Abstract :
The present study tried to analyze the impact of forest on the forest villagers, and also the forest-related
issues important to these villagers. It is based on the data and information collected fromthe field survey
of sample households. It is found that the forest plays an important role in the social and cultural life of
the villagers who primarily depend upon forests for a variety of goods and needs such as edible fruits,
fodder, flowers, tubers, roots and leaves for food, medicines, and firewood. The study also highlighted
the activities of theJFMCprogrammes such as horticulture, NTFPs processing, the nursery of seedlings
and medical plants, forest cleanings, sal and teak plantations, and seed handling. All these are related to
their socio-economic condition and also to their participation in sustainable forest management.
Unfortunately, adequate JFMC members are not always appointed in the working circles. The
leadership of EDC, FPC, and other communities is also lacking. Besides, the JFM members are getting
less interested as there is no regular source of income and employment opportunity. Although the JFM
project opened up many avenues for forest development, quite a number of difficulties and issues have
been identified, that need to be seriously addressed by the Government and the NGOs.
Keyword :
Forest Villager Joint Forest Management Sustainable Management Forest Production Committee Eco-development Committee Non-traditional Forest Products