21 March 2014: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Poverty and Environment Network (PEN) has released the first study in a series of research projects focusing on the links between forestry and livelihoods, titled ‘Forests, Livelihoods and Conservation – Broadening the Empirical Base.’

The study, based on over 8000 household surveys across 24 countries, was carried out by a network of doctoral students. It concluded that natural forests and other natural areas account for about 28% of household income, with state forests currently generating more income than private or community forests.

The study also challenged many commonly held perceptions, demonstrating that men generate as much income from forests as women, and that forests play a less important role as safety nets than expected. Finally, although the poorest farmers are often blamed for deforestation, this attribution is often overestimated.

The work generated over 15 million data cells, which CIFOR and others can use as a baseline to assess changes in land and forest use patterns. CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [CIFOR Press Release] [Publication: Forests, Livelihoods and Conservation – Broadening the Empirical Base]