Assessment of local conflict resolution practices in community forest user groups : a case study of Dhankuta District, middle hill of Nepal | |
| Author | Shrestha, Govind Bahadur |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-04-14 |
| Subject(s) | Community forests--Nepal Conflict management--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-04-14 |
| Abstract | Community forestry is the most prioritized forestry program in Nepal. Formal resolution processes are complicated, expensive and time consuming to address increasing conflicts in community forestry. On the other hand local conflict resolution practices (LCRP) has become increasingly weak making powerless party more disadvantaged. The focal problem is now to assess the effectiveness of stakeholders and LCRP, as there is ever risk of injustice by powerful people. This study is an attempt to assess effectiveness of LCRP and stakeholders in resolution process in hill districts of Nepal. The study presents a case from Dhankuta district, conducted household survey in four CFUGs using other tools such as SWOC analysis, focus group/informal discussion, interview and, review of CF constitution and OP. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical were applied for data analysis. The study reveals that there is significant difference in users' socio-economic condition and relationship of their perception and satisfaction with CF conflicts. The conflict status is found higher in the post-formation stage than pre-formation and during formation of CFUGs. No CFUGs are found free from CF related conflicts. Heterogeneous and urban exposed CFUGs are more conflicted than homogenous and rural based CFUGs by magnitude and diversity. The study indicates boundary, resource sharing, participation and decision-making issues are the common sources of conflicts. The findings show the adverse effects of CF conflicts on forest resource and CFUGs functioning are higher in urban CFUGs but positive effects are higher in the rural based CFUGs. The finding of this study reveals that local stakeholders are potential and highly effective than external stakeholder in their initiative role, involvement and effectiveness in the conflict resolution process. Moreover, CFUGC and CFUG assembly are found most potential among the local stakeholders to settle disputes within CFUGs. Despites weakening status, local conflict resolution practices are found more effective than formal resolution practices in terms of relative effectiveness, resolving potential and achieving desired quality in conflict resolution. The study explores the collaboration and compromises are best-practiced and highly effective options in local conflict resolution process. It emphasizes on the collaborative action and 'give and take' approach in finding best or alternative solution. Lastly, for reducing CF conflicts the emphasis should be given on following proper CF hand over process with regular meeting/assembly conduction and enhancing IGA and stakeholders' support. |
| Year | 2004 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-04-14 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Shipin, Oleg V.; Gautam, Ambika Prasad |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Danish International Development Assistance NARMSAP ( DANIDA ) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |