Changes Needed in U.S. Assistance To Deter Deforestation in Developing Countries

In testimony before congressional committees, GAO summarized the major issues addressed in its report on the changes needed in U.S. assistance to deter deforestation in developing countries. The forests of most developing countries are not being replaced quickly enough to sustain an adequate natural resource base to support the growing populations. The primary cause of this problem is the clearing of forests for more farmland, pastures, fuelwood, and livestock fodder by predominantly agrarian populations. Developing countries are not making the necessary financial and political commitments to deter the environmental problems brought on by the destruction of their forests or sustain the assistance provided by the Agency for International Development (AID) and multilateral development banks and other international organizations. In addition, assistance recipients are finding it difficult to implement and manage forestry projects. Although the developing countries have established forest service organizations, they are insufficiently funded, do not have enough trained staff and, in some cases, involve new or untested technologies. Thus, current project implementation is uncertain. GAO has suggested that AID support forestry-related activities that countries are capable of carrying out, assess the implementation problems which have delayed some projects, and adjust the projects to be better suited to the countries' capabilities. Greater use of established agricultural extension systems in lieu of creating somewhat duplicative forest service extension systems could more immediately introduce improved forest and land-use conservation practices to subsistence farmers. The assistance sponsored by AID and other donors to build the management capabilities of forest service organizations will be needed to bring about long-term forestry programs in developing countries. GAO has recommended that AID and other donors focus increased attention on strategies to slow the subsistence farmers' destruction of forests by working to settle them into more permanent and intensive farming systems. The Department of State, AID, and other agencies must continue their efforts to coordinate activities at both the international and national levels.