Participation of Women in Community Forest Management (A case study of Urleni Community Forest User Group, Harichaur-9, Baglung District)

Abstract

This study was carried out during May, 2006 at Urleni Community Forest User Group in the Baglung District which was targeted for various activities concerning economic and participation level, which were being regulated through this forest.The specific objectives of the study were following: (i) To access the status of women participation in community forestry. (ii) To identify the factors affecting in participation of women in community forest management. (iii) To recommend to lead the program. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources.The primary data were collected through field visit and secondary data were collected from various official sources and publications. The research design of this study was both descriptive and analytic. Regarding these methods of research,the sampling size was also determined, where 50 respondents were taken as sample from 683 households. To collect the data household survey and interview method were adopted. The collected data were analyzed through tabulation,average, percentage, bar diagrams and pie chart. The limitation of this study focusedin the specific area i.e. Urleni CFUG with limited time framework.It was found in Urleni Community Forest User Group that the women's educational status was lower than male. More than 95% of women were engaged in agricultural occupation. Most of the women are found participating in the activities of community forest. They are keenly interested on doing works of CF.There are 7 female members in the committee of CF among 15 members which is46.66%. There were some encouraging factors i.e. family supports, attendance on the meeting, presentation of logic etc. In spite of encouraging factors to participate women in community forest there were some obstacles viz. family size,education level, occupation, gender discrimination etc. UCFUG are getting the benefits through sufficient firewood and fodder for livestock farming. There are some additional income sources viz. fruits, herbs etc. which are the means of women's additional income.