Socio-ecnomic impact of community forest in Chitwan district: A study of Surdebi Community Forest, Piple, Chitwan

Abstract

This study “Socio-economic impact of Community Forest in Chitwan District” has been conducted in Piplesurdebi Community Forest Users’ Group of Rapti Municipality of Chitwan District. This study aims to analyze whether the community forestry is beneficial to the local people or not and is it success to generate income and employment in the community level. The main objectives of this study are: to analyze the CFUGs socio-economic improvement through community forestry and to find the problems face by SCFUGs. Descriptive and explanatory research designs are used to fulfil the objectives. 50 CFUs has been selected as sampled users out of 500 users of SCF. In this research both primary and secondary data has been used to collect the necessary data. Stratified systematic sampling technique is used to collect primary data through Structured Questionnaire, Key Informant Interview and Focus Group Discussion techniques to gather information. The data are tabulated and analyze simple statistical tools like pie-chart, percentage, frequency, etc. The demographic characteristics of users and socio-economic structures of Surdebi community forest users are well explained compare and analyzed before and after the formation of Surdebi community forest. The Study analyzes the direct and indirect benefits derived from community forest. Major benefits were increased in the supply of fuel wood, leaf litter, fodder, water supply, timber and other forest products as well as increased in the employment opportunities. Based on the primary data, the findings of this research reveal that Surdebi community forest improves the socio-economic status of Surdebi community forest users. However, the findings of research also reveal that there is a conflict between users and Surdbi Community Forest management team as well in benefit sharing. It is recommended that all of the political ideology should be forgotten for the common benefit of the society.