Empirical linkages between devolved tenure systems and forest conditions: An introduction to the literature review

•Many studies have examined the impacts of devolved tenure systems on forest conditions.•An overview of our review of this large body of literature is presented.•While tremendous advances have been made, the evidence remains mixed and weak.

A large body of literature has examined the role of devolved tenure systems in reducing deforestation and forest degradation, and/or enhancing forest regeneration and growth. My colleagues and I have conducted a careful review of this literature to identify what was accomplished and what remains to be pursued. This Special Feature (SF) is mostly devoted to publishing our review and synthesis. This introductory article begins by defining “devolved tenure and community forestry” and “forest condition,” then it describes our approach to and organization of the literature review and outlines what will be covered in the other three articles of this SF, and, finally, it highlights the main findings of our review.