Special Report: Defining and assessing the effectiveness of civil society networks working on forest governance issues in Africa and Asia

New research from 12 countries in Africa and Asia is now available––examining how environmental civil society networks in these regions perceive their level of effectiveness. These insights into the multifaceted nature of ‘effectiveness’ as it applies in this context can help shape future engagement and support to these networks. The research also suggests a framework for defining and self-assessing such effectiveness.

This special report is based on the results of a 2021 study conducted by the Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) of the University of Wolverhampton, the Field Legality Advisory Group (FLAG) and RECOFTC. The study explored the concept of ‘effectiveness’ in relation to civil
society networks working on forest governance issues in 12 countries. Tropenbos International also contributed by undertaking interviews in Ghana and Liberia. The surveys were funded by the European Union and the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) under the
Forest Governance Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme. Funding for the production of this report was also provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) as core donors of RECOFTC. CIDT, FLAG and RECOFTC staff authored the report: Aurelian Mbzibain and Habiba Mohamed (CIDT), Horline Njike and Zora Touko Batupe (FLAG), and Nathalie Faure and Robin aus der Beek (RECOFTC). Saowalak Jingjungvisut (East West Management Institute) helped to analyze and process the data.
The authors are grateful to the members and leaders of the 14 civil society networks from Asia and Africa for participating in the study and the contributions from representatives of donor agencies, governments and international non-governmental organizations who shared their experiences.