A Gender Perspective Analysis of Participation in Community Forestry (A Case Study of Gadawa VDC of Dang District)

Abstract

The study is done in the issue of Community Forestry, Which is people oriented forest program in Nepal. The Community Forestry Program is handled through local organizations known as Forest User Group. The effectiveness of Community Forest in relation to people’s participation is thus very crucial. The study focuses in the participation in decision making, in implementation and benefit sharing, effecting factors relation to people’s participation and changed skill and knowledge of Forest User Group of Matpur Nasahawa Community Forest of Gadawa VDC of Dang District. To meet the objective of study, primary and secondary data were collected from the field visit. These data were analyzed descriptively and analytically. In this community forest, Tharu caste is a higher Forest User Group whereas other caste. Participation of Brahaman/Chhetri community is high in comparison to other community. Tharu community is second position. Women participation was satisfactory but less than male. The Users are satisfied with the work carried out by Forest User Committee and Community Forest Program. The educational level was found influential factor in active participation. The different Community Forest related training, which were already held, have benefited the users. The users have managed to gain some knowledge about Community Forest from their Community Forest Program. The users who less participate and less active are found less aware and less motivated. Therefore, more training should be conducted to make active to all users for higher participation. In overall, this community forestry was found a model forest with respect to technical aspects whereas; some major changes in social aspect should be made to improve all level participation in community forestry.