Master of Land Resource Management

MASTER OF LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOREST PLANTATION IN MALAYSIA AND IN AFGHANISTAN

By

MUJIB RAHMAN AHMADZAI BIN SHAH RAHAMN

A project report submitted to Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra

Malaysia, in Fulfilment of SST 5901 Land Resource Management and Urban Development (Final Year Project) for the award of Degree of

Master in Land Resource Management

Aug 2015

ABSTRACT

Forest plantations have been established in parts of Malaysia as early as 1880 but they were not as important feature in the forestry industry as timber from natural forests was sufficient to cater for the demand. Over time, this changed and timber from natural forests could no longer fulfil the rising demand for timber and wood-based products due to two major factors – the size of natural forests had shrunk and the industry itself started following sustainable forest management practices. Therefore, forest plantations become a viable solution to fulfil the rising demand and at the same time reduce pressure on logging of natural forests.

This project paper explores the various aspects of the management of forest plantation in Malaysia and in Afghanistan. Among the aspects are the differences in the environment, under which they operate, and the policies and strategies adopted by both countries as well as the performance between both countries. These aspects are then further analyzed to determine whether there are any lessons which arise that are relevant for policy purposes.

The reason for choosing Afghanistan as a comparison for learning purpose is basically owing to its historic vast experience in forest plantation. The project paper is prepared based on the synthesis of data collected in Malaysia and the date gathered from internet about forest plantation in Afghanistan. The data were later used especially when doing comparative analysis on both countries.

Notwithstanding forest plantation is not a new concept in Malaysia’s forestry sector, it is still progressing slowly over the past decades. The policies and strategies to promote forest plantation in Malaysia is still at the stage of acceleration. Although the generous incentives launched by the government over the years, forest plantation is still perceived as less attractive to venture.

Moreover, forest plantation also needs to solve several ongoing issues like land availability, competing land use and labour mechanization.

Even though comparing a third world country like Afghanistan which is located in central Asia north and west of Pakistan, east ofIran, and south ofTurkmenistan,Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The narrow Wakhan Corridor extends from north easternmost Afghanistan to meet withChina with a developing country like Malaysia, their experiences be it their success or pitfalls serve as valuable lessons to Malaysia. There are many aspects of Malaysia forest plantation that Afghanistan can benefit from it for the purpose of policy and strategies for more effective forest plantation. From the literatures, there are many evidences that Malaysia admits that although the succeeded in forest plantation but at the same time this success led to many others conflicts – and those conflicts were mostly about loss. Loss of some valuable semi-natural habitats, los of pristine natural landscapes, loss of some native woodland and many others,

Malaysia perceives these losses in a positive manner, as lessons learnt for the formation of strategies and policies to accelerate forest plantation in the country. Among the lessons provided by Malaysia’s experiences to Afghanistan are: Firstly, in order to achieve a successful and sustainable forest plantation in Afghanistan, a powerful and innovative organization/entity that can give a full commitment and concentration on the management, development and innovation of forest plantation should exist. Secondly, in the face of global meticulous in Afghanistan should be able to strike the balance between materials production and environmental ecosystem conservation. It is crucial not only to satisfy the scrutiny of the international community but also to ensure Afghanistan forest and its ecosystem are well conserved for the benefits of future generations. Thirdly, the urgency to enhance and review the economic incentives available in Afghanistan for forest plantation. This only can be done through a full support and backing from the government and industry players. Fourthly, the significant role of private partnership as contributor to successful and sustainable forest plantation. And lastly, the possibility for paradigm shift from single use to multiple uses in Afghanistan’s forest plantation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful

First and foremost, Alhamdulillah all praises to Allah for the strengths and His blessing in completing this project paper as to fulfil the requirement of Land Resource Management and Urban Development Course (SST5901). I am heartily thankful and my Special appreciation goes to my supervisor, and coordinators of LARM program Dr.Samsuri bin Abdul Wahid, for his guidance, inspiration, supervision and constant support from the initial to the final.

Last but not least, my deepest gratitude goes to my Grand Father and my Grand Mother, my Parents, my wife, my uncle Mr. Saifur Rahman Ahmadzai and my whole family; for their endless love, prayers and encouragement. To those who indirectly contributed to this project paper, your kindness means a lot to me. Thank you very much.

Mujib Rahman Ahmadzai, Aug 2015