Data for "Variable linkages between afforestation programs and tree cover outside of forests in India"

Abstract

Expanding tree cover outside forests is central to India’s climate and restoration goals, yet the effectiveness of public programs driving these efforts remains uncertain. We examine eight major government schemes aimed at promoting trees on farmlands and other non-forest lands, linking program funding data (2013–2019) with observed tree cover change (2017–2023) across three complementary datasets: the Forest Survey of India (FSI), MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields, and the Brandt et al. (2024) high-resolution individual tree maps. This dataset includes funding information at the state level for the following Indian government programs, derived from government reports and websites, and combined with the aforementioned published remote sensing datasets: - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act - Sub-Mission on Agroforestry - National Bamboo Mission - Green India Mission - National Horticulture Mission - Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - National Afforestation Programme - Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority