This document examines community forests (CFs) in Cameroon as social enterprises. It finds that while CFs meet some criteria of social enterprises, there are gaps compared to an ideal model. Specifically, the economic dimension of CFs is significantly less developed than the ideal, focusing mainly on timber. The governance dimension also shows gaps in participatory decision making. However, the social goals of CFs are well aligned with social enterprises. To better meet the social enterprise model, CFs need to diversify income sources, improve governance practices, and receive official recognition and support as social enterprises. With capacity building and policy changes, CFs could develop into more successful social enterprises.
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