Associations of small and medium forest enterprise: An initial review of issues for local livelihoods and sustainability

This short paper provides an introduction to recent literature on the benefits of small and medium enterprise associations and how to realise them. An introduction is given to some of the language used by different disciplines that may have something to offer the forest sector. A framework is presented that summarises possible association objectives – and attention is drawn to the main types of association that might pursue such objectives. Some characteristics of successful associations are described. Finally, some of the links between SME associations, poverty reduction and sustainability are highlighted.