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Summary:

This paper discusses experiences in networking in community forestry in Nepal, special focus being given to experiences in the two project districts of Sindhu Palchok and Kabhre Palanchok. Needs and issues in networking are examined and recommendations are made for developing FUG networking as a project activity.
While networking among FUGs for transfer of knowledge is an on-going spontaneous activity, more formal networking seems to be mostly agency-initiated and agency-led. This paper describes in some detail the Federation of Forest Users in Nepal (FECOFUN) as well as various formal and informal networking initiatives in the country and in the project districts. Strengths and weaknesses of DOF, NGO, VDC and FUG initiated networking are treated.

One of the conclusions of this study is that networking is still in its infancy, as is illustrated by the fact that there is no clarity of its concepts amongst those initiating and/or involved in networking.

It is recommended that, at present, FUG networking under the project should be based on short term practical benefits like seed networks, enforcement of forest rules and marketing, of forest products. Benefits may extend also to more general community development benefits such as road construction and irrigation canal repair.

An important role is seen for the project to support informal and initiate formal networks. Some of the issues requiring attention are capacity building of the FUGs, participation, communication and equity.

It is hopes that as networks develop, more FUG to FUG support can be given thereby reducing the demands on the district forestry office.

Recommendations given include:

•	Clarification of the concepts of FUG networking.
•	Identification and support of informal networks of FUGs,
•	Further exploration and networking needs,
	Promotion of networks amongst FUGs (or sub-groups of FUGs) having something in common eg. Forest type, geographic proximity or being literacy class graduates.