scholarly journals Maoist Conflict, Community Forestry and Livelihoods: Pro-poor Innovations in Forest Management in Nepal

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
KBK Nirmal ◽  
Ravi K Shrestha ◽  
Sudil G Acharya ◽  
Abdul S Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Community Forestry ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Local Institutions ◽  
Development Interventions ◽  
Marginalised Groups ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Equitable Outcomes ◽  
Violent Conflicts

Violent conflicts are quite often perceived as a destructive and negative phenomenon, and there is little understanding of how they also offer opportunities for a positive change in the society. In particular, little is understood about how violent conflicts and development processes interact and create positive changes in local institutions and practices. This article focuses on such interactions observed amongst the Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in the Koshi Hills of Nepal, as the Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP) worked through the conflict period. It demonstrates that the Maoist conflict contributed in several ways to enhance the pro-poor outcomes of development actions. We show that the conflict helped empower the marginalised groups, improve their access to community resources, and bring about important changes within the local institutions and practices, contributing to equitable resource management. We suggest that there are positive sides of a violent conflict, where development interventions need to focus on. We also argue that development brings about equitable outcomes if it is complemented with local level advocacy in favour of the poor and marginalised groups. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2311 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.93-100

scholarly journals Corpo-bureaucratizing Community Forest: Commercialization and Increased Financial Transaction in Community Forestry User Groups in Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Paudel ◽  
Dil Bahadur Khatri ◽  
Govinda Paudel
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
Community Governance ◽  
Economic Decisions ◽  
Ethnographic Studies ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Financial Transactions

Based on the analysis of financial transactions and decision making procedures in Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Nepal, this paper argues that community forestry is adapting techno-bureaucratic and corporate culture, replacing indigenous ways of community governance and by placing market elements into existing hierarchies and power asymmetries of local communities. It also argues that the trend of commercialization in community forestry has increased not because of the rational economic decisions made not on the basis of increased demands and surplus supply but because of a combination of economic and non-economic factors that create conditions necessary for commercialization as the next possible step in community-managed resources. In doing so this paper attempts to understand the dynamics, mechanisms and extent of CFUGs’ financial transactions through conceptualizing links of community forestry with extra-local economic forces, and also provides alternative ways of managing community resources for increased pro-poor outcomes. This study is based on in-depth analyses of national and district databases of CFUG funds, and ethnographic studies of 8 selected CFUGs from different parts of the country.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v9i1.8587 Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.9(1) 2010 1-15

scholarly journals Pro-poor Institutions: Creating Exclusive Rights to the Poor Groups in Community Forest Management

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushma Bhattarai ◽  
Prakash Kumar Jha ◽  
Niraj Chapagain
Keyword(s):  
Community Forestry ◽  
Community Forest Management ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
Degraded Land ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Community Forests ◽  
The Poor ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Forest User

In spite of the widely accepted success of Community Forestry in reviving degraded land, it is still seen as being unable to provide tangible benefits to the poor. This paper illustrates that through continuous sharing, deliberation and negotiation among the poor and non?poor members of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), management of community forests can be made far more equitable than the usual scenario. Drawing from the experience on the processes and outcomes of Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP), this paper brings empirical evidence of how facilitation support has enabled the poor to have more equitable access to community forests. Three key pro?poor institutional arrangements resulting from the facilitation process include: a) establishing special use rights arrangements within CFUGs for the poor, b) pro?poor silvicultural practices, and c) equitable forest product and benefit distribution mechanisms. The paper suggests some changes in policy and practice to institutionalise these outcomes. Full text is available at the ForestAction websiteDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v8i2.2304 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 8(2) February 2009 pp.1-15

scholarly journals Looking women seriously: what makes differences for women participation in community forestry ?

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
P. K. C. Bhandari ◽  
P Bhusal ◽  
B. B. Khanal Chhetri ◽  
C. P. Upadhyaya
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Participation Of Women ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Women Participation ◽  
Forest User

Women participation has been in discussion for long in community forestry in Nepal - a successful programme in participatory forest governance. Despite having ample of policy instruments to address the women concern in community forestry decision making activities several pragmatic issues have been encountered. This paper examines on the women participation in different community forestry decision making activities and identifies the factors influencing participation in such activities. The evidences were generated from five community forest user groups in Kaski district. The analysis was based on the household surveys that included the random sample of 213 respondents (107 females and 106 males). Similarly, regular triangulation and verification of the data were made through series of interviews, discussions and observations followed by the analysis of CF documents. Three ordered logit regression models were deployed to examine the determinants of women participation in decision making in forest management, resource utilization and participatory activities. The analysis showed lower participation of women in community forest decision making activities. Gender had the significant association with the participation in all decision making activities. The men with higher education, who are the member of executive committee and have access to community forestry fund, had participated significantly more than women in community forestry decision making activities. Low participation of women was associated with lower representation in user group committee, social and traditional beliefs and preoccupied assumption that women cannot lead which may result in unfair implication of community forestry.

scholarly journals Transforming Agency and Structure for Facilitating Pro-Poor Governance in Community Forestry

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mani Ram Banjade ◽  
Netra Prasad Timsina ◽  
Hari Raj Neupane ◽  
Kamal Bhandari ◽  
Tara Bhattarai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
The Hill ◽  
Agency And Structure ◽  
Forest User

Nepali society is differentiated by hierarchical and discriminatory social structures struggling for transformation. This culture is also reflected in the practices of Community Forestry. Community Forestry is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods within communities through forest management, ensuring social justice through the provision of better spaces and positions to poor and disadvantaged groups. Based on the lessons of nine Community Forest User Groups of seven districts of the hill and Terai regions of Nepal, we propose a more inclusive and interactive process, known as ‘Social and Transformative Learning' or ‘Action and Learning', which has greater ability to transform both agency and structure to ensure deliberative and pro-poor governance. Key words: agency and structure, pro-poor governance, transformative learning, community forestry doi: 10.3126/jfl.v5i1.1978 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 5(1) February, 2006 pp.22-33

The Contested Role of Management Plans in Improving Forest Conditions in Nepal's Community Forests

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Baral ◽  
H. Meilby ◽  
B.B. Khanal Chhetri
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Community Forests ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Forest Legislation ◽  
Forest Conditions

Nepal's forest legislation requires community forest user groups to prepare inventory based management plans. Several studies have observed positive changes in forest cover after the establishment of community forestry; however, the role of management plans in bringing about such change is less examined. Based on a case study of nine community forests in the mid-hills of Nepal, this paper discusses the role of plans in changing the forest conditions. The study assessed changes in forest conditions, observed forest management activities, conducted household surveys, and interviewed forest bureaucrats. Image analysis showed improvement in forest conditions after the introduction of inventory based planning; however, improvements cannot be attributed to the plans, as the prescriptions in these were not used in practice. Instead, it emerged that a culture emphasizing forest conservation, changes in demography and increased remittance incomes together with increasing bureaucratic requirements contributed to the improved forest conditions. The role of the plan remains contested since it largely serves as a basis for controlling communities and, hence, preparation of such plans appears as an empty ritual with little connection with actual forest management.

scholarly journals Sustainable Resin Tapping in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities (A case from Salyan District)

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 172-179
Author(s):  
Dhananjaya Paudyal
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Forest User

This paper attempts to explore a case from Salyan district on resin tapping and its contribution to local and national economy. Resin tapping and its related activities like extraction, collection and transportation are one of the major sources of employment for a large number of rural poor people. Based on the quantity of resin collected and exported outside the district, revenue is generated to central as well as local government and Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs). In the mean time, some issues and challenges have been identified at local level regarding the sustainability of resin tapping. It, therefore, concludes that some practical measures are necessary to overcome the issues and challenges so that resin tapping could be done in a sustainable manner. Sources of information of this paper are records of District Forest Office and rosin companies and net surfing as secondary sources; field observation, interviews with CFUGs and resin collectors as primary sources. Key Words: Pine forests, Resin tapping, Sustainability, Revenue, Employment, Nepal DOI: 10.3126/init.v2i1.2540 The Initiation Vol.2(1) 2008 pp172-179

Bureaucratic recentralisation of Nepal's community forestry sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Basnyat ◽  
T. Treue ◽  
R.K. Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
Community Forestry ◽  
Community Forest Management ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
Community Forests ◽  
Forest Policies ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Forest User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Forest User

This paper explores the forest bureaucracy's practices of implementing community forest policies in Nepal and how this shapes the realities of community forestry for forest user groups. To this end, we conducted a content analysis of community forest management plans; surveyed 74 community forest user groups; conducted intensive field observation in six community forests and interacted with executive committee members and forest bureaucrats from two western hill districts. Our results show that forest user groups were hardly aware of their formal rights, including the obligations of forest bureaucrats to deliver free-of-charge services and technical support. Nobody holds forest bureaucrats accountable for failing to fulfil this part of their official duties. Rather, the forest bureaucrats have established different legal and extralegal processes and mechanisms through which they regain and maintain control over community forest resources. We call this 'bureaucratic recentralisation', and it allows forest bureaucrats to reap personal benefits, including unofficial revenues for delivering statutorily no-cost services.

scholarly journals How Good is the Governance Status in Community Forestry? A Case Study from Midhills in Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhananjaya Lamichhane ◽  
Rajan Parajuli
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Poor Women ◽  
The Status ◽  
User Groups ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Community Forest User Groups

Five representative community forest user groups (CFUGs) from Gorkha district in Nepal were studied in order to evaluate the status of good governance in community forestry (CF). Eight criteria and their local indicators were employed to quantify the governance status in CF using simple mathematical procedures. Results show that overall governance level ranges from 70.7% to 79.8%. Among the eight criteria, “consensus-oriented” received the highest score (90.72%), and “accountability” acquired the lowest score (65.34%). Lack of accountability was the striking factor in all CFUGs. Crafting CFUGs and their executive committees more accountable and responsive to all CFUG users including poor, women, and disadvantaged groups, was one of the major challenges. However, the practice of regular auditing of CFUG funds, maintenance of records and other documents, and inclusion of women and poor in the executive committee were some striking opportunities. Because of the inequitable distribution system of forest products, the gap between the rich and poor users is widening and the involvement of poor and marginalized members in CFUG activities has been decreasing.

scholarly journals Generating Income from Nepal’s Community Forestry: Does Timber Matter?

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20
Author(s):  
Ridish K Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
Community Forestry ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Community Forests ◽  
Non Timber Forest Products ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Valuable Product ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Timber Sale ◽  
Forest User

This paper argues that timber is the most valuable product of community forests and forms the largest share of the income for community forest user groups (CFUGs). This paper assesses the sources of CFUGs’ income in general and income through timber sale, in particular. Drawing information from one hundred CFUGs in three mid-hill districts of Nepal, shows that the contribution from timber is significantly higher compared to other sources such as non- timber forest products, membership fee, penalty, and renting meeting hall. Moreover, the CFUGs with timber sale collect a lesser amount of membership fee, which is one of the major incentives for the members. The research findings emphasize the need to put timber in CFUGs’ key forest management priority.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v9i1.8588 Journal of Forestry and Livelihood Vol.9(1) 2010 16-20

scholarly journals Community preferences for social forestry facilitation programming in Lampung, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Wulandari ◽  
Heni Kurniasih
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Social Forestry ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Community Institutions ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Community Preferences

A number of studies have discussed the importance of facilitation for improving the outcomes of Social Forestry programs. However, more detailed studies about the SF stakeholders should be prioritized, particularly those related to the types of facilitation among those that work with community forest user groups. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing community perspectives on who should be prioritized to receive facilitation and what type of facilitation is needed. We conduct the study in Lampung Province in 2017, focusing on Community Forestry (Hutan Kemasyarakatan/HKm), one of the first social forestry schemes implemented by the Indonesian Government. Based on an analysis of Analytic Hierarchy Process, this paper found that HKm participants have identified three top priorities for facilitation: individual members, community forestry groups, and other villagers (non-members of community forestry groups). Nevertheless, communities still see the importance of facilitation for external facilitators and government staff. The Analytic Hierarchy Process also shows that the most preferable type of facilitation for communities is based on entrepreneurship. These are particularly important for SF groups that have been established for more than ten years. This finding contrasts with previous studies arguing that the most needed facilitation in SF is strengthening community institutions.

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