Forest-dependent Communities Research Articles

Co-Management Effects on Forest Restoration in Protected Areas of Bangladesh: A Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Analysis

Co-management is a promising forest governance strategy that integrates local communities’ traditional rights and forest dependencies while aiming to improve forest cover and ecosystem health. Bangladesh, facing high deforestation rates and limited per capita forest area, has implemented co-management initiatives since 2003 to restore forest cover and support the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. While the socio-economic impacts of co-management are well studied, its effects on forest cover remain underexplored. This study addresses that gap by using three common spectral vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI, and MSAVI), calculated from Landsat 7 data, to analyze forest cover changes in five major protected areas under co-management. The results indicated that dense forest cover (41–71%) was initially prevalent in these areas, but a significant decline occurred between 2004 and 2015, with slope values ranging from −3.7 to −0.96. In contrast, the non-co-managed control site exhibited a much smaller decline (slope: −0.48 to −0.62) across all indices. Notable increases in agricultural land and forest–agriculture mosaics were also observed in the protected areas under co-management. Global Forest Watch data further confirmed substantial forest cover loss, particularly in CWS (158.77 ha) and SNP (0.49 ha). These findings highlight the need to reassess co-management strategies to address ongoing forest degradation.

Forest Restoration through Village Common Forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: The Role of NGO Interventions

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are widely recognized for their support of biodiversity conservation and forest restoration in tropical developing countries. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh, ethnic forest-dependent communities have long maintained the Village Common Forest (VCF), an ancestral forest managed for community well-being. In recent years, some VCFs in the CHT have received support from local and international NGOs due to their perceived role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and improving local livelihoods. Although such support remains limited, its impacts on forest restoration and vegetation are not yet fully investigated. In the present study, we used remote sensing techniques and field surveys to measure vegetation cover changes and tree diversity in selected VCFs in the area. Our findings indicate that vegetation condition and tree diversity were better in NGO-supported VCFs compared with those without NGO intervention. Based on our study, we recommend increasing NGO involvement in VCF management with a more holistic and ecosystem-based approach, fostering institutional cooperation addressing land ownership issues, developing a market for forest ecosystem services, and improving local capacity for science-based forest management and ecosystem restoration in the CHT.

Climate change, livelihood resilience, and gender: An intersectional analysis of Vietnam's forest-dependent communities

Integrating gender-disaggregated data and adopting a gender-focused perspective are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of climate change issues. This study provides empirical evidence from two ethnic minorities in Vietnam, highlighting how perceptions of livelihood resilience vary by gender, geographical context, and ethnicity, with a particular emphasis on their intersections. Over 13 months, data were gathered through 3 focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, field observations, and surveys of 136 households. The findings revealed a low average Household Livelihood Resilience (HLR) score of 0.434, indicating limited resilience among forest-dependent households facing external shocks. Notably, a significant gender gap was evident, with men demonstrating higher resilience levels than women, a disparity attributed to entrenched social norms and cultural practices. Women, often confined to domestic roles, faced barriers to community involvement and access to financial resources, which weakened their ability to cope with and recover from adverse events. To address these issues, the study advocates for climate actions that prioritize gender equality and aim to enhance women's resilience. This includes amplifying their voices through tailored training programs and initiatives such as women-managed microfinance groups. The study also emphasizes the policy implications for advancing gender equality, sustainable forest management, and livelihood resilience. However, this work has limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases. Future research should involve a larger, more diverse sample of forest-dependent communities and examine various dimensions of vulnerability to provide a more nuanced understanding of resilience factors.

Mapping forest-based natural climate solutions

Natural climate solutions are critical actions of ecosystem stewardship to mitigate climate change. However, prioritizing locations and possible actions is challenging. We demonstrate a generalizable approach for identifying potential opportunities for natural climate solutions by creating a spatial hierarchy of land management restrictions. Global forest carbon stocks and flux models were then used to explore forest-based natural climate solutions in the high-carbon density coastal temperate rainforests of western North America. Our results show 13 million hectares are available for action, an area that holds 4,900 ± 640 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and represents 45% of regional and 0.5% of global aboveground forest carbon stocks. Based on historical trends, a 10% reduction in average annual forest carbon loss through improved forest management and conservation could reduce forest carbon emissions by 9.1 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, corresponding to 5.2% of the 2030 land-based climate commitments made by the United States and Canada. Large-scale implementation of natural climate solutions will require collaborative planning with forest-dependent communities, industry, governments, and Indigenous peoples.

Assessing livelihood dependency on forestry products during COVID-19 period

Background: The importance of forest in improving human welfare is recognized worldwide. Both natural and artificial forests provide basic needs such as fuel wood, timber, industrial wood and non-timber products. They also provide employment, income and foreign exchange hence contributing to social and economic development. Equally important are the environmental benefits of forest. But as covid 19 came people lost their job, their movement was restricted as a result an increase dependency on forest products for survival increases in developing countries. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to unearth impacts of covid 19 has on the forest products of people living around zomba plateau forest reserve. The general objective of the study is to assess livelihood dependency on forest product during covid 19 period. Method: Specifically, the study will identify and assess which forest products were frequently accessed during covid 19 and analyze the contribution of forest products on household income during the pandemic period. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to collect data. The target population for the study consisted of residents of Mtendere village. The sample size was 59. Data were collected using self- administered questionnaire and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and excel package respectively. Result: The results of the study indicate that there was an increase dependency of forest products during covid 19 period and such that the contribution the contribution of forest products to household income dwindles during this period. Conclusion: The study further recommends to build the resilience of forest- dependent communities to future shocks and crises. This can be achieved through the implementation of social safety nets, or savings and credit programs. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on community dependence on forest products and finds changes in forest resource use patterns during the pandemic. It provides new insights into the resilience of forest-dependent communities in the face of global crises. It offers practical recommendations for building community resilience through social safety nets and credit savings programs.

Assessing the role of forest resources in improving rural livelihoods in West Bengal of India

Forest resources play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of rural communities residing in forest-rich areas. In India, a forest-rich country, a significant proportion of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is consumed locally, supporting numerous rural communities relying on forests for essential resources, such as firewood, timber, and NTFPs. This study focuses on two forest-dominant districts in West Bengal of India, namely, Jhargram District and Paschim Medinipur District. Furthermore, this study aims to enhance the understanding of forest-dependent communities by comparing the standard of living among different village classes. Thus, we categorized villages into three classes based on the distance from home to forests, including inner villages, fringe villages, and outer villages. Through focus group discussions and household surveys, we explored the sources of local economy, income sources of household, and reasons for economic diversification in different village classes. The study findings confirm that substantial variations existed in the income sources and the standard of living in these villages. Forest income varied dramatically among the three village classes, with inner villages having greater forest income than fringe villages and outer villages. Meanwhile, households in outer villages depended on forests and engaged in diverse economic activities for their livelihoods. Compared with inner and fringe villages, households in outer villages derived a significant portion of their income from livestock. This discrepancy can be attributed to challenges, such as inadequate transportation, communication, and underdeveloped market chains in inner villages. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to develop sustainable forest management practices, create alternative income-generation opportunities, and improve infrastructure and market access in inner villages, as well as promote economic diversification in outer villages. Through targeted policy measures, these forest-rich regions can achieve improved livelihoods, enhanced standard of living, and increased resilience for their communities.

Engagement of forest-dependent communities in the sustainable management of Akure forest reserve

Sustainable forest management is linked to stakeholder involvement, openness, accountability of decision-makers, adherence to the rule of law, predictability, efficient and effective management of natural resources. It is essential in accomplishing the goal of good governance. This study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of the forest-dependent people in the management of the Akure forest Reserve in Ondo state, Nigeria. Two-hundred structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents in four specifically chosen communities out of the twelve communities bordering the Reserve. A total of fifty structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents in each of the four chosen localities. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The results revealed that the majority of the community's population consists of males (72.5%) and individuals aged 43 and above (38.5%), followed by individuals aged 31-36, accounting for 28.0% of the population. The majority of the residents (40.5%) visit the reserve on a daily basis, while thirty percent (30%) visit weekly to collect firewood and for agricultural production. The level of participation of community dwellers in Forest Management and Conservation is significantly influenced by their age (χ²= 9.456, df = 6, p = 0.024), marital status (χ² = 11.873, df = 2, p = 0.003), and occupation (χ²= 44.237, df = 4, p = 0.000). The primary endeavours undertaken by the inhabitants of the reserve are agricultural in nature. Age, household size, marital status and monthly income were the primary factors influencing their decision not to participate in forest governance in the Reserve

Economic Empowerment of Tribes through Marketing of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPS) in Alluri Seetharamaraju District, A.P

Tribal populations across the world rely on non-timber forest products (NTFPS) for their livelihoods, including food, fuel, fodder and litter. Organizations report that many rural people are dependent on forest resources, with around 80% of the developing world using NTFPs for their health and nutritional needs. NTFPs are also important for reducing poverty, conserving biodiversity and promoting economic growth in rural areas. In India, over 50 million people rely on NTFPS for income and subsistence, with NTFPS contributing to 50% of household livelihoods and income for 20-30% of the agency population, particularly for tribes. NTFPs form a significant source of income and food for many tribal communities, making up 70% of forest based export income and 50% of forest revenues in some countries. Tribal communities have a strong connection to the forest and depend on NTFPS for their cultural and socioeconomic needs. The main objective of the study was to measure the economic impact on marketing of NTFPs and understand the perception of the respondents who are engaged in collection and marketing. This is a descriptive study and it aimed to demonstrate the importance of NTFPS in the economy of forest dependent communities in ASR district of Andhra Pradesh. These strategies can help create more sustainable and equitable markets for NTFPs, benefiting both local communities and the wider economy.

Occurrence and temporal activity pattern of Burmese Red Serow (Capricornis rubidus, Bovidae) in Baraiyadhala National Park, Bangladesh: insights from a camera trapping study

Abstract No single studies on the Burmese Red Serows, a little known bovid to date yet considered as nationally endangered species, have been conducted in Bangladesh. As part of a systematic wildlife inventory and monitoring project, this study utilized 48 camera traps to elucidate their occurrence, activity pattern and possible sympatric association with other artiodactyls species inhabiting Baraiyadhala National Park. The study found 25 independent serow events with relative abundance index (RAI) of 0.89. The number of individuals seems low, but this is by far the country’s stronghold population. The Red Serows are mostly nocturnal and showed moderate temporal activity with barking dear (∆1 = 0.59) and wild boar (∆1 = 0.62) in this area. Anthropogenic pressures due to tourists (RAI = 4.8) and poachers (RAI = 1.7) were highly evident and must have negative impact on overall wildlife of the national park. The study suggests similar studies in adjacent protected area (Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary), habitat protection and restoration program, and awareness raising program targeting forest dependent communities for long term conservation of this species.

Non-timber forest products: evolution, development and research

ABSTRACT A comprehensive review of the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector from 1980 to 2022 was undertaken. The study employed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, incorporating explicit keywords. The results indicate that NTFPs underwent significant evolution, including research and development changes, particularly following the Rio de Janeiro summit. Most published research originated from the United States, accounting for 24% of the total; Brazil and India each contributed 10% of the published research. We included 316 potential research items: 262 articles, 19 book chapters, 27 review articles, and eight conference papers. The review analysis highlighted that NTFPs are crucial in meeting food requirements, obtaining specific medicinal resources, and acquiring material inputs for rural households, serving as a safety net during agrarian distress. NTFPs play a crucial role in promoting the development of the bio-economy. In low- and high-income nations with abundant bio-resources, NTFP value chains are increasingly pertinent for generating revenue, enhancing livelihoods, and reducing poverty in forest dependent communities. Further, the analysis emphasized that NTFP consumption, utilization, and sales occur at the household level, and its comprehensive assessment is challenging, leading to the need for a reevaluation of approaches that include value chain analysis.

Beyond the REDD+ neoliberal environmentality and its discontents in Southern Tanzania

This paper utilizes a Foucauldian approach to shed light on the claim that power relations are complex and dynamic, underlying neoliberal conservation mechanisms. Despite the ascendance of the Foucauldian governmentality lens to deconstruct neoliberal conservation, few context-specific studies analysing its multiple operations and contradictions with local realities are available. To fill this gap, this article advances a multiple-governmentality approach to REDD+ in Lindi, Tanzania, that allows for grappling with the social life of neoliberal conservation. It illustrates existing governing practices and techniques – including fences and fines, community self-management mechanisms, land use management plans, bylaws, monetary incentives, and social infrastructure – that have far-reaching and contradictory social consequences for forest-dependent communities in southern Tanzania. This article concludes by highlighting the significance of progressive, liberating-political framing to confront the exclusions and injustices inherent in current neoliberal conservation models.

Sustaining Livelihoods in Protected Areas: Lessons from State-initiated Projects in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Philippines

The establishment of protected areas as a strategy for biodiversity conservation implies the need for sustainable alternative livelihoods of rural, forest-dependent communities. This article contributes to the discourse on balancing environmental conservation and economic well-being by examining state-initiated livelihood projects in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the literature emphasizes on impacts of livelihoods on communities, it is also important to deal on the dynamics in the conceptualization and implementation of these livelihoods from the perspectives and experiences of implementers and beneficiaries, to possibly ensure sustainability. The data from in-depth interviews with implementers and survey among partner beneficiaries, revealed that strategies like conceptualizing projects with defined principles and purpose, engaging and understanding the community, implementing adaptive and responsive strategies, providing sustained marketing and technical support, and establishing partnerships with agencies, serve as facilitating factors for these livelihoods. However, these projects are challenged by lack of sustainability plan, of coordinated governance, and of sufficient, full-time, and tenured personnel. Hence, while state-initiated livelihood projects could be sustainable given its (state’s) mandate and resources, there are also impediments due to some structural inadequacies.

Conservation, Livelihoods, and Agrifood Systems in Papua and Jambi, Indonesia: A Case for Diverse Economies

Community-based conservation in Indonesia is seamlessly intertwined with rural livelihoods and agriculture and food (agrifood) systems. In bridging conservation and livelihood, the state often imposes market-based mechanisms and value chain linkages onto smallholder farmers, which disparages other forms of livelihood strategies and modes of production. This paper, therefore, aims to document the diverse economies within forest-dependent communities that enable them to autonomously build a sustainable livelihood and contribute to conservation. We used Gibson-Graham’s diverse economies approach as a framework to understand the ways in which the diversity of economic means (subsistence, market-based, alternative) goes beyond a mere livelihood strategy, but also acts as a basis for a more democratic and inclusive conservation practice. To capture these livelihood stories, we employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA), in-depth semi-structured interviews with 89 key informants (including smallholder farmers, household members, community leaders, village officials, elders, and youths), and visual ethnographic approaches in six villages adjacent to forest areas in two provinces in Indonesia (Jambi and Papua). We conclude by emphasizing how the diverse economies approach helps in understanding the ways in which the local communities seamlessly move beyond various agrifood systems and modes of economies, while making the case that what emerges from this space of possibilities is an ethics, and politics, of care toward forest conservation.

Balancing Forest Preservation and Human Livelihoods: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development in Forest-Dependent Communities

Balancing Forest Preservation and Human Livelihoods: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development in Forest-Dependent Communities

Determinants of adaptive capacities and coping strategies to climate change related extreme events by forest dependent communities in Malawi

Climate change related extreme events present significant threats against the sustainability of forest-based livelihoods. Adaptive capacities and coping strategies of forest residents in Malawi towards climate change and extreme weather events were analyzed. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants while random sampling was employed to sample household heads or older member of the household (n = 422) involved in the household survey. Questionnaire administration, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect the primary data. Cross tabulation of frequencies, Pearson Chi-square tests, and Binary logistic regression tests were used for the data analysis. Results showed that forest residents have always employed different adaptation and coping strategies during different climate extreme events over the years. Winter cropping (Dimba) around streams and wells, scored 66 % in Mchinji whilst the shifting of crop planting periods to coincide with rainy seasons topped the list in Mangochi (55 %) against droughts and erratic rainfall, respectively. Household satisfaction with water supply facilities and communication services dictated the respondents’ choice of the coping strategies employed. Furthermore, household human capital enhanced the adaptive capacity of forest residents. In conclusion, institutional services, social networks and human capital resources are important in devising climate coping and adaptation strategies hence recommending for more sustainable and transformative adaptation and coping strategies that can withstand projected climate change and weather-related events.

Risk attitudes of forest dependent communities: evidence from Andhra Pradesh, India

Risk attitudes of forest dependent communities: evidence from Andhra Pradesh, India

Socioecological Dynamics and Forest-Dependent Communities’ Wellbeing: The Case of Yasuní National Park, Ecuador

Protected areas are considered the backbone of biodiversity conservation, but their management often fails because local people are not involved, and their needs are ignored. A socioecological approach has been demonstrated to be effective in improving the relationship between conservation efforts and human wellbeing through a better understanding of the interdependence between nature and people. This relationship can be observed through the case of the Kichwa indigenous communities within Yasuní National Park, Ecuador, as they have retained a very close relationship with forest ecosystems. Using key respondent interviews, along with semi-structured interviews and focus groups, this research describes the complex relationship between changing forest ecosystems and human wellbeing. The results highlight food, health, and cultural identity as the most important benefits that communities obtain from forests. The research also sheds light on how people in the investigated area perceive the dynamics of socioecological systems, indicating petroleum, infrastructure development, and small-scale agriculture as the most important direct drivers and land governance and the presence of colonists as the most important indirect drivers of changes to forest ecosystems. This paper demonstrates the importance of monitoring socioecological systems and adapting management to balance complex economic, social, and ecological challenges.

The impact of COVID-19 on the global forestry sector – A bibliometric analysis-based literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought profound changes in the world. Consequently, it has affected global forests, forest-dependent communities, and the forest industry. The current study examines academic research focusing on the Pandemic's effects on the overall forestry sector by conducting a bibliometric analysis followed by a literature review in light of themes identified from the bibliometric analysis itself. We identified relevant studies in the Web of Science database, and the metadata of the selected studies was analyzed using the R-based Biblioshiny application. We identified the studies' sources, focus areas, impacts, locations, and themes through the bibliometrics analysis. Then, the findings of the studies were reviewed and summarized based on the identified themes. One dominant theme was forest recreation, with urban forests increasingly serving as stress-relieving and social spaces for communities during the Pandemic. Conversely, reduced ecotourism and forest park visits adversely affected some communities and conservation efforts that depend on tourism income. Loss of livelihoods and diminished enforcement in some regions exacerbated pressures on forests, leading to heightened deforestation, poaching, land encroachments, and forest fires. Some authorities adapted to the challenge by integrating online technologies into forest management and conservation efforts. Some forest-dependent communities were disproportionately affected, raising concerns about indigenous rights. The forest industry faced challenges such as labor shortages and fluctuations in the supply, demand, and prices of forest products, as indicated in several studies. The study offers insights into the existing literature and identifies research gaps. It provides essential information for better preparedness in the face of future disruptive events and informs the development of policies to protect our forests.

Impacts of results-based financing improved cookstove intervention on households' livelihood: Evidence from Ethiopia

Renewable energies are essential policy discourses based on their dual capacity to enhance livelihoods, forest management, and climate change mitigation. This paper aims to evaluate the impacts of improved cookstove (ICS) dissemination on the improvements of households' livelihood from the results-based financing (RBF) mechanism under reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) intervention program in the Gedeb Asassa district, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 190 households through household survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The results revealed that the RBF scheme brought a reduction in fuelwood collection time and consumption, lessened fuel expenditure, income improvement, saved cooking time, educated youth, diminished indoor air pollution, and improved health conditions. Results from propensity score matching indicated that dissemination of the ICS through the RBF scheme had significantly boosted the livelihood of the ICS user households over non-user households on annual income by Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 10,411.56. The program reduces average fuelwood consumption by 1.80 kg and fuel expenditure by ETB 34.77 of user households over the non-user households. Landholding size, distance to forest, distance to market, and awareness had significant effects on the adoption and use of ICS. The finding recommends that ICS dissemination through RBF programs should consider and incorporate forest access areas into their strategies intersecting with local contexts. The study further suggested the consideration of alternative livelihood for forest-dependent communities in the energy and forest policies.

Review of climate change adaptation and mitigation implementation in Canada's forest ecosystems part I: Reporting, science, and institutional/governance supporting practices in Canada

Canada is recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management. Canadian forests and the forest sector remain vital pillars of the Canadian economy and home to many rural and remote communities. However, climate change is an existential threat to the sustainability of forests and forest-dependent communities. While both direct and indirect threats posed by climate change to Canada's forest sector are now well understood, our understanding of specific forest practices that have emerged from the body of science to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts is not well documented. Through a review of the scientific and grey literature, this study expands our knowledge and operational gaps associated with implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation practices in Canadian forests. The study found a dearth of literature specifically dedicated to reporting on the type of forest practices currently in use across Canada to address mitigation and adaptation. Most reports or studies were published in 2019 or later, with federal and provincial governments being the dominant actors in reporting and monitoring, research, and funding. Across the 15 terrestrial ecozones in Canada, forest practices linked to climate change were reported in 12 ecozones, with most practices reported in the Montane Cordillera located in western Canada. Common forest practices reported include fuel management, assisted migration, enhanced silvicultural activities, and carbon offset projects. We conclude that climate change adaptation/mitigation practices in Canada are in their early stages of implementation. Many practices remain in experimental stages (e.g., genetic trials) or are implemented at a relatively small scale in Canada (e.g., climate-based seed transfer and carbon reserves). The literature suggests that the most mainstream practices associated with climate change mitigation in Canada include tree planting for carbon sequestration and the designation of protected areas to enhance ecosystem resilience. We conclude that despite increasing reports linking climate change benefits with reported forest practices, the reporting in the scientific literature is scarce, poorly reported, and often not grounded in credible evidence.