National Forest Programs and Poverty Reduction Strategies Lusaka, Zambia 25 September 2006 Preliminary Findings - Zambia

Key policy processes Central coordination National Development Plan Chapter 9 – Natural Resources Medium Term Expenditure Framework (2003) Work plans and progress reports National Steering Committee Sector Advisory Groups

Challenges // Opportunities  Legislation and policy Forests Act (1999) National Forest Policy (1998) Zambia Forestry Action Plan (1997)  New vision and strategic plan range of contributions reflected higher profile in central processes

Challenges // Opportunities  FNDP still appears sectoral activities not prioritized  Comprehensive agenda poverty focus cross-cutting longer term planning framework

Challenges // Opportunities  Fragmented approaches across sectors and ministries at different levels  Joint initiatives with FD Ministry of Energy and Water Central Statistics Office National Aids Council National Tourist Board

Challenges // Opportunities  Lack of baseline data national accounts absence of indicators weak monitoring  Building a case National Forest Resource Assessment forestry indicators for FNDP donor willingness to support satellite account

Challenges // Opportunities  Low profile of forestry functions not well understood weak marketing of sector limited awareness  High untapped potential National Forest Programme Facility new political mandate

Challenges // Opportunities  Weak voice of civil society consultative mechanisms Capacity to drive reforms  Support to common goals donors receptive to assisting existing network base

Challenges // Opportunities  Donor harmonization support aligned to FNDP risk of forest sector exclusion  Joint Assistance Strategy streamlined requests from donors forestry in natural resource management

Discussion Points  What can be done to raise the profile of forestry in terms of its contributions to poverty reduction?  How can civil society, the private sector and the Forestry Department collaborate more closely to reduce poverty?  How can the Forestry Department strengthen collaboration with other ministries to reduce poverty?