A systematic map of evidence on the contribution of forests to poverty alleviation

Background Forestsprovide an essential resource to the livelihoods of an estimated 20% of the global population. The contribution of forestecosystems and forest-based resources to poverty reduction is increasingly emphasized in international policy discourse and conservation and development investments. However, evidence measuring the effect of forest-based activities on poverty outcomes remains scattered and unclear. Lack of systematic understanding of forest-poverty relationships, in turn, inhibits research, policymaking, and efficient financial resource allocation.