Participation of Dalit in Forest Resource Management (A Case Study of Hanspur-4, Kaski District)

Abstract

This study entitled "Participation of Dalit in Forest Resource Management" (A Case Study of Hanspur-4, Kaski District" was based on primary data collected in Oct-Nov2009. The main objective of the study was to find out the participation of Dalits in Forest Resource Management on the basis of case study at Hanspur VDC ward no.-4of Kaski District. The specific objectives were to analyze the socio-economic condition of Dalits FUGs members, to identify existing practice of Dalits for forest resource management and to evaluate utilization pattern of forest resource in Dalits community. For the purpose of the study, the researcher had applied both exploratory and descriptive research design. The sources of data were both primary and secondary and the nature of data was both qualitative and quantitative. There are 60 numbers of Dalit households in the community forest of Deurali and Baghedanda communityforestry of Hanspur-4, Kaski. All 60 households were selected as universe sample forthe study purpose. So the study was census survey. Dalit respondents of the villagewho are the member of forest user group (One from each household) and ten keyinformants were the respondents of the study. Study shows the low literacy figure (41% of male and 48% of female) of Dalits and low awareness level of dalits towards forestry. Farming is the major occupation of Dalits. Almost 80 percent of them are living in subsistence. Waged labour is a primary source of income of the respondents. Lack of leadership development and discriminatory practice most of illiterate Dalits are not participating regularly in forest related activities. Although, there was the chairperson and secretary of Deurali CFUG were from Dalits cast. They were just physically participate. Almost all Dalits are participating in monitoring, evaluation and benefit sharing process. They have felt a sense of responsibility to protect and management their resources. The participation of Dalit is not equally with related to other casts But on an average, the effectiveness of Dalits participation in forest resources management is satisfactory.