Women Participation in Community Forest Management. A Case Study of Community Forest of Dhulikhel, Kavre District

Abstract

This research has been done in order to analyze the women’s participations in community forest management, in Gaukhureswor community forest of Dhulikel municipality of Kavrepalanchok District. This study is focused on the socio-economic status and to find out the factors affecting in women participation in community forestry.

Community forest is people oriented forest program in Nepal. Community forest programme has been launched in most of the part of the Country. The effectiveness of the community forest in relation to people’s participation is very crucial. Women are found to be participating satisfactorily in the community forest management. This study is focused on analyzing the factors which has been affecting women’s participation in the management of community forest.

To fulfill the objectives of the study, Gaukhureswor community forest of Dhulikhel municipality of Kavrepalanchok District was selected. Gaukhureswor community forest user group has 60 house hold. Out of these, 30 house hold (50%) has been taken as sample. All the respondents were women.

The research has shown that the degree of the involvement of women in community forest management is satisfactory. The presence of women in the General assembly and regular meeting is impressive. There is no any gender based forest resource distribution system. The participation of women in Executive Committee is impressive. Out of 9 members 6 are women in Executive Committee. Education and awareness level of women are the most influential factors in active population. Women who belong to CFUG were found to be benefited from various types of training program.

Findings of the study show that women can play significant role in protecting, managing and developing community forest. Hence the success of the community forest program largely depends upon the active participation of women in its management since its inception. Therefore different types of awareness program, training and other types of incentive to women should be provided for the overall development of the community forest.