Enhancing internal governance within a national federation of community forestry users in Nepal

This case study from Nepal is the third of six case studies on tactics that improve internal governance prepared by forest and farm producer organisations (FFPOs) for the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF).

It describes the actions of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN). It was established in June 1995 with the aim of promoting and protecting the rights of forest users through capacity strengthening, technical support, economic empowerment and policy advocacy, and for the sustainable management of forest resources in Nepal. 

Good internal governance has been critical to the success of FECOFUN. It has grown into a social movement organisation organising about 14 million people from 22,415 community forestry user groups (CFUGs) with 2.9 million households federated into FECOFUN. Together, they protect more than 2.3 million hectares of forests. 

This case study describes how FECOFUN employs a range of internal governance structures, processes and practices to promote and protect the rights of its members, while also empowering them economically. Notable examples include its inclusive leadership structure, with a focus on gender diversity, ensured through regular elections facilitated by an independent committee, and its transparent financial accounting system, including rigorous audits and compliance with national policies, to ensure financial transparency and accountability.