Impact of Livelihood Improvement Programme By Multi Stakeholder Forestry Programmeon Rural Households in Parbat District

Abstract

The thesis entitled Impact of Livelihood Improvement Programme by Multi Stakeholder Forestry Programme on Rural Households in Parbat District. This study was conducted to trace out the impact of livelihood improvement programme by MSFP for the residence of sampled VDCs of Parbat district in Nepal. The study objective was to analyze the bases of livelihood improvement plan, to access level of participation on programme activities,to examine changing pattern of socio economic condition after the LIP implementation and overall impact of programme activities on beneficiaries‘ livelihood. This study sampled one hundred sixty eight HHs of Majhaphant, Banau, tilahar and Kurgha VDC´s were selected purposively for conducting a structured and semi structured questionnaire survey together with checklist in-depth interviews and focus group discussion for data collection. The field survey showed 85.1percent respondents found to receive information to discuss about plan. Thelivelihood improvement plan had three bases: local resources, need and interests and market situation as major bases for livelihood improvement of beneficiaries. The majority (65.5%) respondents respond on plan incorporated these three aspects. In addition, livelihood improvement plan made by need based and bottom up approach in which 63.1percent and 32 percent respondents answered respectively. Furthermore, the result shows 81.5percentrespondents were active participation on LIP that participation in programme planning, implementation and monitoring activities has promoted transparency and developmental governance. Also, 94 Percent respondents agreed that it has also helped to enhance ownership of the programme among FUGs members. The implementation of LIP has positive impact on the socio-economic as well as environmental condition. The study shows, 98 percent respondents agreed on positive impact on forest conservation. Respondents who believe on positive change of programme intervention on water resource conservation, greenery, wildlife expansion were found to be above 85 percent. Also, more than 85 percent respondents agreed on the positive impact on health and sanitation, education, IGAs, capacity development of executive committee. vii For building climate resilience, the project reached climate vulnerable households through the implementation of LAPAs and CAPAs. The programme activities have been reached the targeted group through the local level implementing unit and these activities are regular monitoring by the local level monitoring committee and own local government and people for sustainability. The study recommends to regular monitoring and backstopping for the institutionalization of LIP. Institutional development and capacity building of CFUGs is needed to make them able to lead LIP and other similar activities. Poor and disadvantaged households have accessed to a fund which mobilized as revolving fund through CFUGs, three lakhs amount of money has been collected in the community as permanent. In Banau, two Sitake mushroom enterprises and in Kurgha and Tilahar VDCs Instant stick enterprises provide employment for 32 members, more than 24 and 23 members of CFUG respectively. Furthermore, irrigation facilities support in vegetable farming. Moreover pig farming, vegetable farming goat raising and furniture making enterprises get self-employment opportunities through technical and financial support for support their income generating activities.