Improving Community-level Governance: Adaptive Learning and Action in Community Forest User Groups in Nepal

It is widely believed that participatory monitoring and evaluation can help community organizations improve their internal learning and governance. However, the processes of programme monitoring and evaluation as practised by many organizations lack the elements of community ownership and the appreciation of its ability to provide an opportunity for community learning. Only locally-initiated and community-led monitoring can improve their performance and change organizational practices. Drawing on the experience of Livelihoods and Forestry Programme in Nepal, this paper makes the case for community-generated planning, selfmonitoring and evaluation for adaptive learning and good governance in community forest user groups (CFUGs) in Nepal. These processes, conceptualised as Adaptive Learning and Action (ALA), have enabled CFUGs to identify vision and its indicators, formulate activities to achieve the vision, and regularly monitor the progress against the indicators. ALA has also enhanced transparency, participation and accountability in CFUG governance. The process also enhances transparency and improves governance in local governments and other service providers working with CFUGs that have practiced ALA.