| Author | Shrestha, Vijay Singh |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. NR-01-06 |
| Subject(s) | Community forests--Nepal
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-01-06 |
| Abstract | Forest is one of the most valuable resources of Nepal, which is directly related to
the livelihood of the mid-hill people. Realizing that forest degradation has become serious
problem, Community Forestry programmes and related policies were introduced in Nepal
as early as 1976. In due course, the numbers of CFs were handed over to the local
communities in order to fulfil their basic needs along with saving the environment. Under
CF program, about 7,65,124 hectares (12.1 %) of forested area is handed over and are now
being managed by local communities through 10,128 registered forest user groups m
which 11,03,693 households (28. 72%) are involved in the management of CFs.
The study looks over the impacts of CF program in the Palpa district, located in the midhill of western region of Nepal. Based on the analysis of primary and secondary data, the
study looks into the impact of CF program such as changes in the forest resource and
socio-economic condition; perception and participation; institutional capacity, and strength
and weakness of program and policies. In this attempt, thirty households were selected in
addition to data collected from four Community Forest User Groups. Out of these four CFUGs two are managed by users from Village Development Committee and two other are
managed by users from Municipality which were appraised and analysed through forest
inventories, Household survey, field observation and key informants' interviews.
Analysis of primary data collected from plots reflected that there were consequential
changes taking place in forest condition after handover to C-FUGs. Overall, forest situation
is gradually increasing in relation to the number and growth and of young stems. The
findings do show important increase in stem diameter within a range of 5-10 cm dbh for
different forest types and also Basal Area in forests, which were initially in the poorest
condition. The forest condition is improved mainly due to the positive change in forest
productivity under C-FUGs management. C-FUGs were raising their funds from sale of
forest products, charging member, imposing penalty and seeking outside grants which
were commonly used up on community development works. Due to lack of knowledge and
skill most of the C-FUGs were not involved in income generating activity. In general,
socio-economic condition of users has been improved due to easy access and supply of
forest products to the users.
Results indicated that users' including women and deprived group are participating in the
CF management process and in CF decision making process along with relatively
accessible, ease on permit, fair and equitable distribution has been a positive change in the
perception of users. The evidence indicate that institutional aspect of C-FUGs in general is
improving to develop confidence and the capacity.
The overall result of this study revealed positive impact of CF program in the study area.
The growing demand, shrinking resource and frequently changing government policy are
the main problem for the future for the fulfillment of forest product demand in the region.
Various activities and related polices like resettlement, agriculture, infrastructure
development, land survey and measurement have reduced the extents of forest resources.
Users are positive towards their role in the better forest management under C-FUGs.
Increased availability of forest products in tum improved the condition of CFs, which has
helped to balance the condition of environment and availability of forest products in the
mid-hills of Nepal. |
| Year | 2001 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-01-06 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh Prasad; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Apisit Eiurnnoh ;Resurreccion, Bernadette; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Danish International Development Assistance
(NARMSAP/DANIDA) ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2001 |