila 17. Mr.G.L. Gunasiri BFO Siyabalanduwa 18. Mr.H.H.C. Jayanatha BFO Bibila 19. Mr.J.M. Upul Kumara BFO Siyabalanduwa 20. Mr. R.N. Sandaruwan BFO Monaragala 21. Mr.E.J.A.P. Najith FFA Bibila 22. Mr.N.S. Warnabarana FFA Bibila 23. Mr.SR.K. Dayawansa FFA Monaragala CBO members participated at Dummalahela CF site - 43

Badulla District No Name Designation Service Station 1. Mr. M.A.A.M.Jayarathne RDCF Nuwaraeliya 2. Mr. G.R.P.B. Senarathne DFO Badulla 3. Mr.NimalRathnaweera ADFO Badulla 3. Mr. A.M. Pathmasiri DA Badulla 4. Mr.RanjithKariyawasam RFO Haputale 5. Mr. D.D.C.Liyanaarachchi RFO Badulla 6. Mr. B.M. VipulaBandara RFO Welimada 7. Mr.RoshanWeerasundara RFO Mahiyanganaya 8. Mr. N.T.P. Karunarathne Ad.RFO Mahiyanganaya 9. Mr. A.H. CharithDarshana Ad.RFO Haputale 10. Mr. L.A.S.Yapa Ad.RFO Badulla 11. Mr. H.W.T. Pushpakumara BFO Kandaketiya 12. Mr. N.T.P.G. Dharmapriya BFO Passara 13. Mr. W.M.Dhanapala BFO Rideemaliyadda 14. Mr. H.A.A.P.Jayalal BFO Ekiriyankumbura 15. Mr. K.M.S. Karunarathne BFO Welimada 16. Mr. R.M. Udayakumara BFO Uvaparanagama 17. Mr. T.M. RoshanPerera BFO 18. Mr. N.M.S.K. Nawarathne BFO Kosgama 19. Mr .A.W.A. Hewamanne BFO Mahiyanganaya 20. Mr .N.T.P.G.A.Darmapriya BFO Passara 21 Mrs.DeepaniWikramaarachchi EO Mahiyanganaya 22. Mr. P. AberathnePathirana EO Uvaparanagama 23. Mr. L.H. Premalal EO Badulla 24. Mr. E.S.V.K. Edirisinghe EO Haputale 25. Mr. H.M.A.S.B. Herath EO Mahiyanganaya 26. Mr. T. PrabhathAnura EO Welimada No field visit was conducted

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Appendix II Community Forestry Sites established under the CFP up to 2014 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total Progress Progress PDD Progress PDD Progress PDD Progress PDD Progress 1. Kurunegala 03 - 03 01 03 05 03 02 9 11 2. Matale 04 - 03 03 03 03 02 02 8 12 3. Puttalam 02 01 03 01 05 07 04 03 12 14 4. Anuradhapura 04 - 03 03 04 04 04 05 11 16 5. Monaragala - - 03 03 05 05 03 03 11 11 6. Badulla - - 04 04 06 06 05 03 15 13 7. Ampara 01 02 03 02 06 07 05 04 14 13 8. Polonnaruwa - - 03 02 05 06 05 04 13 12 9. Ratnapura - - 03 02 05 06 03 02 11 10 10. Trincomalee - - 01 01 01 01 02 02 04 04 11. Batticaloa - - 01 01 02 02 02 02 05 05 12. Vavunia - - 01 01 01 01 01 01 03 03 13. Hambanthota - - 01 01 02 02 02 02 05 05 14. Nuwara Eliya - - 01 - 02 03 03 - 06 03 15. Kandy - - 01 01 02 02 02 02 05 05 16. Mullaitivu - - - - - 02 - 01 - 03 17. Mannar - - - - - 02 - 01 - 03 18. Kilinochchi ------01 - 01 Total 14 03 34 26 52 64 46 40 132 147 Source: Forest Department - August, 2014

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 1 -

Appendix III

Distribution of 2010 & 2011 CF sites within the country Year District 2010 2011 Range Site Range Site 1. Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Sooriyadamana Anuradhapura Kiralpatiyava Kahatagasdigiliya Kalanikawewa Kekirawa Pallehigura 2. Ampara Ampara Nellikale Mahaoya Helakomana Mahaoya Kokagala 3. Puttalam Puttalam Murukuwatawana Puttalam Mahahenyaya Anamaduwa Koonkadawela 4. Kurunegala Galagamuwa Peella Kuliyapitiya Nelibewa Kuluyapitiya Yataththalawa 5. Matale Naula Diggala Naula Kubiyangaha Ale Laggala Moragahaulpotha Mathale Thibbatukanatha Total Sites 14 03 Source: FD

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 1 - Appendix IV Local Training Programs conducted under CFP in 2013 and 2014 2013 2014 Total

Training Category No. of trainings Participants No. of trainings Participants No. of trainings Participants 1. Principles of participatory forest 02 30 04 30 06 60 Management (FEO) TOT 2. Awareness workshop for field staff (RDCF, DFO, RFO, BFO, EO & 05 146 - - 05 146 FA) 3. Community Forest Management 01 30 - - 01 30 Planning 4. Communication & Presentation 01 30 - - 01 30 skills (FEO) 5. Basic Awareness (EO) 01 30 - - 01 30 6. Design, Laying out & Monitoring 01 18 - - 01 18 of Permanent Sample Plots 7. GPS Applications in Forestry - - 01 30 01 30 (BFO) 8. Training on CFP Preparation ------(RFO EO) 9. Training on Micro Enterprises ------Facilitation (RFO EO) 10. Gender Aspects on CF (RFO EO) ------11. Sociological Aspects of CF (RFO ------EO) 12. Field Level Training - - 06 80 06 80 13. Workshop for FD officers ------14. Management Plan Preparation (EO - - 02 80 02 80 RFO) Total 11 284 13 220 24 504 Source: FD, August 2014

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 2 - Appendix IV Procurements Completed by UNDP in 2012/13 and 2014 under CFP - (Source: UNDP, September 2014 ) Date of Acquisition Equipment Units Unit Price in LKR Total cost in Total cost in USD LKR 13/09/2012 Extension Wire Codes 4 1,500 6,000 46.33 13/09/2012 TP-Link 150Mbps Wireless lite USB adaptor 2 3,500 7,000 54.05 13/09/2012 TP-Link TL-Mr3420 Wireless 3G/ Internet router 1 9,750 9,750 75.29 13/09/2012 Seagate /Imation 1TB portable hard disks 2 21,000 42,000 324.32 13/09/2012 Optoma EX631 DLP Technology Multimedia Projector 1 110,000 110,000 849.42 13/09/2012 HP Office Jet Wide Format 7000 A3 printer 1 36,000 36,000 277.99 13/09/2012 Dell Inspiron N5110 Core i5-24 computers 4 169,000 676,000 5,220.08 13/09/2012 HP Pro M13536DNF Multifunction printer 1 65,000 65,000 501.93 20/09/2012 Desks 4 15,603 62,411 481.94 20/09/2012 Filing cabinets 5 14,263 71,317 550.71 20/09/2012 Conferencing table /set 1 16,384 16,384 126.52 20/09/2012 Chairs 10 8,906 89,063 687.74 17/03/2013 Samsung LED Monitor 24" 1 39,000 39,000 305.88 8/4/2013 HP Pro Book 4540S with Windows 1 224,500 224,500 1,769.39 29/04/2013 HP Compaq Pro 6300 MT PC with UPS 35 91,928 3,217,480 25,358.45 10/7/2013 Garmin Hand Held GPSor eTrex 10 50 28,224 1,411,200 10,805.51 25/09/2013 Garmin Hand Held GPSor eTrex 11 25 28,224 705,600 5,297.30 25/09/2013 Diameter Tape Brand YAMAYO 100 6,300 630,000 4,772.73 25/09/2013 Steel tape (steel coated) Brand YAMAYO 100 9,100 910,000 6,893.94 29/04/2013 Motor bikes 45 137,108 6,169,851 48,748.00 1/1/2014 Notebook computer E6430 1 224,548 224,548 1,701.12 6/5/2014 Clinometer 50 19,475 973,750 7,478 9/9/2014 Processor-Intel Core i7 2 225,525 451,050 3,464 9/9/2014 UPS 2 5,400 10,800 83 9/9/2014 Printer - Dell B 1160Mono Laser 2 35,000 70,000 538 19/08/2014 Processor-Intel Core i7 1 183,675 183,675 7,478 19/08/2014 Processor-Intel Core i5 3 141,675 425,025 3,264 19/08/2014 UPS 4 5,400 21,600 166 4/7/2014 Laser Printer 3 46,000 138,000 1,060 31/07/2014 Arc GIS (Annual software maintenance program with E Sri) 1 1,709,500 1,709,500 13,129 24/03/2014 Handheld GPS 25 30,800 770,000 5,914 28/06/2014 Motor bike (HERO) 95 128,571 12,214,286 93,805 30/06/2014 Scooter (Scooty pep) 10 172,425 1,724,250 13,242 Total 33,415,039 264,469

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 1 - Appendix V Indicators to be included in the Quarterly/Six Monthly & Annual Progress Reports of the SLCFP Narrative Summary Frequency of Indicators Targets 1 Achievements Component/Output Reporting 3 Goal 1. The increase in agricultural productivity and sustainability of End of the To improve the management of agricultural land Project natural resources to support livelihoods and contribute to 2. The area of forest included in the community forestry program Annually poverty reduction in the dry and 3. The reduction in the area of chena cultivated, using poor intermediate zones Annually agricultural practices (which accelerates soil erosion) 4. The increase in the quantity and quality of timber produced from End of the both woodlots and home gardens Project 5. Preparation of an exit strategy within two years of commencement End of 2014 of the program 6. Number of men and women with increased income Annually 7. Additional Agricultural production in monitory terms Annually

8. Increased savings Annually 9. Reduction in poverty (including analysis of who participates in Annually program activities) 10. Gender impacts on the division of labour, access to resources Annually and income levels Component 1: Community 1. The change in the forest resource (biodiversity, species End of the Forestry composition and volume of the forest stand) Project Objective: To reduce 2. The extent of forest cover Annually deforestation and forest degradation by involving 3. Frequency & extent (ha) of forest fires Annually communities in forest 4. Frequency of forest offences reported (eg. illegal use or extraction management. Annually of forest resources)

5. Voluntary community inputs to reduce fire Annually 6. Number of men and women with access to finance Annually 7. Number of men and women with access to agricultural technology Annually

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 2 - End of the 8. No. of staff that have changed work practices project Frequency of Outputs Indicators Targets Achievements Reporting 1.1 Suitable program sites 1. Total no. of sites Quarterly identified 2. Total extent of forests in all sites Quarterly 3. Selection criteria & process clearly documented Quarterly 1.2 Community groups formed 1. Total no. of CBOs - Quarterly and their capacity enhanced 2. Capacity building of CBOs (How many programme completed) - District totals Quarterly

1.3.Community Forest 1. Total no. of Resource Assessments done Quarterly Management Plans prepared 2. Total no. of CFMPs prepared which address the leading causes Quarterly of deforestation and forest 3. Total no. of Forest Management Agreements signed degradation at each site Quarterly 1.4 Community Forest 1. Review resource assessment data and fill the gaps in baseline data Management Plans implemented already collected Quarterly in partnership with relevant 2. Frequency & extent (ha) of forest fires stakeholders Quarterly 3. Value of inputs provided by Forest Dept, communities and other organisations Quarterly

4. Total number & area of woodlots established Quarterly 5. Total number & area of other forestry activities Quarterly 6. Number of livelihood development training Quarterly 7. Total number of other enterprises established Quarterly 1.5 Home garden development 1. Total number & area of home gardens established program implemented. Quarterly Frequency of Component Indicators Targets Achievements Reporting Component 2: Institutional 1. Number of community forestry sites and number of districts Quarterly Support involved. Objective: To build the capacity 2. Number of direct & indirect beneficiaries. Annually

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 3 - of the Forest Department so 3. The proportion of successful community forest sites (number & as End of the community forestry approaches a % of total number of sites). Project can be implemented nationally 4. Effective monitoring of the program at all levels (district, regional Annually and national) Frequency of Outputs Indicators Targets Achievements Reporting 2.1 Regulations for amended 1. Regulations approved by Attorney General Annually Forest Ordinance developed and implemented 2. Regulations gazetted Annually 2.2 Training plan prepared and 1. Training Plan included in Annual Work Plan. Annually staff trained in community forestry approaches 2. Recruitment of consultant for training and reprinting of training material and translation of material in to Tamil and English 2 Quarterly 3. Number of training courses and number of staff trained Quarterly 2.3 Capacity to implement 1. Increase in the number of range offices with basic resources to Quarterly community forestry approaches implement CFP activities strengthened 2. Procurement completed satisfactorily Quarterly 2.4 Capacity of the Forest 1. Recruitment of Social/Gender& Livelihood Development Quarterly Department enhanced in Specialists 2. technical areas that will 2. Number of capacity building activities undertaken and number of Quarterly contribute to the program goal FD staff trained. 2.5 M&E of community forestry 1. Number of Supervisory Missions that include Community Forestry activities undertaken on a regular Specialist 2 Annually basis 2. Number of independent reviews/evaluations of the community forestry program undertaken 2 Annually 3. Number of Community Forestry Sites monitored Six Monthly 4. Sociologist recruited 2 and social assessments included in designs and reports Six Monthly 5. Social research papers prepared summarising the results of studies undertaken in sample villages 2 Annually

SLCFP MTR Community Forestry and Institutional Components Page - 4 - 6. Prepare and finalize indicators for impact assessment with the contribution from Sociologist. Quarterly

7. Impact monitoring carried out once a year Annually 8. At least two knowledge products targeting the use of successful Six Monthly best practices in CFM in other sectors 9. Promotion of the use of CFMP information in Village district planning Six Monthly

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