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Performance of Community Forestry on Social Organization and Livelihoods under Terai Arc Landscape Program, Nepal

Ram Prasad Lamsal, Dr. Sanjay Nath Khanal, Bikash Adhikari

In Nepal, Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program is under implementation as a priority program and the Community Forestry (CF) has been lauded as a better approach to manage different forest regimes than conventional and top-down management approach. Based on relevant literature, field observations and primary data of 2009 and 2013 from three active and heterogeneous Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) of Mohana-Laljhadi corridor of TAL area, this study assesses the performance of CF on the livelihoods benefits and social outcome of conservation as the proxy measures of conservation success.This study has shown several positive changes and achievements in balancing social organizations and improving various livelihood capitals. Heavy pressure on government managed forests (GMF), increased human wildlife conflicts, problem of elite dominancy, undue political pressures and conflicts still persist. Improvement in CF is considered necessary due to changes in priorities, perspectives and lessons learnt.