Strengthening internal governance for forest and farm producer organizations: A new resource for sustainable land and forest management
TANZANIA 2023. Agricultural transformation in Africa: Tanzania 05 December 2023, Tengeru, Tanzania - A drone operator prepares to work at a farm as a farmer stands in front, at Tengeru, near the city of Arusha.
©©FAO/Eduardo Soteras
Forest and farm producer organizations (FFPOs) are at the heart of efforts to achieve sustainable land and forest management under the GEF-7 Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP). These organizations not only safeguard forests and landscapes but also develop green value chains that contribute to land degradation neutrality. However, their ability to deliver on these mandates depends heavily on them having strong internal governance.
To support this critical need, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) has published a new research report that offers practical insights and tools to help FFPOs improve their governance systems. The report draws on six case studies of well-performing FFPOs from Bolivia, Ghana, Nepal, Tanzania, Togo and Viet Nam, complemented by an extensive review of existing literature. These case studies highlight diverse governance models and practices that have enabled FFPOs to thrive while advancing sustainability goals.
Why internal governance matters
Effective governance is the backbone of any successful organization. For FFPOs, it ensures transparency, accountability and inclusive decision making – qualities that build trust among members and external partners. Strong governance also positions FFPOs to access finance, engage in policy dialogues and scale up sustainable practices. Without these foundations, efforts to promote sustainable land and forest management and green value chains risk falling short.
The report emphasizes that governance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it must be tailored to the local context, organizational structure and cultural norms. By learning from the experiences of FFPOs across different regions, the report provides actionable recommendations that others can adapt to their unique circumstances.
A practical self-assessment tool
Accompanying the report is the Governance Enhancement Self-Assessment Tool (GET-SET), which enables FFPOs to evaluate their governance performance across key dimensions such as leadership, member participation, financial management and accountability mechanisms. By identifying strengths and areas for improvement, organizations can develop targeted strategies to enhance their governance systems.
This self-assessment approach empowers FFPOs to take ownership of their development journey. It fosters continuous learning and adaptation – essential qualities in the face of evolving challenges such as climate change, market fluctuations and policy shifts.
Connecting to the DSL-IP framework
The report and tool are not just a standalone resource; they are deeply aligned with the objectives of DSL-IP and produced as part of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) – one of key DSL-IP knowledge hubs.
By strengthening governance within FFPOs, the report and tool contribute directly to the success of DSL-IP interventions and to building resilient organizations that can deliver on global sustainability targets.
Looking ahead
As FFPOs continue to play a pivotal role in sustainable landscape management, resources like this report and tool are indispensable. They provide the knowledge and approaches needed to navigate complex governance challenges and seize opportunities for growth. By investing in internal governance, FFPOs can unlock their full potential – benefiting not only their members but also the ecosystems and communities they serve.
You can access the full report and tool at the following links:
Author: Stephen Mwangi, IIED