Participatory Management of Tropical Dry Forests in Benin

Abstract

This chapter encompasses a literature survey and strategic analysis to understand the elaboration and implementation of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Benin, with a focus on the case of the “Forêt des Trois Rivières”. By analyzing the historical background of forest management systems in Benin, we highlighted two major turning points. The first relates to the creation and autocratic management of protected forests, which took place from 1940 to 1990. The second change took place after the Rio conference in 1992, and this emphasized the importance of local communities in natural resources management. Moreover, the results of our strategic analysis of stakeholders involved in the specific case of Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) of the “Forêt des Trois Rivières” showed that it is important to emphasize on active community participation while designing a participatory management plan and for decision making at the implementation stage. We also observed that alliances between foresters and timber loggers are likely to hinder the achievement of the PFM objectives.