Project Background

Forests and trees constitute an integral part of farming systems that serve as the main, and often the only, source of livelihood for the majority of the hill population (approx 9 million). Natural forests form the bulk of the forest resource and virtually all forests are used by villagers. The hill forests have been modified by continuous use by villagers and, to a great extent, by grazing animals - another important element of the farming systems. The degradation of forest condition is progressing steadily in most places resulting in threats to the sustainability of farming systems (and therefore to the livelihoods of the hill people) as well as to forest biodiversity.

Project Objectives

To contribute to an improved understanding of the problems of, and need for, natural forest management in the hills region of Nepal, leading to improvements in (1) the condition of natural forests and increases in the supply of forest products in areas where the guidelines are applied, (2) livelihoods of people in communities where dependence on forest products is high, and (3) in the service role of the Forest Department to these rural communities.

Intended Outputs

• Appropriate methodology tested, verified and documented for using Participatory Action Research (PAR) to develop and monitor natural forest management by FUGs.
• Understanding of the demand and supply relationships between FUGs and their forest resources and of the potential of forests to better meet the product needs of all FUG households on series of pilot sites improved.
• Guidelines on forest management options and silvicultural techniques, as well as PAR methodology as a means of promoting sustainable management and use of natural forests by FUGs disseminated. This will include information on sustainable yields and outputs of multiple forest products from natural forests in the hills region based on experimental learning by FUGs and field level supply and demand data.