A framework for forest stakeholder communication: A case study of Cote d'Ivoire

Communication between stakeholders contributes to successful planning and i mplementation of forest utilization and management practices. A study carri ed out in 1997 examined communication levels between groups that were, or s hould have been, involved in forest management decision-making in Cote d'Iv oire. Using a communication framework developed by the authors, data were c ollected from the following five stakeholder groups: policymakers, forest m anagers, indigenous people, university officials and wood products manufact urers. Results indicated a lack of significant two-way communication among most stakeholders. However, exceptions were found in the communication betw een government policymakers and forest managers and, also between policymak ers and wood products manufacturers. To promote sustainable forest utilizat ion and management activities, communication gaps among stakeholders must b e narrowed and overall communication levels should be increased.