| Abstract | This study explores issues relating to biological viability of forest resources, socio-economic
and institutional development of Forest User Groups (FUGs) for sustainable community forest
management. Assessment of the productivity of forest resources, documentation of socioeconomic
profile of selected FUGs, analysis of economic returns from community forests,
identification of income generation activities based on forest products, and examination of
institutional development of FUGs were the main objectives of the study. In this endeavor,
case studies from six FUGs in two mid-hill districts of Tanahun and Kaski from western Nepal
were analyzed and assessed through household survey, forest inventory, field observation and
key informant interviews.
The major findings of the study reveal that production of forest resources does not match the
needs of users, even though the forest condition is improving after users have taken the
management responsibility of community forests. There is significant difference in use of
quantity of forest products before and after handing over of community forests. Though users
get less after converting to community forest, the principle is based on sustained use without
deteriorating resources for the future. The existing management practices carried out are not
enough to improve the productivity. Although there is relative inequality in economic and
social status and education level among users, no discrimination was found in participation,
benefit sharing or decision making process in the community forestry program.
Conditions of forests were not yet in the situation of selling products outside the groups for
commercial purpose. However, FUGs were raising funds from different activities such as the
sale of the products within groups, levy from membership, amount raised from penalty and
grants from DF Office. These amounts were spent on community development activities. The
potential of income generation activity based on small-scaled enterprises seemed high, but no
FUGs were undertaking these activities due to lack of knowledge and skills. Though the direct
benefit from community forest was insignificant, FUGs were fully satisfied with the indirect
and non-use values of forests.
The master plan and recent legislation have given emphasis on community forestry to
conserve forest resources by handing over the forests to local people. Therefore, the
responsibility of protection and management of this resource depends on user groups'
capabilities for sustainable use. In strengthening institutional development of FUGs, they need
to be self-reliant in technical know-how, decision-making process, resolving internal conflicts
and planning activities. Confidence in financial and administrative management, active
participation from all groups of users and fair benefit sharing are other key factors for
sustainable management of community forest. FUGs in both districts are beginning to develop
their performance and confidence in these aspects with the assistance of GOs, NGOs and
INGOs.
However, the findings in three interrelated dimensions; biophysical, socio-economic and
institutional, show a strong foundation to achieve the ultimate goal of community forestry to
alleviate poverty through sustainable management of forest resources. |