Smartfolder: US Policy Documents Related to Foreign Assistance

Final report: AID Regional Forestry Advisor for Asia, January 1982 – February 1985 — by Author Donovan, D. G. — last modified 2006-09-27 12:25

KEYWORD:Community-based Natural Forest Management, Asia. Asia, cash crops, community forestry, financing, fuelwood, industrial forestry, agroforestry, conservation, watershed, extension, institutional collaboration, policy, research, education, social forestry, evaluation, lessons learned. SUMMARY: This report reviews the issues and constraints in USAID support to the forestry sector in the less-developed countries of Asia. The report details an upsurge in foreign development assistance to the forestry sector in Asia over the past decade (1975-85) as environmental concerns became more visible. Much of this aid was focused on watershed rehabilitation and development of private or community tree crop resources. An element of local or community participation was central in most of these projects. The author notes, however, that the absorption capacity of host country forestry sectors to new technologies has been relatively low. He attributes this to the lack of previous experience with foreign donor assistance projects, the lack of skilled labor and infrastructure, and poorly developed forestry institutions. Four emerging themes or concerns are social forestry, agroforestry, wood fuel, and watershed conservation. The report also contains a brief overview of the fuelwood and agroforestry sectors in eight of the ten AID Asian countries. The author lists the following as major constraints in AID’s efforts to effectively assist development of the forestry sector in Asia: The limited availability of technical expertise in tropical forestry and especially, forestry experience in tropical Asia; The existence of hidden agenda, such as restrictions on purchasing and hiring, which often impairs efficient and effective project implementation; Poor communications and cooperation between supporting offices at AID headquarters. Recommendations for future AID programs are precipitated by local demand for planning and administrative expertise, including: Forest policy and administration; Research design and management; Forestry extension; Education; Forest industry development.

Final report: AID Regional Forestry Advisor for Asia, January 1982 – February 1985 — by Author: D.G. Donovon, USAID Indonesia — last modified 2006-10-05 01:52

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Asia. Cash crops, community forestry, financing, fuelwood, industrial forestry, agroforestry, conservation, watershed, extension, institutional collaboration, policy, research, education, social forestry, evaluation, lessons learned. SUMMARY: This report reviews the issues and constraints in USAID support to the forestry sector in the less-developed countries of Asia. The report details an upsurge in foreign development assistance to the forestry sector in Asia over the past decade (1975-85) as environmental concerns became more visible. Much of this aid was focused on watershed rehabilitation and development of private or community tree crop resources. An element of local or community participation was central in most of these projects. The author notes, however, that the absorption capacity of host country forestry sectors to new technologies has been relatively low. He attributes this to the lack of previous experience with foreign donor assistance projects, the lack of skilled labor and infrastructure, and poorly developed forestry institutions. Four emerging themes or concerns are social forestry, agroforestry, wood fuel, and watershed conservation. The report also contains a brief overview of the fuelwood and agroforestry sectors in eight of the ten AID Asian countries. The author lists the following as major constraints in AID\rquote s efforts to effectively assist development of the forestry sector in Asia: the limited availability of technical expertise in tropical forestry and especially, forestry experience in tropical Asia; existence of hidden agenda, such as restrictions on purchasing and hiring, which often impairs efficient and effective project implementation; poor communications and cooperation between supporting offices at AID headquarters. Recommendations for future AID programs are precipitated by local demand for planning and administrative expertise, including: Forest policy and administration; Research design and management; Forestry extension; In-service training; Education; Forest industry development.

Final report: AID Regional Forestry Advisor for Asia, January 1982 – February 1985 — by D.G. Donovon — last modified 2007-06-11 17:47

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Asia. Cash crops, community forestry, financing, fuelwood, industrial forestry, agroforestry, conservation, watershed, extension, institutional collaboration, policy, research, education, social forestry, evaluation, lessons learned. SUMMARY: This report reviews the issues and constraints in USAID support to the forestry sector in the less-developed countries of Asia. The report details an upsurge in foreign development assistance to the forestry sector in Asia over the past decade (1975-85) as environmental concerns became more visible. Much of this aid was focused on watershed rehabilitation and development of private or community tree crop resources. An element of local or community participation was central in most of these projects. The author notes, however, that the absorption capacity of host country forestry sectors to new technologies has been relatively low. He attributes this to the lack of previous experience with foreign donor assistance projects, the lack of skilled labor and infrastructure, and poorly developed forestry institutions. Four emerging themes or concerns are social forestry, agroforestry, wood fuel, and watershed conservation. The report also contains a brief overview of the fuelwood and agroforestry sectors in eight of the ten AID Asian countries. The author lists the following as major constraints in AID\rquote s efforts to effectively assist development of the forestry sector in Asia: the limited availability of technical expertise in tropical forestry and especially, forestry experience in tropical Asia; existence of hidden agenda, such as restrictions on purchasing and hiring, which often impairs efficient and effective project implementation; poor communications and cooperation between supporting offices at AID headquarters. Recommendations for future AID programs are precipitated by local demand for planning and administrative expertise, including: Forest policy and administration; Research design and management; Forestry extension; In-service training; Education; Forest industry development.

USAID: President's FY 2009 Budget Request Includes Increase for USAID Staffing Capacity — by USAID — last modified 2008-02-17 19:35

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2008 www.usaid.gov WASHINGTON, DC - As part of the President's fiscal year (FY) 2009 International Affairs Budget request released by the White House on Monday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will be able to contribute even more substantially to the success of U.S. foreign policy through the revitalization of its workforce.

BioSoc: the Biodiversity and Society Bulletin ISSUE 9: NOVEMBER 2006 — by webadmin — last modified 2007-02-11 17:39

INVESTING IN NATURE: WHAT ROLE FOR BIODIVERSITY IN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION? IUCN convened an international conference in September 2006 to explore how best to address biodiversity conservation within the current European framework for development cooperation. Hosted by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs the conference was unusual, for a biodiversity gathering, in its high level of participation by officials from European development cooperation agencies alongside the more typical NGO audience.

White Paper: U.S. Foreign Aid Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century — by USAID — last modified 2007-06-29 21:51

This White Paper is intended to stimulate discussion of major policy issues surrounding development and foreign aid. It is not a statement of official U.S. Government policy. Today we are witnessing the most significant shift in awareness and understanding of international development that’s been seen since the end of World War II.The demise of the Soviet Union, the integration of global communications and markets, the growing menace of global terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and transnational crime, the surge of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases—all these are hallmarks of an altered 21st century landscape for development. Failed states and complex emergencies now occupy center screen among the nation’s foreign policy and national security officials. Americans now understand that security in their homeland greatly depends on security, freedom, and opportunity beyond the country’s borders. Development is now as essential to U.S. national security as are diplomacy and defense.,,, Bureau for Policy and Program Coordination U.S.Agency for International Development January 2004

Tool - Environmental Compliance - Regulation 216 FAA — by webadmin — last modified 2006-11-24 18:07

 

Tool - Environmental Compliance - Regulation 216 FAA — by webadmin — last modified 2006-02-25 17:25

 

Portal Library Sitemap — by webadmin — last modified 2008-02-22 13:14

 

Towards A Global Food Aid Compact — by Barrett, C.B. — last modified 2007-06-24 19:47

Food aid is an ever-contentious subject. It is one of a handful of significant points of disagreement in current agricultural trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Doha Round, as the United States and the European Union wrangle over the trade displacement and developmental effects of food aid. Food aid is often blamed for creating disincentives for small farmers in recipient countries by depressing food prices, distorting markets, discouraging overdue policy reforms and fostering dependency. And there is no universal code of conduct that adequately prevents the manipulation of recipients and ensures both the operational independence of humanitarian agencies and their adherence to norms of best practice. December 2005 revised version forthcoming in Food Policy

Hawkins.pdf — by Guest User — last modified 2006-09-26 18:09

Hawkins.pdf

Timmer.pdf — by Rose Hessmiller — last modified 2006-10-10 15:32

Timmer.pdf

Changing policies and the persistence of patron-client relations in Nepal — by Malla, Y. B. — last modified 2007-06-11 17:37

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Asia. Asia, Nepal, community forestry, industrial forestry, forest degradation, corruption, laws, policy, conflict, case study, journal. SUMMARY: Since the 1950s, Nepal has changed national forestry policies to include community forestry. When these policy changes were drafted, each held promise of making forests accessible to communities for protection and management. However, the results in this regard have been mixed and improvement is uneven across the country. Importantly, many community members have not benefited from, and some have been negatively impacted by, community forestry policies since they do not empower poor individuals and those with little political influence. The mixed results of the policies seem to follow trends that have been established in Nepal’s history of forest and land management. Many stakeholders have conflicting forest management views. Historically and currently, stakeholders with political power and wealth have influenced forestry policies and the allocation of benefits that result from management. This continues to increase hardship on poorer forest users. Based on history and current trends, the authors propose five themes that should be noted as policy reforms and forestry aid continue: The history of Nepal’s forest management strongly influences current conditions and project success; There is a wide array of stakeholders, including some who have gone unrecognized and some whose prestige derives from their land holdings; The government is a stakeholder, not a neutral party; The underlying objectives of stakeholders, not just their identities, need to be addressed; A network of alliances among stakeholders exists, which can cause far-reaching and unplanned affects of policy changes. Due to flawed policy-making and lack of recognition of these themes, Nepal’s forest resources and rural living conditions continue to deteriorate: the very problem that the policies were intended to address.

Country-specific Descriptive Information and Statistics — by webadmin — last modified 2006-02-25 17:05

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA — by United Nations — last modified 2007-06-24 15:21

UNCTAD´s 2006 report on Economic Development in Africa examines how the commitment by the international community to double aid to Africa might place the continent on a sustainable development path. The central message of the report is that, if this commitment is to translate into big reductions in poverty and lasting gains in economic welfare, new thinking is required to tackle the unbalanced state of the international aid system. Published by UNCTD in 2006.

meyers.pdf — by Rose Hessmiller — last modified 2006-10-10 16:45

meyers.pdf

Promoting Gender Equality in New Aid Modalities and Partnerships: Experiences from Africa — by UNIFEM — last modified 2007-06-21 17:33

This report reflects country-level experiences shared at the Burundi consultation on the gender equality opportunities and challenges arising from aid reform processes. Cases from Zambia, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana and Burundi are explored in the report. While the roll-out of new aid modalities is being experienced differently due to varied institutions, political situations and development challenges, in each instance opportunities exist to identify entry points and strategies to promote gender equality in the aid reform agenda. The report pays particular attention to the strategies and recommended follow-up action that will support gender equality advocates to promote implementation of commitments to women’s rights and national gender and development priorities at the High Level Forum in Ghana, 2008. Published by UNIFEM 2006

Improving Market Access for Central American Certified Forest Products Case Study: Nicaragua — by Abraham Guillén — last modified 2007-06-09 17:57

Task Order No. 23 Contract No. PCE-I-00-96-00002-00 Executive Summary Document prepared by: Abraham Guillén Jaime Guillén Jorge Rodriguez Edited by: Steve Gretzinger Prepared for AID/LAC John McMahn, COTR September 1999 Region: Latin America and the Caribbean, Task Order: LAC Timber Certification for Central America, Technical area: Environmental and Economic Growth

Making Agricultural Trade Reform Work for the Poor — by M. Ann Tutwiler — last modified 2007-06-23 20:42

This paper brings together what is known about the link between agricultural trade reform and poverty alleviation, and about how developing countries can successfully manage to open their economies while reducing poverty. It highlights the channels that link agricultural growth, rural development and poverty alleviation with trade. It discusses the potential welfare impacts of policy reform and examines the recent trends of open trade in developing countries. Finally, the paper identifies reforms and flanking measures that could be effective in combating poverty in conjunction with more open trade policy. Published by International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council in June 2005

povnet_agricultural _markets_and_the _rural_poor.pdf — by Rose Hessmiller — last modified 2006-10-10 15:32

povnet_agricultural_markets_and_the_rural_poor.pdf

Review of Private Sector Environmental Business Opportunities — by EPIQ — last modified 2007-06-09 19:58

October 2001 EPIQ Task Order No. 832 Contract No. PCE-I-00-96-00002-00 U.S. Agency for International Development Program Support Unit Egyptian Environmental Policy Program International Resources Group with Winrock International Washington, DC Technical Area: Policy Assessment, Analysis, Dissemination of Policy Knowledge/Environmental Communication, Public-Private Partnerships Region: Egypt

Natural resources management: Issues and lessons from Rwanda — by Author Chew, S. T. — last modified 2006-10-09 16:02

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Africa. Africa, Rwanda, appropriate technology, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, degraded lands, protected areas, reforestation, soil conservation, institutional collaboration, policy, social forestry, evaluation. SUMMARY: This USAID evaluation examines USAID/Rwanda collaboration with the government of Rwanda and other donors for management of the country's renewable natural resources. USAID natural resource management support included management of natural forests, wildlife habitats, and marshlands; soil conservation and agroforestry; and dissemination of tree species and other perennials to local communities. Wildlife reserves were established for tourism and research in the Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks. Approximately 40% of the Nyungwe Forest was set aside and fully protected as Forest Reserve while the remainder was to be managed for controlled use on a sustainable basis. Approximately 37,000 ha. were reforested for industrial and community use. The government introduced legislation requiring farmers to adopt soil conservation techniques of composting and infiltration ditches. Socioeconomic constraints discouraged farmers from adopting recommended technologies. Agroforestry technologies to reduce erosion and to produce fodder were broadly adopted in Rwandan farming systems. USAID/Rwanda highlighted two innovative environmental conservation approaches that could be incorporated into an AID agricultural and rural development program: 1) promoting tourism and other nondestructive uses of natural forests in conjunction with wildlife conservation and park management, and 2) promoting agroforestry and fish farming to conserve soil and water resources while increasing farm productivity.The Rwandan government's interest in addressing natural resource management issues was instrumental in creating a supportive policy and institutional environment and in generating donor support. Rwanda's experience of protecting its natural resources suggests three measures that can be incorporated into AID's development programs in other countries: Encourage host country support by funding studies of existing or emerging natural resource issues to heighten awareness and to identify how resource management could be included in development programs; Collaborate with other donors with support from AID centrally funded projects to address complex, multi-sectoral problems; Develop intervention programs ranging from on-farm agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management to projects covering large areas that integrate conservation with development.

Natural resources management: Issues and lessons from Rwanda — by Chew, S. T. — last modified 2007-06-12 21:05

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Africa. Africa, Rwanda, appropriate technology, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, degraded lands, protected areas, reforestation, soil conservation, institutional collaboration, policy, social forestry, evaluation. SUMMARY: This USAID evaluation examines USAID/Rwanda collaboration with the government of Rwanda and other donors for management of the country's renewable natural resources. USAID natural resource management support included management of natural forests, wildlife habitats, and marshlands; soil conservation and agroforestry; and dissemination of tree species and other perennials to local communities. Wildlife reserves were established for tourism and research in the Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks. Approximately 40% of the Nyungwe Forest was set aside and fully protected as Forest Reserve while the remainder was to be managed for controlled use on a sustainable basis. Approximately 37,000 ha. were reforested for industrial and community use. The government introduced legislation requiring farmers to adopt soil conservation techniques of composting and infiltration ditches. Socioeconomic constraints discouraged farmers from adopting recommended technologies. Agroforestry technologies to reduce erosion and to produce fodder were broadly adopted in Rwandan farming systems. USAID/Rwanda highlighted two innovative environmental conservation approaches that could be incorporated into an AID agricultural and rural development program: 1) promoting tourism and other nondestructive uses of natural forests in conjunction with wildlife conservation and park management, and 2) promoting agroforestry and fish farming to conserve soil and water resources while increasing farm productivity.The Rwandan government's interest in addressing natural resource management issues was instrumental in creating a supportive policy and institutional environment and in generating donor support. Rwanda's experience of protecting its natural resources suggests three measures that can be incorporated into AID's development programs in other countries: Encourage host country support by funding studies of existing or emerging natural resource issues to heighten awareness and to identify how resource management could be included in development programs; Collaborate with other donors with support from AID centrally funded projects to address complex, multi-sectoral problems; Develop intervention programs ranging from on-farm agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management to projects covering large areas that integrate conservation with development.

Humanitarian Assistance, Reconstruction and Development in Afghanistan: A Practitioners' View — by McKechnie, Alastair J. — last modified 2007-06-24 19:53

The huge undertaking facing Afghanistan as it moves through the transition from emergency relief to reconstruction and development will challenge those assisting the country to think and operate in new ways. Yet the lessons from other countries that have gone through this transition successfully can give Afghans hope...

Improving Market Access for Certified Forest Products from Central America and Mexico — by Steven Gretzinger — last modified 2007-06-09 17:57

Task Order No. 23 Contract No. PCE-I-00-96-00002-00 By International Resources Group, Ltd. Team Steven Gretzinger, Team Leader Marielos Alfaro Alfonso Arguelles Yurij Bihun Ronnie de Camino Joshua Dickinson Abraham Guillen Jaime Guillen Douglas Pool Jorge Rodriguez Mauro Salazar September, 1999 For John McMahon, COTR, AID/LAC LAC Hemispheric Free Trade Expansion Region: Latin America and the Caribbean, Task Order: LAC Timber Certification for Central America, Technical area: Environmental and Economic Growth Linkages

DOS-USAID STRATEGIC PLAN Fiscal Years 2004–2009 Aligning Diplomacy and Development Assistance — by US Department of State — last modified 2007-06-29 17:03

Preface In accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, the Department of State and Agency for International Development (USAID) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2004 to 2009 sets forth the Secretary of State’s direction and priorities for both organizations in the coming years. The Strategic Plan supports the policy positions set forth by President Bush in the National Security Strategy and presents how the Department of State and USAID will implement U.S. foreign policy and development assistance. In the Strategic Plan, the Mission section defines the primary aims of U.S. foreign policy and development assistance as well as our priorities in the coming years. The remainder of the Strategic Plan provides an overview of our four strategic objectives and describes the key perspectives and outlooks for each associated goal. In addition, for each goal we identify key U.S. Government partners and external factors that could affect achievement of these goals. The strategic objectives and goals constitute the strategic planning framework for both agencies. This framework will serve as the basis for both organizations’ annual performance plans at the Department, Bureau, and Mission levels. The annual plans will focus more specifically on our efforts to meet tangible performance goals and will contain specific performance indicators. Our success in meeting our performance goals will indicate our overall progress in achieving the mission and strategic objectives set forward in this Strategic Plan. DEPARTMENT OF STATE / USAID PUBLICATION 11084 Released August 2003

BOLFOR TRAINING PLAN — by BOLFOR — last modified 2007-06-10 15:19

BOLFOR TRAINING PLAN BOLFOR Administrative Document 3/1994 USAID Contract: 511-0621-C-00-3027 June 1994 DA3ing.pdf

Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation, and Mitigation Plans: An Assessment of Six Years Experience — by Dr. Joy E. Hecht — last modified 2007-06-09 16:06

Task Order No. 25 Contract No. PCE-I-00-96-00002-00 By Dr. Joy E. Hecht and Dr. Malcolm K. Marks April 2000 For Office of Sustainable Development, Bureau for Africa U.S. Agency for International Development Region: Africa Task Order: AFR ENR Policy Support II Tech area: Dissemination of Policy Knowledge/Environmental Communication

Cross Currents: Navigating Gender and Population Linkages for Integrated Coastal Management — by Diamond, N. — last modified 2007-07-08 13:59

Diamond, N. (primary author) and Coley, C., L. Hale, V. Lee, P. Rubinoff, L. Squilante. Coastal Resources Center. 2001. Cross Currents: Navigating Gender and Population Linkages for Integrated Coastal Management. University of Rhode Island, Coastal Resources Center. Narragansett, Rhode Island USA. 12pp.

The Use of Economic Instruments in Packaging and Packaging Waste: The Eco-Packaging Approach — by Abada Kafafi — last modified 2007-06-09 20:16

Abada Kafafi September 2002 Task Order No. 832 USAID Contract No. PCE-I-00-96-00002-00 Egyptian Environmental Policy Program Program Support Unit Tranche 2, Objective 3 PSU-70f for U.S. Agency for International Development Cairo by Environmental Policy & Institutional Strengthening Indefinite Quantity Contract (EPIQ) A USAID-funded project consortium led by International Resources Group, Ltd. Technical Area: Environmental and Economic Growth Linkages, Policy Assessment, Analysis, Pollution Prevention, Solid Waste Region: Egypt

Promoting Market Access for the Rural Poor in Order to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals — by IFAD — last modified 2007-06-21 21:31

The crucial role of market linkages for rural poverty reduction has only recently received the attention it deserves in the development arena. More needs to be done, especially on the implementation side. IFAD is committed to the objective of improving the rural poor’s access to markets, and in this context, is seeking ways to: • effectively increase the market share of the rural poor and improve the terms in which they participate in markets; • achieve greater market access and market development for the rural poor; and • effectively improve at national, regional and international levels the rules of trade in favour of the rural poor.