Socio-economic Research Methods in Forestry: A Training Manual

Abstract

PREFACE The training workshop on socio-economic research methods in forestry on which these papers are based was a consequence of a long-held ambition to offer such a training package, arising from research activities in the socio-economics program of the Rainforest Cooperative Research Centre. This ambition came to fruition at Leyte State University (LSU), Visca, Baybay, The Philippines, over the period 4-10 February, 2002. The workshop – a hectic but enjoyable experience – was the first run of such a program by our research group within the ACIAR Project ASEM/2000/088 – Redevelopment of a Timber Industry Following Extensive Land Clearing. It represents part of the capacity building activity planned for this project. Other objectives of the workshop were: to allow an exchange of views on the forestry research mindset of the Australian and Filipino project members; to advance the planning of and participation in the ACIAR project; and to document the various research methods we have employed in this and other forestry research projects. It has been a rewarding experience to be a part of an enthusiastic and active research group, and fortunately several of the members of this group were able to contribute at the training workshop. Hence a wide range of skills and interests are represented in the papers contained here. It is our hope that this training manual will be of assistance to others in planning training workshops, and to researchers in various disciplines who wish to gain skills in the particular research areas addressed here. Steve Harrison