SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY ON

LIVELIHOODS OF PRO-POOR IN CENTRAL TERAI

(A Dissertation Paper submitted for the partial fulfillment of

requirement of M.A. degree in Sociology)

Submitted to:
Tribhuvan University
Department of Sociology/Anthropology
Post Graduate Campus, Biratnagar

Submitted by:
Kamlesh Kumar Yadav
M.A. Sociology

May 2008

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 Acknowledgements

I am very grateful to Mr. Dilli Prasai, my supervisor, for his valuable

time, suggestions and feedbacks during the research and thesis writing.
My sincere thanks also goes to Mr. Anil Pokharel, the head of
Departpment, Sociology/Anthropology, for his suggestions and
encouragement towards conducting the research and thesis writing.

I am very grateful to Dr N. P. Yadav and Mr K. P. Yadav who

encouraged me to conduct this study on natural resources management
sector. Their encouragement, feedbacks, suggestions and inputs have
been very useful towards completion of research.

My thankfulness goes to Mr Hemanta Kumar Yadav who has helped

me from the very beginning i.e from designing of the research project
to data analysis and report writing.

My thankfulness also goes to Mr. Sanjay Prasad Sah who supported me

by providing related data as well as in the field.

I am very grateful to Mr. Bhupendra Yadv, Mr Ram Singh yadav and

Mr Ram Bilash Yadav who supported me greatly in thesis writing.

I am also very grateful to staffs of DFCC/BISEP-ST, DFO, DPRO,

DSCO, WDO, SDRC, CECON, CIC and other institutions which
provide me necessary information related to study directly or indirectly.
I am very thankful to all members of groups under study for their
continuous support in field works, the research could not be
completed without their support.

This thesis paper is dedicated to my late parents, whose blessings

always remained with me towards successful completion of the
research work.

Lastly but not least, I am equally thankful to my family members for

encouragement and support.

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Letter of Thesis Acceptance

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Acronyms
CFUG Community Forest Users Group
PLAFG Public Land Agroforestry Users Group
IGAs Income Generating Activities
DFCC District Forest Coordination Committee
DFO District Forest Office
DSCO District Soil Conservation Office
DPRO District Plant Resources Office
WDO Women Development Office
CIC Community Improvement Centre
CECON Centre for Environmental Conservation Nepal
SDRC Social Development and Research Centre
BISEP-ST Biodiversity Sector Programme for Siwaliks and Terai
MoFSC Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
DoF Department of Forests
DDC District Development Committee
VDC Village Development Committee
CDGs Community Development Groups
HHs House Hold
PMC Programme Management Committee
LRPs Local Resource Person

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 Executive Summary

Public Land Agroforestry Programme has been in place for last few years by the the
Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation. The MoFSC has
been implementing BISEP-ST programme in 8 terai districts of central Nepal.
Dhanusha is also one of them. The programme has been financially supported by the
government of Nepal through SNV-Nepal. In Dhanusha district, BISEP-ST has been
working since FY 2059/060 for the overall development of forestry sector by
strengthening DFCC as lead multistakeholders forum in the district. Public Land
Agroforestry Programme is being supported by BISEP-ST in the district particularly
for the socio-economic upliftment of pro-poor residing in southern part of the district.
In Dhanusha, Public Land Agroforestry Programme was started in FY 2061/062 by
local NGOs. Currently, 19 PLAFGs have been already formed and supported and
another 29 groups were under formation and implementation during the field work of
the study. This study was conducted as action research with objectives to find out the
existing practices of this new and innovative programme in the district, the
exploration of the groups, the socio-economic impact of the programme on the
livelihoods of the poor involved and the problems associated with the programme
implementation. For the purpose, the 4 PLAFGs were selected after consultation with
DFCC/BISEP-ST, DFO and local NGOs involved in the programme. The field data
were collected by direct observation of plantation sites, consultation of beneficiaries,
study of various documents as secondary sources of the data. The analysis and
interpretation were done by participator and descriptive methods. Although, the study
has focused on the impact of the programme on livelihoods assets of the groups, it
could not study and analyse every aspects of the assets (capital) as limitation of the
study. The study focused mainly the impacts on social and financial resources bases
of the groups and group members. The study found out that the programme has been
very successful and socially accepted as the programme focuses on utilizing waste
parti lands or public lands. Further, the group mobilization to those groups who were
always excluded from the development process, has increased the social and human
capital of the groups. The greenery development and protection of the public lands
has increased the physical and natural capital of the groups as well as society. Further,

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the income generated from vegetable farming and other IGAs and mobilization of
revolving fund have been very effective in increasing financial capital of the groups.
The PLAFGs are linked with their networks for betterment of the groups in the future.
DFCC has been the lead unit in the district for enabling environment for development
and extension of the programme. The some of the major problems associated with the
programme are: lack of provision of the programme in Forest Act 2049 and Forest
Regulations 2051, the adequate budgetary support from BISEP-ST, no other donor
than BISEP-ST for such programmes in the district.

As conclusion, the programme has been very effective not only for supporting
livelihoods of poor and landless people in the district but also for the appropriate land
use of public lands and involvement of excluded groups in the development process.

Key Words: Public Land Agroforestry, DFCC, BISEP-ST, Revolving

Fund, Income Generation Activities, Livelihoods, Livelihoods Assets,
Socio-economic Impacts.

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................................. I
ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................. III
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................IV
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 1
1.2 RATIONALE ...................................................................................................... 2
1.4 OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................... 3
1.5 LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................................... 3
1.6 ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT ........................................................................ 4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................... 5
2.1 REVIEW OF FOREST POLICY & OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES ................................. 5
2.1.1 Master Plan for the Forestry Sector 1989................................................... 6
2.1.2 Revised Forestry Sector Policy 2000 ......................................................... 7
2.1.3 The 3 year Interim Plan for Forestry Sector (2007-2010)........................... 7
2.1.4 Forest Act, 1993 and Forest Regulations, 2000.......................................... 9
2.2 REVIEW OF DISTRICT LEVEL PLANS .................................................................. 12
2.2.1 District Forestry Sector Plan (DFSP), 2007/08 2022/023 ...................... 12
2.2.2 District Periodic Plan, 2002/03-06/07 (2059/60- 63/64)........................... 16
2.3 REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY & DOCUMENTS ............................... 17
2.3.1 Local Self Government Act 1998 ............................................................ 17
2.4 REVIEW OF VARIOUS REPORTS RELATED TO PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY
PROGRAMMES....................................................................................................... 18
2.4.1 Public Land Agroforestry Programme Implementation Guideline (2062
B.S.) ................................................................................................................ 18
2.4.2 Revolving Fund Mobilization Guidelines ................................................ 21
2.4.3 Annual Reports and other documents of BISEP-ST/DFCC...................... 22
2.4.4 Constitutions of Public Land Agroforestry Groups .................................. 23
2.4.5 Operational Plans of Public Land Agroforestry Groups ........................... 23
2.5 LIVELIHOODS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS................................................. 23
2.5.1 Livelihoods ............................................................................................. 23
2.5.2 Livelihoods Framework and Socio-economic impacts ............................. 25
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................. 28
3.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................. 28
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREAS ....................................................................... 30
3.2.1 A Short Glimpse of Dhanusha District .................................................... 30
3.2.2 Description of Study Sites ....................................................................... 35
3.3 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION .................................................................... 36
3.4 METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS ......................................................................... 37
3.5 RESULT INTERPRETATION................................................................................ 37
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS & DISCUSSION (FINDINGS) ............................................................. 38
4.1. EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT
............................................................................................................................ 38
4.2 EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY GROUPS UNDER STUDY AND
SUPPORTED PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES ..................................................................... 40

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 4.2.1 Description of VDCs under study............................................................ 40
4.2.2 Description of PLAFGs under study........................................................ 42
4.2.3 Description of Agroforestry Programme for PLAFGs under study .......... 45
4.2.4 Group Meetings and Social Dynamics ..................................................... 48
4.2.5 PLAFGs Networks: ................................................................................. 49
4.3 TO EXPLORE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMME ON PUBLIC LAND
AGROFORESTRY GROUPS ...................................................................................... 49
4.3.1 Impact on Social Aspects ........................................................................ 49
4.3.2 Impact on Economic Aspects .................................................................. 50
4.4 TO EXPLORE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROGRAMMES AND THEIR
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS............................................................................................. 52
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................... 56
5.1 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 56
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 57
ANNEXES ...................................................................................................................................... 60
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 68

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Nepal is rich in natural resources basically in water and forest resources. At present, it
possesses about 39% of forest resources including shrublands. However, it possesses
a wide range of floral and faunal diversities in its short range of 120 km width having
tropical zone to alpine zones. That is why Nepal has been recognized in world's diary
of biodiversity.

At present, the government has been managing national forest resources by involving
local people up to the extent possible. As a result, there has been more than 16000
community forest user groups except other type of user groups like Leasehold forest
user groups, religious forest user groups and Collaborative forest management groups.
Although the Community forest management programme has been very very
successful in case of mid-hills, it has been less effective in case of terai where there is
different socio-economic, geographic and demographic attributes. The handing over
of national forest as Community forest has not yet addressed the problems of users
who reside farther than the national forests. The people of these areas, called as
Remote or Distant Users, have not been included in Community forest user groups,
neither as group member nor as recipient of the forest resources products accrued
from the community forests. In such cases, government has no more options other
than to include the distant users inside CFUGs either as group member, may be
secondary or tertiary groups, or as recipient of the products. In case of areas where
there is still large bulk of national forest, department of forest has started to address
the issues of distant user groups by managing national forest as Collaborative Forest
Management unit where right of distant users has been ensured. But the problem
arises where there is no bulk or block of forests left as national forest i.e. all national
forest lands have already been handed over as community forests. In such areas, the
Department of Forest has started some other program as options to solve the problem
of distant users in supplying forest products like fuelwood, fodder and timber. In such
areas, the Department of Forest has been started some innovative programs where all

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 categories of people could be involved. Since 2001, the Ministry of Forest and Soil
Conservation has been implementing BISEP-ST (Biodiversity Sector Programme for
Siwaliks and Terai) programme in central terai districts: Dhanusha, Mahottari,
Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Makwanpur and Chitwan. This programme has been
supporting in fulfilling the forest products needs of distant user groups through
different modalities like: Private Forestry, Private Agroforestry, Public land
agroforestry, different forest products based IGAs.

Private Forestry program focuses on promotion of block plantation by farmers on

their own land by doing afforestation of forest crops. Private Agroforestry program
focus on promotion of forest on their farm lands as agroforestry such that productivity
of agricultural farms can be maximized. The public land agroforestry program focus
involvement of those people who are landless or having land less than 10 Katthas i.e.
this program focuses involvement of pro-poor, Dalit, janjati, and involvement of
women members. The public land agroforestry program has been very effective in
fulfilling the basic needs of pro poor involved.

1.2 RATIONALE

The interventions of innovative program in terai districts has been seen as effective
forestry development programme by the department / Ministry of Forest and Soil
Conservations. Further, the new initiatives of involving pro-poor people in public land
agroforestry program have really been felt as best option for those rural areas which
are far from national forests. Further, BISEP-ST has been supporting public land
agroforestry programme for last few years. The scientific study in such interventions
has not been taken place yet. The study will analyze the program's interventions in
different aspects such that its socio-economic impacts in relation to livelihoods of pro-
poor will be identified.

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1.4 OBJECTIVES

To explore the public land agro forestry program in Dhanusha

To explore the public land agroforestry groups under study and supported
programme activities
To find out the socio-economic impacts of the program on public land
agroforestry groups
to find out the problems associated with the programmes and their
possible solutions

1.5 LIMITATIONS

The study will be carried out in only 4 Public land agro forestry groups in Dhanusha
districts. The conclusion drawn from those selected groups may not exactly indicate
the cases of whole district or for other districts. Further, there is no availability of
fund for the researcher externally; all the expenses will be afforded by the researcher
himself. The study area might have been extended if adequate budget had been
provided from any donor.

Further, as "livelihoods" is a vague term and its analysis is not so simple, this study
could not analyse all the aspects of livelihoods assets: Physical Capital, Human
Capital, Physical Capital, Natural Capital, and Finacial Capital. The research has only
focus how public land agroforestry programme has contributed to social and
economic resources, particularly in raising income of pro-poor (landless) HHs under
study. The study intends that the programme contribute a little towards improvement
of livelihoods assets and so each and every components of those assets has not been
analysis in depth.

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1.6 ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT

This thesis report has been organized into 5 different chapters. The Chapter 1 deals
with the introduction, rationale, objectives, rationale and organizational structure of
the report. The Chapter 2 deals with the findings related to the topics in various
documents, policy documents, study reports, project completion reports and various
other records in order to explore the issues regarding the topic. The Chapter 3 deals
with the methodologies used to accomplish the study. The chapter covers: the
Conceptual Framework, Study Site selection, Data collection techniques, data analysis
techniques and interpretation of the findings. The chapter 5 deals with the results and
discussion on the objectives. The Chapter 5 includes the conclusions and
recommendations. These chapters are followed by annexes to support the data and
information related to the thesis report.

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 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 REVIEW OF FOREST POLICY & OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES

The forestry sector policy is specially needed to provide a framework for the
systematic implementation of development programs in the sector. As any other
sector of the government, forestry sector also requires a clear-cut policy of its own to
implement its programmes efficiently and effectively. The Forestry Sector Policy and
its programmes together determine the institutional arrangement and the legislative
package for the sector.

The first formal policy and administration (then known as Ban Jaanch Adda) was
started in 1925 in Nepal (Pokharel, 1998). The first forest policy in Nepal came into
effect in 1976 as the National Forestry Plan (NFP). This plan envisaged the proper
development of forest and forest industries, giving emphasis on making the country
self-reliant in daily needs of people like fuelwood and timber. Furthermore, it laid
emphasis on providing fuelwood and timber to local people at prime costs in a
systematic manner, on restricting export of forest products only in processed or semi-
processed form, and on providing raw materials to wood based industries on a
competitive basis, discouraging any monopolistic trends (HMGN/ADB/FINNIDA,
1988b). The plan laid down as objectives for forest management the restoration of
natural balance, economic mobilization, practice of scientific management,
development of technology and promotion of public co-operation
(HMGN/ADB/FINNIDA, 1988a). On the basis of the NFP, a meeting of national
authorities and donor agencies was convened in 1984 and took steps towards master
planning for the development of the country's forestry sector.

This section describes recent government policies and guidelines that have a direct
influence over the forestry sector development in Nepal. The present DFSP
preparation has also been framed on the basis of these forest policies many of which
are prepared in recent years.

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2.1.1 Master Plan for the Forestry Sector 1989

The Master Plan for the Forestry Sector Project (MPFSP) was finally started in early
1986 by HMGN through the Finnish International Development Agency (FINNIDA)
and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) support. The project prepared a long-term
(25 year) development plan for the forestry sector and set up priority programmes,
implementable proposals, and investment needs which could be incorporated in the
seventh and subsequent five year plans. The Plan was endorsed by the donor
community, and was also approved by HMGN in April 1989.

The long term objectives of the MPFS are to

To meet the people's basic needs for forest products on a sustained basis
To conserve ecosystems and genetic resources
To protect land against degradation and other effects of ecological imbalance
To contribute to local and national economic growth

To meet these objectives, MPFS has identified six major programmes

(Community and private forestry, National and leasehold forestry, Wood-based
industries, Medicinal and aromatic plants, Soil conservation and watershed
management, conservation of ecosystems and genetic resources) and six
supportive programmes (Policy and legal reforms, Institutional reforms, Human
resource development, Research and extension, Forest resources information
system and management planning, Monitoring and evaluation

The MPFS for conservation and management purposes, and taking into
consideration land ownership classified forests and protected area as: 1. National
forests 2. Community Forests 3. Leased Forests 4. Religious Forests 5.
Conservation Areas 6. Protected Watersheds

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2.1.2 Revised Forestry Sector Policy 2000

The Revised Forestry Sector Policy, 2000 is an updated version and subsequent
amendments to the MPFS. The revised forestry sector policy of 2000 contains
development imperatives, outlines, strategies, and programmes, and summarises
the investment required to develop the forestry sector in Nepal. The long-term
objectives of the Forestry Sector Policy, 2000 are as follows:

Long-term Objectives

To meet the people's basic needs for fuelwood, timber, fodder, and other forestry
products on a sustained basis
To contribute to food production through effective interaction between forestry
and farming practices.
To protect land from degradation by soil erosion, floods, landslides,
desertification, and other ecological disturbances.
To conserve biological diversity and genetic resources for the maintenance of
prevailing ecosystems.
To contribute to the growth of local and national economies and thereby to
improve the quality of life of the people by managing land and forest resources,
developing forest-based industries, and by creating opportunities for income-
generation and employment.

The medium term objectives of this policy are to promote people's participation in
forestry development, improve legal and institutional frameworks in the forestry sector.
One of the short-term objectives is to provide increased opportunities to the people for
forestry resource management under the community, private and leasehold forestry
programs as well as the biodiversity conservation programme.

2.1.3 The 3 year Interim Plan for Forestry Sector (2007-2010)

The National Planning Commission has prepared 3-yr interim plan for the period
2064/065 to 2066/067). The Plan was prepared only for the 3 years instead of 5 years
plan as usual. This occurred due to political changes taken place in 2062/063. The plan
has focused on many inclusive issues like women empowerment, increased access to
resources for propoor, Dalits, Madhesi and other disadvantaged and marginalized

7
groups of the country. The plan has also prioritized and set milestones for forestry
sector. During the revision of this DFSP, special consideration has been taken towards
fulfilling goals and objectives of interim 3-yr plan and their continuity in the future. In
addition to providing the necessary goods and services to many Nepalese staying in the
rural areas, the forestry sector has contributed significantly to other sectors of the
national economy such as agriculture, water resources, environmental conservation and
community based village tourism. It is essential to make forest products available to the
general public through protection, conservation and the use of forest resources and
wildlife in order to ensure the access of the poor in the forest-based industries. It is also
necessary to promote community tourism by improving the environment through
sustainable forest and soil conservation and management. Similarly, it is necessary to
support the livelihood of all Nepalese people, including the poor and deprived groups
through the management and sustainable development of forests, watershed area,
environment and bio diversity.

Long Term Vision

The long Term vision is to supply timber, fuelwood, fodder and other forest products
regularly by formulating and implementing a sustainable and balanced forest
development program with people's active participation, to contribute to food
production through effective interaction between forests and agriculture systems, and
to conserve the land of the nation from landslides, floods, desertification and other
environmental imbalances.

Objectives

To maintain balanced environment through scientific management of forest,

vegetations, watersheds and bio-diversity conservation and protected areas, and
to ensure the social and economic empowerment of the poor and deprived
communities by providing them access and rights through increased supply of
forest products sustainably.

To develop internal market and promote exports by focusing on forest based

industries and entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities.

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 To contribute to the development of equitable society by increasing the income
of men and women of the deprived Dalits, Adibasi Janajatis, Madhesis,
physically disabled and the backward class, and reducing poverty through
equitable distribution of forest products.

2.1.4 Forest Act, 1993 and Forest Regulations, 2000

Guided by the MPFS 1988 and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal and gaining
lessons from the past, the Forest Act 1993 came into affect after the Forest Regulations,
1995 was approved. The Forest Act, 1993 broadly classified the forests of Nepal into 2
categories: National Forests, and Private Forests. The national forests is further
categorised into following 5 types (HMG/N, 1995):

Government -managed forest

Protected Forest
Community forest
Leasehold Forest
Religious Forest

Private forests means a forest planted, nurtured or conserved in any private land owned
by any individual pursuant to prevailing laws.

The Forest Act and Regulations aim to develop the forestry sector through
decentralization and the people's participation, either individually or in groups. Provision
for forest management is mandatory and clear line is drawn for the execution of national,
community, leasehold and private forestry programmes. It also guides day-to-day work of
the forest administration and official procedure for all the activities to be conducted by
the DFO's office. The process for sale of forest products, royalty rates for forest products
including NTFPs, penalties for offences and issues such as encroachment have also been
addressed.

2.1.5 Nepal Biodiversity Strategy 2003

The Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) is a commitment by His Majesty's Government

(HMG/N) and the people of Nepal for the protection and wise use of the biologically
diverse resources of the country, the protection of ecological processes and systems, and
the equitable sharing of all ensuing benefits on a sustainable basis, for the benefit of the
people and to honor obligations under the convention on Biological Diversity. The NBS
identifies six major sources of biodiversity in Nepal. They are: 1. Protected Areas, 2.

9
Forests, 3. Rangelands, 4. Agrobiodiversity, 5. Wetlands, and 6. Mountain Biodiversity.
The sectoral strategy identified for forests are forest rehabilitation, inventory of flora and
fauna, ecosystem network and representation, understanding forest resilience and
biodiversity, local participation, strengthening management practices, sustainable
harvesting, non-timber forest products and religious forest management. It emphasises
Landscape planning approach with people's participation; calls for creation of Nepal
Biodiversity Trust Fund; and stresses on transparency and accountability.

2.1.6 Agricultural Perspective Plan 1995

The Agricultural Perspective Plan (APP) 1995 was prepared for a period of 20 years with
the objective to reduce poverty by accelerating the growth rate in agriculture through
increased factor productivity. Strategies have been developed to achieve higher economic
growth through improved agricultural productivity and to encourage farmers to high input
intensity commercialized farming operations on more environmentally robust lands. The
four top priorities stated for forestry sector are: 1.Community forestry in the hills and
mountains, 2.Commercial management of Terai forests, 3.Private and leasehold forestry,
and 4.Training, research and development. The APP encourages private tree planting in
the Terai, either in pure plantations or intermixed with agricultural crops in the form of
agroforestry. In addition, intercropping of cash crops and high value non-timber forest
products (NTFPs), along with plantations of tree species in the private, leasehold, or
national forests have been emphasized.

2.1.7 The Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 B.S.

The interim constitution was prepared to institutionalize the achievements gained due
to periodic political revolutions in the country and therefore, the interim constitution
2063 was prepared by the common understanding and consensus among all political
parties and this will be effective till new constitution will be prepared by Constitution
Assembly.

The main sections that seem related and important from forestry sector point of view
are given below:

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Section 13- Right of Equality: All citizens have equal right from laws perspectives. No
body will be deprived of rights by laws.

Section 16- Right on Health and Environment: Each and every citizen has right to be
in clean environment.The state should provide basic health services to every citizen as
per health policies and rules.

Section 21- Right of Social Justice: Economically, Socially and by Education

disadvantaged citizens: Women, Dalit, Adibasi Janjati, Madhesi community,
Disadvantaged groups, poor and workers have right to participate in state structure
according to the principle of Equity and Social Inclusion.

Section 33- Responsibilities of State:

33- g: Policy of national industries and resources promotion will be followed.

33-m: Implementation of international agreements and treaties.

33-n: all laws, policies concerning discrimination will be eradicated.

33-o: Nepalese natural resources including water resources will be utilized for national
purpose.
Section 35- State Policies:

35-4: The state will implement the policy focusing local communities while utilizing
national natural resources ensuring utilization for useful and beneficial aspects of
nation.

35-5: The state will manage to create clean environment. The state will raise
environment related awareness and will prioritize to eliminate the adverse impact of
development infrastructure works on environment and wildlives. The state will manage
for equitable distribution of benefits received from conservation, sustainable utilization
of forests, plants and biodiversity.

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 35-14: The state will follow the policy of positive discrimination for women, adibasi
janajati, Madhesi, muslim including other minorities, landless, refugee, Kamaiya,
disables, disadvantaged communities and conflict affected people as well.

2.2 REVIEW OF DISTRICT LEVEL PLANS

2.2.1 District Forestry Sector Plan (DFSP), 2007/08 2022/023

The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC) is working on the development
of Terai Forestry Sector development with sustainable production and equitable
distribution of products and revenues at micro-, meso- and macro- level (MFSC, 2002).
Biodiversity Sector Programme for Siwaliks and Terai (BISEP-ST) had supported this
initiative in Dhanusha district by facilitating the formulation of an integrated District
Forestry Sector Plan (DFSP) involving the District Forest Coordination Committee
(DFCC) and all other stakeholders during its key stages of plan formulation and
development process. The plan is people-centered and has reviewed policy and legal
framework and analyse biophysical, socio-economic, institutional and environmental
parameters, and addresses key forest management issues of the district. The plan was
revised by CECON, Janakpur in 2007/008. During the study, the provisions and plans
were studied and the highlights of the plan, focusing public land agroforestry
programmes are given in summarised forms below.

The natural forest areas are limited to northern portion of the district in Chure and
Bhabar region except a small patch of 320 ha in Dhanushdham which is in Terai. But
the majority of population (covering 90 VDCs and 1 Municipality) live in areas where
there is no national/natural forest. The distant users have been getting rid of traditional
rights over natural forests after handing over of national forests as Community Forests.
The handing over of community forest could address the people residing in and around
the forest areas; it could not address the problems of distant users or traditional users of
the district. The ministry of forest and soil conservation through its BISEP-ST
programme started forestry and agroforestry programmes on public lands which are
generally useless or in less useful practices like playing grounds and others. The
ministry started the public land agroforestry programmes in terai for: (i) bringing the
barren/useless/parti lands which are under ownership of public institutions like

12
 VDC/Schools/other in use as agroforestry farmlands, (ii) involving terai
poor/Dalit/women in public land agroforestry groups for their livelihoods
improvements by selling agricultural as well as forest crops and (iii) fulfilling, up to
some extent, the forest products need of terai people. BISEP-ST/DFO has started the
public land agroforestry programmes by technical support from local NGOs. The local
NGO, CECON, had conducted potentiality of public and private land agroforestry
programmes in 20 VDCs of south-eastern part of the district in FY 2063/064. The
study was conducted in districts identified as very potential by DFCC. Similarly,
BISEP-ST has been supporting the Public Land Agroforestry programs in since FY
2061/062. Upto now, there has already been formed 10 public land agroforestry groups
in 8 VDCs and next 29 groups are under process covering more than 20 VDCs. This
program has been supported by BISEP-ST.
As the programme has been very effective in southern part of the district, the scaling up
this program can not be sufficient with the support of BISEP-ST only, there should
have been one mechanism where all other donors: CARE-Nepal/FOREST/others will
work in integrated way avoiding duplication at local level i.e. village levels. The DFCC
should take strong and effective role in promotion of this program in southern or
distant VDCs.

Objectives

The aim of the public land forestry/agroforestry in the Terai is to enhance the
livelihood opportunities of resource poor households and communities through
equitable productive and diversified management of such lands.

Coverage

The study during the DFSP preparation found a total of 5000 ha was proposed for
public land forestry and agroforestry development in the 89 VDC and 1 Municipalities
in Terai of Dhanusha district. But the observation and discussion with a wide range of
stakeholders during its revision found some different facts. The discussion revealed
that although there are many ha of public lands available in the records, there are
smaller quantities remained available due to the various factors. The some of factors

13
are: encroached by local people for cultivation, settlements, local dispute on
agroforestry development, unclear boundary. The scenario can be got from various
VDCs such as Dhabauli, Duhabi, Khajuri, Balha Kathal, Machi Jhitkaiya, Goth
Koyalpur, Nanupatti, Jadukoha and other VDCs of eastern cluster where local NGOs
have been working for public land agroforestry development activities. So, first priority
should be to identify the available public lands in remaining VDCs so that DFCC will
get easy and comfortable environment in planning forestry activities in terai VDCs.

Programmes

The target of public land forestry development for 15 years periods in the Terai of
Dhanusha district are as follows

First 5 years period (2008-2013) - 1000 ha

Second 5 years period (2013-2018) - 1500 ha
Third Five year Periods (2018-2023) - 2500 ha

For the promotion and development of Public Land Agroforestry in the terai of
Dhanusha, following activities need to be implemented for the first 5 years and their
continuation as per need:

Table: Programme for the development / promotion of Public Land Forestry

/Agroforestry in Terai
SN Programme Year

1 2 3 4 5

1 Conduct Feasibility Study of Public Land Agroforestry/ X X

Forestry
2 Awareness Raising on Public Land Agroforestry/ X X X x x
Forestry
3 Public Land Agroforestry group Formation, Registration X X X x x

and Social Mobilization

14
SN Programme Year

1 2 3 4 5

4 Agroforestry Program Implementation X X X x x

5 Technical Training to Public Land agroforestry groups x x x x x

6 Revolving Fund Mobilization for IGAs,, X X X X X

Savings/Credit etc
7 Exposure Visits for Groups x X X X X

8 Public Land Agroforestry Groups Network Strengthening x x x x x

with its Sustainable Plan Preparation

9 District Level Stakeholders Interaction Events X X X X X

10 Monitoring and Supervision of NTFPs activities by the X X X X X

DPRO, DFO, and local government and its forestry

institutions.

In addition following programme components are to be included:

DFCC should prepare strategic plan which includes roles and

responsibilities of DONORs/Implementers/Local institutions/User
groups/farmers
Conduct study to identify VDC-wise all available public lands (along the
river, streams, roads and canals) in collaboration with district
topographical survey unit and district land reform office.
Form pubic land forestry user group through social mobilization process
involving poor and marginalized farmers.
Conduct roadside plantations on highways, district roads through
formation of user groups in consultation process with Department of
Roads and local government institutions.
Identify the potential of canal-side plantation.
Identify other intercropping species including NTFPs

15
 Provision of improved quality seeds and seedlings to the groups formed
for public land forestry activities.

Actors

Lead Role: DFCC

Main Implementers: DFO and Local NGOs; supported by DPRO, DSCO, DWDO
Support:: DONORs/Programmes: BISEP-ST/CARE/FOREST/ILO and others as
explored in the district.

In the DFSP, the budget estimated for implementation of public land agroforestry
programme in terai is NRs. 29900000/-.

As a conclusion, the forestry sector plan of Dhanusha has explicitly mentioned the needs
of public land agroforestry programme with high priority.

2.2.2 District Periodic Plan, 2002/03-06/07 (2059/60- 63/64)

The District Periodic Plan (DPP) of Dhanusha district (draft stage) has identified
agricultural modernisation, vocational, enterprise, trade, watershed management and
tourism development as the main basics for the overall development of the district.

The main challenges identified for the overall development of forestry sector are: 1.Lack
of resources to conduct conservation and management activities, 2.Lack of biodiversity
conservation and increased deforestation and degradation of Churia and Bhavar forests,
3.Poor watershed conditions, riverbank cutting and increased occurrence of floods,
4.Lack of participation by local people in forest and watershed conservation and
management, and 5.Lack of coordination between stakeholders involved in the forestry
sector.

It identifies that through the establishment of agro-based industries, skill-based trainings,

income generation programmes such as bee-keeping, NTFP farming, mushroom farming,
sericulture, goat rearing for socially and economically disadvantaged groups will improve
the rural livelihoods and hence reduce poverty among these groups. Similarly, through
application of sustainable forest management practices, the district can be self-sufficient

16
in demand of forest products, and can control soil erosion and help improve the
biodiversity and environment. A significant amount of degraded land around the river can
be reclaimed and be used for agricultural production.

2.3 REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY & DOCUMENTS

2.3.1 Local Self Government Act 1998

Article 25 (4) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990 provides a framework
for decentralization, with the emphasis that " It shall be the chief responsibility of the
State to maintain conditions suitable to enjoy the fruits of democracy through broad
participation of the people in the governance of the country, and by process of
decentralization". The Preamble of the Local Self Governance Act, 1998 stipulates that
participation of the entire people, including various ethnic groups, indigenous people,
deprived sections and those who socially and economically disadvantaged is necessary
for the institutionalization of development, allotment and mobilisation of the resources,
social equality, and balanced and equitable distribution of the benefits derived from the
development. The different sections of this Act define powers and functions of local
bodies such as Village Development Committees (VDCs), Municipalities and District
Development Committees (DDCs).

According to Section 28 of this Act, the powers and functions of a VDC are divided into
11 broad areas of which 'Forest and Environment' is one. The VDC is empowered to (1)
launch afforestation programmes in fallow lands, hill slopes and public lands, (2) to
prepare and implement programmes for conservation and development of forests,
vegetation, biodiversity and soil erosion, and (3) to formulate and implement various
programmes for environmental conservation. Section 58 (d and e) of the Act provides
VDC the right to sell the dried timber, fuelwood, twigs, branches, bushes, grasses and
straw within the VDC area for income. Section 68 (1, c and d) stipulates that the property
of VDC includes forests granted by the prevailing laws and HMG/N, and natural heritage
of the VDC respectively. According to the section 96 of this Act, areas such as water
resources, Environment and sanitation under the powers and functions of local
Municipalities. The section 96 (c, 3) deals with need for protection and control and 96 (c,
5) deals with the forests, vegetation and other natural resources.

17
The District Development committee (DDC) is the main of body of the local government
of each district. According to the section 189 of this Act, the power and functions of DDC
are divided into 16 broad areas of which 'Forest and Environment' is one. The DDC is
empowered to prepare and implement plans for the conservation of forests, vegetation,
and biological biodiversity. According to the section 202, DDCs must select those
projects which can protect the environment and which involve maximum participation of
the local people and their labours. Section 215.6 (2) of the Act empowers the DDC to
levy taxes on wool, resin, herbs, slate and sand, and animal products such as bone, horn,
wing, leather etc., except those which are prohibited under the prevailing law. Section
218 empowers the DDC to sell sand, boulders, stones and driftwood lying within its
boundary.

2.4 REVIEW OF VARIOUS REPORTS RELATED TO PUBLIC LAND

AGROFORESTRY PROGRAMMES

2.4.1 Public Land Agroforestry Programme Implementation Guideline (2062

B.S.)

Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation has been implementing BISEP-ST programme
in 8 districts of central Nepal. The districts are: Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat,
Bara, Parsa, Makawanpur and Chitwan. Forest Act 1991 and Forest Regulation 1995 are
the two major legal documents of the government of Nepal. These two documents do not
include the provision of public land agroforestry programme. In order to make public land
agroforestry programmes effective, some legal documents are necessary for its
implementation. BISEP-ST has been supporting public land agroforestry programme
since FY 2059/060. As the programme's supports increased and the no. of public
agroforestry programme also increased, some legal issues came into consideration. To
solve the legal problems regarding public land agroforestry programme, MoFSC endorsed
Public Land Agroforestry Guidelines 2062, particularly for 8 districts covered by BISEP-
ST programme. The Programme Management Committee (PMC) has approved the
guideline on 2062/07/28 for the 8 districts. The highlights of the guidelines are described
below:

18
Public Land Identification, Group Formation and Agreement for Land:

The VDCs having public lands are selected giving priority to distant VDCs. Further, the
wards of VDCs having public lands available for programme are identified. In case of
land boundary dispute, the local leaders, people and other stakeholders can make
consensus in support of Napi Sakha. Then, an agreement between public land
agroforestry group and the land owning institution (VDC/School etc) is made. The
agreement includes the period of agreements, benefits sharing and other important parts.

In case of group formation, 10-15 HHs are included in groups. The HHs is selected on the
basis of wealth status of a HH. Generally, only a person having land less than or equal to
10 Kattha can be a member of public land agroforestry group. Further, women, dalits,
janajatis, disadvantaged are given priority in selection of a group member. After group
formation, necessary technical and financial support is provided from DFCC/DFO/Line
agencies and concerned NGOs.

Registration of Agroforest :

After group formation, the concerned NGO support groups in registration of the group in
District Forest Office. During the group registration, the constitution, operational plans,
agreement paper and other necessary documents are to be submitted in District Forest
Office.

Fund Mobilization:
A PLAFG has a bank account in the names of Chairperson and Treasurer of PLAFG
committee. The sources of fund are: donation from various organizations, monthly
savings from each member and others. The group is authorised to mobilize the funds as
per provisions mentioned in its constitution and operational plans.

Provision of Constitution and Operational Plan:

Every group has its own constitution and Operational plan. A constitution is guiding
documents to operate group in a defined and systematic way whereas an operational plan

19
is the document made by the group to implement different activities for well being of
group and group members. The outlines of Constitution and Operational Plan are given in
Annex 2

Nursery Establishment, Seedlings Production/distribution and

Plantation:

A Public Land agroforestry group can establish nursery for producing seedlings of
various species and the produced seedlings can be planted on public lands as well as
surplus can be sold to raise the income of group. During the species selection, the
provisions made in the constitution and operation plans are given priority. The species
rotation, growth behavior and local demands are the priorities to be considered during
species selection. Multipurpose nursery should be operated to produce timber and not-
timber species seedlings as well as seedlings of agro-crops.
The PLAFG can manage its own nursery or can purchase seedlings from private
nurseries. In case of purchasing from private nursery, a prior agreement can be made to
ensure demanded species and quality seedlings supply within fixed time frame.

The roles and responsibilities of DFO and other institutions:

For betterment of PLAFGs and programme roles of DFO, DFCC/BISEP-ST, concerned

NGOs, VDCs and other stakeholders are necessary and important. The following supports
are expected from the stakeholders:
Technical supports
Financial supports
Extension and Communication
Monitoring and evaluation, follow up
Income Generating Activities:
The group can do various types of forest and non-forest based income generating
activities. The some of important income generating activities are :
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) cultivation
Agroforestry: intercropping of vegetables and other cash crops
Other forest and agro-based small enterprises development activities

20
Environmental and Research activities:
While implementing agroforestry practices on public lands, none of activities should be
implemented which causes environmental degradation and other environmental problems.
During the programme implementation, Environmental Act 2053 and Regulation 2054
should be followed. Further, action research on public land can be organized.

Networking, Coordination and Collaboration

The guidelines also focus networking of public land agroforestry groups. Similarly,
coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders in the district are focused in the
guideline.

2.4.2 Revolving Fund Mobilization Guidelines

BISEP-ST has been supporting financially as well technically for sustainable forestry
sector development in the district. There are various types of modalities being adopted in
the district for over all implementation of district forestry sector plan. They are:
community forestry, leasehold forestry, public and private land forestry/agroforestry, soil
conservation and watershed management, women groups, NTFPs cultivation groups and
other groups as well. In all these modalities, focus has been given to involve poor, dalits
and disadvantaged HHs. These target groups are being empowered through various
trainings, workshops and are also supported for their involvement in various IGAs.
For last few years, revolving fund and its mobilization has been observed as one of the
effective program in raising income of poor and disadvantaged people. Revolving fund is
mobilized in large amount by WDO for women groups for income generation. In order to
make the programme more effective, BISEP-ST prepared "Revolving Fund Mobilization
Guidelines" particularly for women and poor groups. However, this guideline is being
practiced by all for BISEP-ST programme. The highlights of the guidelines are described
briefly here below:
The Guideline was prepared with objective of raising income of poor HHs through
effective and equitable mobilization of fund within a group.
The specific objectives are:
To support in mobilizing fund for income generation of women and poor HHs in
a group

21
 To facilitate fund mobilization for women and poor HHs in an easy and simple
way
To ensure active participation of poor and women groups in forest management
activities
Values and Norms: Some of important value and norms mentioned in the guidelines are:
Every group identifies poor HHs by conducting participatory well being ranking
and the result is effectively practiced during the fund mobilization i.e. first priority
to poorest HHs while providing revolving fund
A group has provision to mobilize its fund as revolving fund regularly for income
generation of poor HHs.
One group will be provided maximum of NRs 15000/- as revolving fund.
The group having lowest income should be on first priority for providing
revolving fund.
In case of interest, the group meeting's decision will be applied
There are other provisions in the guidelines like: proposal from poor HH, the ways of
record keeping, interest and capital returning, monitoring of fund mobilization, review
and revision based on the performance.

2.4.3 Annual Reports and other documents of BISEP-ST/DFCC

BISEP-ST annually produces reports of its various programmes. The annual report 2007
of BISEP-ST shows that there are 19 public land agroforestry groups formed by the end
of the fiscal year 2063/064. The programme covering VDCs are: Fulgama, Mukhiyapatti
Musharnia, Tulsiyahi Nikas, Parbaha Deuri, Basbitti, Aurahi and Paudeshwor. The details
are included in annex 1.

During the study, it was also found that BISEP-ST has supported 4 NGOs for
implementation of Public Land Agroforestry Programme in FY 2064/065. The NGOs
involved are: Centre for Environmental Conservation-Nepal (CECON), Social
Development and Research Centre (SDRC), Community Improvement Centre (CIC), and
The Friends of Dhanusha (TFD). These NGOs are working for formation of total of 29
public land agroforestry groups.

22
CECON, SDRC, CIC and TFD are working in 4 different clusters i.e. Dhabauli, Duhabi,
Jadukoha and Khajuri respectively. These clusters cover total of 20 VDCs of south-
eastern VDCs of the district.

The feasibility study report conducted by CECON in 2007 also reveals that there are lots
of opportunities for promotion of public land agroforestry in the district. However, some
disputes about land encroachment occur at village levels. The feasibility was done in only
20 VDCs and so such feasibility study is necessary to be conducted by DFCC in
remaining VDCs as well.

2.4.4 Constitutions of Public Land Agroforestry Groups

All the PLAFGs have their own constitutions. The constitution of each group has been
prepared by the concerned NGO and is based on the contents given in Annex 2. Basically,
the constitution binds the group members in the group and the provisions, rules and
regulations guide for operating group dynamism. The constitutions are approved for the
period of 5 years after which they should be revised and renewed. However, they can
amend at any time from their group assembly if they need. DFO and concerned NGO
facilitates in constitution preparation, group facilitation and other support in favour of
constitution as well as group.

2.4.5 Operational Plans of Public Land Agroforestry Groups

During the preparation of constitution, each group was facilitated to prepare their
operational plans (OPs). The concerned NGO had supported the groups in preparation of
OPs. An OP is the guiding document which includes all details of activities to be done
annually by the group. The OP is prepared also for a period of 5 years, after which it is to
be revised and renewed. The contents for an OP are mentioned in Annex 2.

2.5 LIVELIHOODS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

2.5.1 Livelihoods

The word "livelihood" can be used in many different ways. What is important is that it
has a broader meaning than just what people earn and the jobs that they do. This is a
broad definition:

23
"A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social
resources) and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when
it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its
capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural
resource base."

The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach

The Livelihoods approach has evolved from year of best practice in the development
sector. This best practice has been distilled into a set of principles, which underpin
Sustainable Livelihoods thinking:

People Centered: focusing on what matters t people, understanding differences between

groups of people, understanding poverty from people's own perspective.

Responsive and Participatory: poor people are key actors in identifying and addressing
livelihood practices.

Holistic: acknowledges that people adopt multiple strategies to secure their livelihoods.
Applies livelihood analysis across sectors and social groups at different levels.

Dynamic: the dynamic nature of livelihoods is recognized. Interventions respond with

flexibility to changes in people's situations.
Macro-micro links: the need for working at multiple levels is recognized. Micro level
activity must inform policy. Macro level structures and processes must support people to
build on their strengths.

Sustainable: economically, socially, institutionally and environmentally.

Build on Strengths: recognizes that people have strengths as opposed to just needs. Is
empowering and respectful.

24
Gender, equity and power relations are key cross cutting issues in the sustainable
livelihoods approach. Thinking about these principles collectively is new. Using these
principles, Sustainable Livelihoods thinking takes an integrated approach to poverty
alleviation, trying to capture and provide a means of understanding of the vital causes and
dimensions of poverty without focusing on individual factors. In essence, Sustainable
Livelihoods thinking puts people at the centre of development, thereby increasing the
effectiveness of development assistance.

2.5.2 Livelihoods Framework and Socio-economic impacts

The sustainable livelihoods framework is one of the way to organize complex issues
surrounding POVERTY. However, it is not complete in itself to cover every aspects so it
needs to be modified, adapted and to be made appropriate to local circumstances based on
local priorities.
There are mainly 5 livelihoods assets which can be described and analysed in poverty
analysis. The 5 assets are shown in the flow diagram below:

Human
Capital

Natural
Social Capital
Capital
The Poor

Physical Financial
Capital Capital

The details of each asset are given below in short form as follow:

25
Human Capital
Human Capital can be best described by variables: Health, Nutrition, Education,
Knowledge and skills, Capacity to work, Capacity to adapt etc.
Natural Capital
The Natural Capital cab be best described by variables: Land and produce, Water &
aquatic resources, Trees and forest products, Wildlife, Wild foods & fibres, Biodiversity,
Environmental services

Social Capital
The Social Capital can be best described by variables: Networks and connections,
patronage, neighbourhoods, kinship, Relations of trust and mutual support, Formal and
informal groups, Common rules and sanctions, Collective representation, Mechanisms for
participation in decision-making, Leadership

Physical Capital
The Physical Capital can be best described by variables: Infrastructure, transport - roads,
vehicles, etc., secure shelter & buildings, water supply & sanitation, energy,
communications, Tools and technology, tools and equipment for production, seed,
fertilizer, pesticides, traditional technology
Financial Capital
The Financial Capital can be best described by variables: Saving, Credit/debt - formal,
informal, NGOs, Remittances, Pensions, Wages

As mentioned above, there are many variables that cumulative support for owning any
one type of capital. That is why this study could not cover the analysis of all these assets
components. However, some of the components that are related to action research for the
topic are considered during the analysis.

BISEP-ST programme has been supporting increased in resource base of these

livelihoods assets in the following ways:

Natural Capital

26
CFM, CF, LF, SCF, BCF - Plantation, protection. Private forestry, Seedling distribution.
Social capital
Formation of groups eg SCG, CFM and CFUG groups, Leasehold groups, women
groups, different sub groups and networks that would perform different activities in their
area.
Human Capital
Different skill based training activities. Skillful training, formal and informal education
and health camp initiated by VDC and DDC will make access to the human capital.
Physical capital:
The sharing of benefits from CFM, BZMC with VDC and DDC will invest the received
benefits in community development implemented through local level institutions would
increase the access of users on physical capital
Financial capital:

provisions for saving and credit in different forest management models; income
generation activities and supports from different partners

Vulnerability Context

Vulnerability being associated with the probability of falling below a benchmark level of
current period consumption and the loss or degradation of assets

Thus, Vulnerable situations of the local people is being minimized by increasing access to
forestry activities - mainly from implementation of different forest management and
conservation models, IGAs, revolving fund, capacity building activities and Conservation
practices. Some polices prepared/approved, being implementing.

This study has also focused only those components that are being practiced under the
programme and the outputs of the programme. Therefore, this study has resulted in
mainly the descriptive analysis of some practical components that are happening with the
groups under study. Accordingly, the study believes that the increasing the access of rural
poor over resources is contributing towards their improved livelihoods.

27
 CHAPTER 3: Methodology

3.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Livelihoods of Poor
Improved Livelihoods options
increased
Vulnerability reduced

Increased Access of
Poor to Socio- Benefits getting
Economic Resources Increased income
Increased forest
resources
Social assets increased
Developed human
resources
Increase in Socio-Economic
Resources for Poor Plantation
Vegetables farming
Savings/Credit Scheme
IGAs
Meetings/Assembly
NGOs and
Stakeholders in
coordination and Group in Programme
collaboration Implementation
Orientation Training
Technical Training
Constitution & Work
Plan Preparation
Post Formation
PLAF Group

Stakeholders
Consultation
Awareness raising
Well Being Assessment
VDC People

Flow Chart: Conceptual Framework of the study

28
The research study was conducted based on the conceptual framework presented in
the above flow chart diagram. The study was conducted to explore the socio-
economic impacts of Public Land Agroforestry Programme on the livelihoods of the
rural poor people. There is VDC people at the below part of the flow chart and
improved livelihoods of rural people at the top. It lies behind the concept that the 5
assets of livelihoods: Physical, Natural, Social, Human and financial are positively
supported by the programme to result improved livelihoods of the poor people
involved in the programme. Although this study could not analyse the components of
those assets, it assumes that the existing practices by those public land agroforestry
groups have increased the access of involved pro-poor to resources which contribute
towards livelihoods improvement of them. Once the public land agroforestry group
was formed after a wide consultation with village level stakeholders, the groups
capacity become enhanced to do various development activities. The social and
technical trainings empower the poor involved in the groups. The raised knowledge
and skills of group members help them in conducting various agroforestry practices
accompanied with IGAs. The plantation of tree species and vegetable farming
definitely increased the natural assets for poor. Similarly, the use rights of land for the
agreement period have increased the physical asset. The group dynamics and
relationships with local people and a wide range of stakeholders increase groups'
social assets. The income raised from the programme activities definitely increases
their financial assets. The participation of group members in various trainings,
workshops, exposure visits increases their human assets. Thus, the programme
activities contribute towards sustainable livelihoods of rural poor by increasing their
access over social, physical, financial, human resources which ultimately contribute
in improvement of status of livelihoods of poor people assets. As mentioned in the
above section of literature review, the study has analyses the various activities being
implemented under BISEP-ST programme and their achievements with respect to
livelihoods assets. It has been expected that the access of poor people over socio-
economic bases result in the improved livelihoods of rural people.

29
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREAS

3.2.1 A Short Glimpse of Dhanusha District

This part provides general attributes of the Dhanusha district, particularly on biophysical
and socioeconomic aspects.

Location and Access

Dhanusha is one of the six districts of Janakpur Zone under the Central Development
Region (See Map 1). It is demarcated by Kamala River in the East (Siraha district) and
Rato River in the West (Mahottari district). The southern water catchment of Siwaliks
(Churia hills) bordering with Sindhuli district lies in the North and it borders with Indian
state of Bihar in the South. The total land area is about 1,180 km2 (118,000 ha) and
geographically it is extended from 260 35' and 270 05' N latitude and 850 52' and 860 20'
longitude. The district has 101 Village development Committees (VDCs) and 1
Municipality. Janakpurdham is the headquarters of the district and it is connected to the
East-west highway at Dhalkebar.

Table : General Information about Dhanusha district

Description Information available
A Latitude & Longitude 260 35'- 270 05' N & 85052'- 86020' E
Altitude Range 61m- 610 m
B Demography
Population, 2001 Census 671,364
Male/Female Ratio 1: 0.92
No. of Households 117,417
Household Size 5.72
Av. Ann. Growth Rate (%) 2.11
Population Density 569
C Climate Tropical-Subtropical
Temperature 30.40 C (max) & 4.5 0 C (min.)
Average Rainfall 1400 mm/year
D Total Area 118,300 ha
Cultivated Land 82870 ha (70.1%)
Forest land 27578.6 ha (23.3%)
E VDCs & Municipality 101 & 1
Siwaliks 11
Terai 91

30
Physiographic/Ecological Characteristics

The district extends over two physiographic regions: Siwaliks (Churia hills) and the Terai
plains with a small stripe of undulating Bhavar separating the two. The Terai plain
extends from Churia hills to the Indian border in the south and is almost flat. The Churia
hills are somewhat rugged and often precipitous with the lower portion generally having
easy gradient. The elevation of the district ranges from 57 metres to 610 metres above sea
level (masl). The main forest types found in the district are: Sal forests, Catechu (Khayar)
forests, Sissoo forests, Mixed broad-leaved forests and other shrub lands etc.

Geology and Soils

Geologically, the district can be divided into Siwalik (Churia) and Terai formations. Terai
is a relatively flat area. The structure of the Siwaliks is fragile and is highly erosion prone.
The soil of the district varies from loamy to sandy loamy in the Siwaliks while it is more
alluvial in the plains. The alluvial deposits of northern plains are coarser than that in the
south resulting in deeper water table in the Terai plains.

Climate and Rainfall

The climate is tropical to subtropical with recorded maximum and minimum temperatures
of 400C and 4.50C respectively. The average maximum and minimum temperature is
30.40C and 19.60C respectively. The climate is hot humid in the summer but dry and cold
during winter. The average rainfall is 1400 mm/year. The major portion of the rainfall is
obtained from south- west monsoon that prevails from June to August. Slight winter rain
is obtained in February-March.

Land Use

Based on land use data and topographic map produced by Department of Survey in 1998,
the total land area of the district is 118,300 ha, out of which agriculture, urban area and
others cover 90721.4 ha (76.7%) of land. The area with forests cover is 27578.6 whereas
the Operational Forest Management Plan estimated the forest area to be 24,800 ha. The
estimated area covered by agriculture varies with different studies. However, based on
these studies, 75,000 ha (63.03%) of the total area have been estimated as cultivable land.

31
The northern area, which is 20% of the district, consists of the most southerly range of the
Siwalik Hills, which is mostly covered by degraded woodlands.

Agriculture

Based on the LRMP map, total area of the cultivated land in Dhanusha is 80060, which is
about 68% of the total land in the district. The 1991/92-sample census of Agriculture of
Dhanusha has estimated the total operated area of agricultural land to be 73,700 ha
divided into 70,000 holdings. Each holding is further divided into several parcels.
However, according to Land survey record the total area under agriculture use is 79812
ha of which 67169 ha of land is cultivated. There are 367199 parcels (plots) owned by
56536 persons (6-7 parcels/person or households). The total number of tenants in the
district is 16,455 who shares crop with landowners.

Livestock and poultry farming

Livestock such as cattle, buffaloes and goats freely graze during the fallow seasons.
Based on 1998/99 (District Development Profile of Nepal 2001) and census sample of
agriculture 1991/92, there are about 114,641 cattle, 39836 buffaloes, 94328 goats, 261
sheep, 926 pigs, 73432 fowls and 7534 ducks in Dhanusha district. Of the total
households, about 61% of households own livestock.

A considerable number of landless households own livestock (constitutes 8.5% of total

district households, or about 25% of landless). The protection of tree seedlings and
saplings against the freely roaming livestock, which are mostly planted along the bunds,
ridges, and edges of agricultural land and
M en and Women in Dhanusha
along roadsides, is very difficult. As a
result, the survival rate of seedlings planted
on the farmlands is low.
Female,
Male
Demography 48% Male,
Female
52%

According to 2001 Census, the population

of the district is 671,364 (male 349,422 and
female 321,942). There are altogether 117,417 households and the average household size

32
is 5.72, which is slightly more than the national average of 5.44. The average population
growth rate of the district is 2.4% (this is also higher than the national scenario which is
2.3%). The population density per sq. km is 569. It is the fifth most populated district in
Nepal. It occupies 0.8% of the national area with 2.9% of the total population.

Caste and Ethnic Distribution

Dhanusha district is
Population by Ethnicity in Dhanusha
composed of
heterogeneous caste and Population in % 40 35

ethnic mixture. The 30 20 20

20 15
major caste groups are 10
10
Yadav - 35%, Mandal - 0
20%, Teli-Suri - 15% Yadav Mandal Teli-Suri Mahato Others
Castes
and Mahato - 10%. The
other castes are Brahmin, Rajput, Chhetri, Kayastha, Musahar, Tharu and others who are
about 20%. Castes under other caste category are ethnic minorities, occupational castes
and Dalit castes identified as Magar, Chamar, Pasi, Dhangar, Dhankar, Dhobi, Majhi, and
Nuniya etc. There is a rigid caste and social hierarchy prevalent in Dhanusha district.

Language and Religion

The major languages spoken in the district are Maithili, Nepali and Hindi. Especially, the
district has a dominance of Maithili speaking Terai people. The other languages spoken
are Dhangar, Magar and Tamang. Approximately 90% of the people are Hindus and the
rest are Buddhists and Muslims.

Literacy

Literacy of Dhanusha District is 48.7 percent. Female literacy is only 36.3% while Male
literacy is 60.1%. The ratio of girls to boys in different level of education for Dhanusha
district is 59.5 in pre-primary level, 61.1 in primary level, 50.2 in lower secondary level
and 48.6 in secondary level.

33
Livelihoods

According to National Population Census of 2001, and agriculture census 1991/92, about
80% of households depend upon agriculture to sustain livelihoods (Table 5). The field
study for the DFSP revealed that majority of the people depends on the agriculture for
their livelihood. The national census indicates that about 34.4% of the district population
is landless and 25.5% of the households do not own any farmlands, livestock and poultry
at all.

Table : Socioeconomic characteristics of households in Dhanusha district

Household Type HH nos. % HH
Landless 40340 34.4
Livestock owner 71783 61.1
No Livestock 45634 38.9
Land & Livestock both 70712 60.2
Land holder 77077 65.6
None of all 29955 25.5
Source CBS 2002

The Subsistence farming and livestock rearing is the integral part for the livelihood of
people Dhanusha District. About 60.2% of households in the district own both land and
livestock. There are few farmers with economic size of landholdings, who are growing
vegetables, doing fish farming and tree planting. Some are enterprising by growing
vegetables on leased lands and riverbeds. But only a few of the labor force are engaged in
the off-farm employment activities. Most of the poor families are dependent on wages for
income. And additional livelihood activities are teashops, tailoring and blacksmith works.
The principal farm crops are rice, wheat, barley, potato etc. The major cash crops are
sugarcane, Telhan, Daal (pulses) and Surti (tobacco). These products are sold outside the
district. Sawmills and furniture making small and cottage industries, enterprises are also
present in the district. The districts is ranked 11th among worst on development index,
which is due to high level of poverty and deprivation. The income generation
programmes that require less or no land such as bee keeping, basket-making, goat and
poultry farming have become an important issue.

A considerable number of households collect fuelwood, fodder and non-timber forest

products (NTFPs) for their own use and as a source of income. Fish farming, tree growing
in private lands, vegetable farming etc. is another non-traditional means of livelihoods of

34
the district population. Because of the uneconomic size of land holdings, lack of proper
irrigation facilities, lower productivity and excess of landless and marginal farmers, food
production within the district is less than the subsistence requirements of the local people.

Social Equity and Distribution of Resources

Mainly because of the low level of education and awareness, hierarchical caste system,
ethnic and cultural backwardness among the rural people and specifically among the
women, there is a big social inequality. Control over and access to resources is also
unequal among the high caste Hindus and low caste Hindus. The major section of the
society, which is composed of occupational Terai castes, has either very marginal pieces
of land or they are totally landless. Hence, for their livelihoods, they have to depend on
the merciful temporary wage employment in the private agriculture farmlands, nurseries,
fish farms, tobacco farms and vegetable farms. The marginal farmers and wage earners
can very hardly meet their subsistence requirements.

3.2.2 Description of Study Sites

The study was carried out in Dhanusha district of Central Nepal. The public land
agroforestry programs have been implemented in the district on Cluster basis for last
few years after involvement of BISEP-ST program in the district. One cluster covers 3
to 5 neighboring VDCs. The groups for the purpose were selected after consultation
with District Forest Coordination Office (DFCC Office) and District Forest Office,
Dhanusha. The 4 Public Land Agro forestry Groups was selected among the 19 formed
Groups such that the selected groups represented best the program clusters. The name
and addresses for the selected 4 groups are as follow:

1. Bhole Shankar Public Land Agroforestry Group, Mukhiyapatti Musarniya

2,4,5
2. Jan Jyoti Public Land Agroforestry Gourp,Tulsiyahi Nikas 6,7,8.
3. Jamuni Mai Public Land Agroforestry Group, Deuri Parbaha 9, Deuri
4. Ram Janaki Public Land Agroforestry Group, Aurahi 4

The details of information are given in Annex 1.

35
3.3 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

The data for the purpose was collected from both the sources: primary sources and
secondary sources. Primary sources for collection of data were: constitutions, work plans,
minute register and other registers of the agroforestry groups. Further, the information
gathered during the direct observations of agroforestry sites and discussion with the
groups were also taken as primary sources. However, the secondary sources like various
records in DFO/DFCC offices were used. Further, other secondary sources of data were
also collected from DDC, VDC and other NGOs working in the sector of Public land
agro forestry programs and analysed during the study.

The following methods were followed to collect the primary and secondary data for the
study:

Direct Observation

Direct observation was done basically for two types of observations: first for observation
of agroforestry site and another for the observation of meetings organized by the groups
as well as income generative activities being carried out. During the observation, I had
noted down the key points for analysis.

Household Survey (HH Survey)

HH Survey was conducted to each and every member of the public land agroforestry
groups under study. The HH survey form is included in Annex 3.

Focus Group Discussion

Focus Group Discussion was conducted to extract the data relevant to the study. Focus
Group Discussions were conducted at various levels. It was conducted with the members
of the agroforestry groups, with key persons of village/tole and with group of
stakeholder's staffs.

36
Study of Documents

Basically the secondary data were collected by studying a range of documents, reports,
literatures. The documents include both in published and unpublished form.

3.4 METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS

Descriptive Analysis: The qualitative data was analyzed descriptively. However,

descriptive measures will be used to analyse quantitative data also.
Simple Statistical Tools: Simple statistical tools like mean, average, pie-charts, bar
diagram, histograms, were used to analyse the data collected from primary and secondary
sources.

3.5 RESULT INTERPRETATION

Result interpretation & Report Writing

The analysed data was interpreted in relation to the objectives of the study. The
analytical explanations, conclusions and recommendations have been documented in the
form of a final Report.

37
 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS & DISCUSSION (FINDINGS)

4.1. EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY

PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT

In Dhanusha, there was no such type of organized public land agroforestry programmes
conducted or done before BISEP-ST programme launched in the district. Although the
practice of plantation on public land is a traditional activity by a community, societies on
parti, river side or other places. However, such plantations done before were not related to
any groups of poor, dalits, janajati and other excluded groups. Such types of plantations
are fully owned by the respective institutions or whole community.

BISEP-ST programme has been in place in the district since FY 2059/060. However, the
programme started public land agroforestry programme in the district only in FY
2061/062 in an organized way. The local NGO of Dhanusha namely Community
Improvement Centre (CIC) did the work in Basbitti VDCs. In that year only one Public
Land Agroforestry Group was formed and supported to do plantation on VDC owned
land and cultivation of vegetable crops as intercropping as an agroforestry system. In that
group, there are 20 members as users of that public land agroforestry programmes.

The cluster is defined as a set of VDCs where public land agroforestry program is to be
implemented. Generally, one cluster should include 3-5 adjoining VDCs. In prior to
programme implementation, DFCC is responsible for determination and finalization of
Clusters for implementation of public land agroforestry programme. DFCC is also
responsible for conduction of a feasibility study in the district to identify VDCs to be
included under Agroforestry Programme.

VDC Selection and Group Formation:

At the beginning, the working VDC was identified by CIC and based on its proposal,
BISEP-ST supported that NGO for programme implementation. In the next year as well,
programme proposals were called from BISEP-ST programme and so, the proposal
submitting NGOs had identified potential VDCs for implementation of the programme.

38
However, the localities were decided by District Forest Coordination Committee (DFCC)
meeting i.e. DFCC had decided to conduct this programme particularly southern most
part of the district. In the same line, BISEP-ST had identified 2 clusters for programme
implementation. One was Fulgama Cluster and another was Parbaha cluster. Both these
clusters are very far from the national forest areas. That is why these VDCs were selected
for Public Land Agroforestry Programme implementation. CIC and SDRC are the local
NGOs which had worked for implementation of that programme; these are still working
in partnership with BISEP-ST/DFCC. SDRC had worked for Parbaha Cluster while CIC
had worked for Fulgama Cluster. In Parbaha cluster, 8 PLAFGs were formed whereas in
Fulgama cluster, 10 PLAFGs were formed.

Agreement on Public Lands

After group formation and negotiations among stakeholders, an agreement is made

between PLAFG and land owner i.e. VDC/School etc. The agreement covers time period
of agreement, benefits sharing and roles and responsibilities of parties involved. The roles
of the concerned NGO are also mentioned there in the agreement. Generally, 10 to 15
years have been found as period of agreement with possibility of extension provided that
the group shows satisfactory results. Similarly, regarding the benefits sharing, there are
following types of provisions found in the assessment of agreements during the study
period:
In case forest products, the sharing on timber products will be 40 to 60 % for
groups and 60 to 40% for land owner organizations. It varies between these
figures from group to group. However, 60% for groups are more common.
In case of forest products other than timber i.e. grasses, leaves, branches, and
intermediate products, 100% benefits will be available for groups.
In case of vegetables, cash crops and other IGAs including fish farming, 100%
benefits will be of groups, unless otherwise another agreement is made.
In case of other IGAs practiced within the groups, all benefits will be within group
members.

39
Group Empowerment

After a wide range of consultation with VDCs, local people and stakeholders, PLAFGs
are formed on consensus basis. After group formation, group members are capacitated
through various trainings: Orientation training, agroforestry training, revolving training
and other social mobilization activities.

Plantation and Agroforestry activities:

After orientation training to PLAFGs members, groups are supported by providing

seedlings and technical supports for plantation on public lands available.

Revolving Fund and IGAs : Each of PLAFG is supported initial with some amount
as seed money. The group members also add some amount collected by monthly saving
scheme in seed money. The fund is mobilized as loan for conducting various IGAs. The
loan is provided to group member as first priority. The interest is decided by common
consensus of group members in meetings/assembly. There is also provision of
fines/penalities if loan not returned by any member within given time frame.

4.2 EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY GROUPS

UNDER STUDY AND SUPPORTED PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES

4.2.1 Description of VDCs under study

In Dhanusha district, there are 101 VDCs and 1 Municipality. Out of 101 VDCs, only 12
VDCs are near the natural forest regimes. Accordingly, majority of population reside
away from forests. DFCC has decided to promote private and public land
forestry/agroforestry programmes in those areas away from national forests. BISEP-ST
has been funding for the implementation of public land agroforestry programme in
southern and eastern part of the district. For the purpose of study, 4 VDCs were selected
after discussion with DFO, DFCC and concerned NGOs. Those VDCs are: Tulsiyahi
Nikas, Mukhiyapatti Musharniya, Deuri Parbaha and Aurahi. The brief description of
these VDCs is given below:

40
Mukhiyapatti Musharniya:

Mukhiyapatti Musharniya is the

southern most VDC of Dhanusha.
It is the lowest land (57 m) of
Nepal's geography. The southern
boundary of the VDC is the same
boundary between Nepal and
India. The VDC is very remote
from the headquarter of the
district and there is earthen road
networks. Due to low land, water
logging is the major problem. The total land area is 580 bigha (about 367ha). The total
VDC population is 5882 involving 3126 male and 2756 female. The total HHs of the
VDC is 866.

Tulsiyahi Nikas:
Tulsiyahi Nikas is also the southernmost
VDC of the district. It is due north to
Mukhiyapatti Musharniya. It has an area of
600 bigha (400ha). The VDC is also low
land and so the people of the VDC suffer
from flooding in rainy season. The total
population of the VDC is 3721 involving
2030 male and 1691 female. The total HHs
of the VDC is 737.

41
Deuri Parbaha:
Deuri Parbaha is situated due east of Population in Deuri Parbaha
Janakpurdham Municipality. It has total
5000 4512

Population in Number
population of 4512 involving 2115 4000

male and 2397 female. There are total 3000 2397 of

2115
2000
765 HHs in the VDC. The VDC is 765
1000
heavily affected by floods running in 0
Male Female Total HHs
Jamuni and Jaladh Kholas. Due to
Category
flooding, hundreds of ha of cultivable
lands are becoming islands.

Aurahi:
Population in Aurahi
Aurahi VDC is situated east of Deuri
6000 4985
Parbaha VDC. The VDC has total
Population in

5000
Number

4000
2431 2554
population of 4985 involving 2431 male and 3000
2000 862
2554 females. The total HHs in the VDC is 1000
0
862. The VDC is also distant one from the Male Female Total HHs
Category
national forest. The people of the VDC
suffer heavy crisis of forest products. In order to fulfil local demands, BISEP-ST has
launched public and as well as private forestry programme in the VDC.

4.2.2 Description of PLAFGs under study

Public lands are the lands

owned by public institutions
like School, VDCs or other
government owned lands
with public use rights. Such
lands are generally fallow
and useless except used as
playing grounds, grazing
lands or other uses by some

42
elite heads of a community. Such uses can not be taken as useful in the context of present
decreasing land holding capacity by a Nepalese citizen. In other words, increasing rate of
population has limited the land holding capacity and the capacity being decreased day
by day. In such scenario, each and every piece of land is to be utilized at its maximum
capacity. Local NGOs in Dhanusha has involved in the group formation and post
formation support for agroforestry development of public lands. The study was conducted
in 4 Public Land Agroforestry Groups. The short description of the groups is given
below:

4.2.2.1 Bhole Shankar Public Land Agroforestry Group, Mukhiyapatti

Musarniya 2,4,5
The group was formed by CIC
Dhanusha in 2063 B.S under BISEP-
ST programme. The group has 15
HHs. Out of 15, there are 6 male and
9 female members in the group. The
number of Dalits/Janajati HHs is 6 in
the group. The HH Survey revealed
that all the HHs in the groups is
almost land less. It was also found that the group was formed by common consensus
among local people. The well being was participatory conducted. The area of the
agroforestry programme is 22 Kattha. The land is owned by VDC. There has been
agreement between VDC and the group for the land for the period of 15 years. The name
list of members is included in Annex 4.

4.2.2.2. Jan Jyoti Public Land Agroforestry Gourp,Tulsiyahi Nikas 6,7,8.

This group was also formed in 2063 B.S.
HHs by Sex & Ethnicity in
by CIC Dhanusha under BISEP-ST
T. Nikas
programme. The group has 15 members 13
15 9 (60%) (86.6%)
including 6 females and 9 males 6 (40%)
10
members. There are 9 HHs from 5
0 No.
Dalits/Janajatis. The group was formed ale ale
M m / ...
Fe lit
by common consensus by villagers. The Da

43
participatory well being ranking had facilitated to identify 15 members for the group. The
area of agroforestry programme is about 19 Kattha and land is owned by High School of
the VDC. The agreement between School and the group has been made for a period of 12
years. The name list of members is included in Annex 4.

4.2.2.3 Jamuni Mai Public Land Agroforestry Group, Deuri Parbaha 9,

Deuri
This group was formed in 2063 B.S. by
SDRC Janakpurdham under BISEP-ST HHs by Sex & Ethnicity in
Deuri
programme. The group consists of 15
10 14 (100%)
members with 4 females and 11 males 15 (71.4%)
10 4 (28.6%)
members. The all HHs are from Dalits 5
0 No.
and Janajatis. During the group
e e ..
al al n.
formation, wide consultation with local M em Ja
F lit /
stakeholders was conducted and the Da

group was formed by common consensus. The agroforestry programme covers an area of
17 Kattha and land is owned by VDCs. The site is on the edge of Jamuni river. The
agreement has been made for the period of 15 years. The name list of members is
included in Annex 4.

4.2.2.4 Ram Janaki Public Land Agroforestry Group, Aurahi 4

This group was also formed in 2063
B.S. by SDRC, Janakpurdham under HHs by S ex & E thn ic ity in
BISEP-ST programme. The group A urahi
consists of 11 members with 4 7
females and 7 males members. There (63.6% ) 4
8 3
(36.4% )
are 3 HHs from Dalits/Janajatis. 6 (27.3% )
4
2
SDRC had wide consultation during 0 No.
the group formation and the group
a le
le

.
Ma

J ..
m

lit/
Fe

was formed after participatory well

Da

being ranking followed by common

44
consensus among local people. The agroforestry programme covers an area of 11 Katthas.
The land is owned by High School. The agreement between school and group has been
made for 15 years. The name list of members is included in Annex 4.

4.2.3 Description of Agroforestry Programme for PLAFGs under study

Group Empowerment

After group formation, each group members were intensively capacitated through social
mobilization and technical trainings. Initially, the group members were oriented with one
day orientation workshop on programme activities and programme future implications.
Then, the group members were capacitated by conducting Agroforestry trainings. The
concerned NGOs had provided the trainings. The NGOs had conducted the trainings in
close coordination with related line agencies as well, i.e. resource persons were also from
DFO, DPRO, WDO, BISEP-ST as well.

The discussion with group members and the concerned NGOs reveals that NGOs are
regularly supporting the groups in technical as well as social mobilization part. The group
members are very happy with the NGOs and donor agencies as well as they have got
increased access to resources.

Plantations on Public Lands

All the PLAFGs have

planted tree species on
their public lands as major
component of agroforestry
practices. These
plantations are the back
bone towards uplifting
socio-economic conditions
of involved poor HHs. All
groups have planted
Eucalyptus
(Masala/Vicks/Sapeta) as
major species. The tree species mostly planted are: Masala (Eucalyptus species), Gamhari

45
(Gmelina arborea), Siris (Albizzia species), Semul (Bombax ceiba), Green semul-Kapok
(Ceiba pentendra), Teak (Tectona grandis). However, the dominant is the Eucalyptus. The
discussion on why they chose that species revealed that the species is fast growing, easily
available and high market potential. The group members said that the contractors come at
their village to collect pole sized Eucalyptus; there is no problem of marketing of
Eucalyptus. Further the pole sized Eucalyptus is very useful for house making purpose.
Thus they have both options to sell products at village level or to contractors. According
to the local people, they can easily get NRs. 700/- to NRs 1000/- per pole of age between
7-10 years. Thus, they have confidence on potential of planting eucalyptus. The number
of tree species planted in agroforestry field area of Mukhiyapatti, T. Nikas, Deuri
Parbaha and Aurahi are: 2300, 1450, 700 and 600 respectively. Mostly they are
Eucalyptus.

Cultivation of Vegetables and other cash crops

The total land of agroforestry plot has been divided into as many sub-plots as the number
of member in a group. As the plantation of tree species can give benefits to users only
after few years, there is urgent need of users to have some benefits from the programme,
even to ensure their long term participation. The interspaces between tree species
plantation have been best utilized by the group members with vegetables farming. The
vegetables farming provide instant benefits to users. During the vegetable farming, the
regular involvement or presence of members at site ensure protection of the plantation
sites as well.

The NGOs working with these groups provide materials as well as financial support for
seeds and seedlings of vegetable species, irrigation, manures, insecticides/pesticides etc.
The consultation with the group members revealed that the user groups members are very
happy with the support and service provided by the concerned NGOs.

Other Income Generating Activities

PLAFGs members are involved in some IGAs. Parbaha group have got Briquette making
training and briquette making equipments as well. The local Behaya/Besharam (Ipomia
species) is used as raw materials for briquette making. Although the group members have
taken training, they have not started producing briquette at large scale due to market

46
problem. They say they should have effective linkage for briquette production. In this
regard, the discussion with CECON, and BISEP-ST reveals that they are trying to link
briquette making user groups to national level network to ensure their market.
The other important IGA is Goat farming. Goat farming is done by members in all
groups. They get loan from the group and do goat farming. The users are saying they
involving in goat farming due to its well established marketing.

In case of Parbaha group, they have small pond within the plantation area and they are
planned to do fish farming in that pond. Similarly, Mukhiyapatti group has also planned
to take VDC pond on contract for fish farming. But, they have some financial problem
initially to invest for fish farming. They have requested BISEP-ST through CIC for
providing financial support.

Fund mobilization

The PLAFGs have

Status of Fund with Groups (in NRs.)
basically two types of
25000
fund: fund generated
20000
as monthly savings 20000

from each member

15000
and other is donation 12500
Amount
from BISEP-ST, 10000
6500
NGOs and others as 6000
5000
revolving fund. Both
types of fund are 0
Muk hyapatti T. Nikas Deuri Aurahi
mobilized as
revolving fund at current time. However, once their funds get raised, the fund may be
used for community development activities.

The study has found out that they have some amount of funds in their account. All of the
groups have their own accounts in bank. As shown, in the figure above, the funds with the
groupd till study time are NRs. 6500, 6000, 20000 and 12500 respectively for
Mukhiyapatti, T. Nikas, Deuri and Aurahi groups. The funds are the results of various
components like the donations from the concerned NGOs, revolving fund seed money,

47
interest raised in loan flow and other donations. Although, the sums shown in figure
above are not so large, the trend of raising their funds and commitment from the members
for fund raising and mobilization is remarkable part towards sustainability of the groups.

Savings and Credit Schemes

The S/C is one the effective scheme towards sustainable management of group funds.
The S/C scheme was initially facilitated by orientation training by the concerned NGO to
all group members. The training had supported the groups towards adopting the scheme.
In all 4 PLAFGs, each member deposit Rs 10-25/month as group fund. In case of
Mukhiyapatti and T. Nikas groups, each member deposits NRs. 10/- in savings scheme,
whereas in case of Deuri and Aurahi groups, each member deposits NRs 25/- per month
in savings scheme. The raised fund is used as loan for interested member on certain
interest rate.

Revolving Fund and its implications

Revolving Fund is a kind of basket fund provided initially to the groups for its
mobilization on a sustainable basis. The concerned NGO provides the sum of NRs 2000/-
to each group as Revolving fund. The group members jointly mobilize the fund on
rotation basis. The committee decides on proposal given by a member to invest the fund
in any income generating activities like goat farming, vegetable farming, grocery, soap
making, etc. The fund is supported by savings and credits programme as well. According
to the decision made by committee, each and every member of a committee has to deposit
certain amount in group fund. The amount varies from group to group as it is decided
commonly by the group members. Further, the group meeting decides the interest rate to
be beard by a member. The interest rate being followed in less than 1% annual. The
groups use a format for providing the revolving fund. The groups also record the amount
provided and returned by a group member.

4.2.4 Group Meetings and Social Dynamics

Each of the PLAFGs under study have planned their meetings to be held on monthly
basis. However, it has been difficult in some busy periods. However, they manage to
conduct in any favourable time. It was found that each member of the group participate in

48
the meetings and they could put forward their words easily. This shows the increased
human capital of the community members as well. They are now using consensus
method. In the same line, all the decisions made so far are from common consensus.

Further, the group members are active in participation in any type of trainings/ workshops
etc. They now easily participate. This is also one of the achievements. The group
members have become so close to each other, they are proud in becoming so. They feel
now easy to adjust in the VDC level events as well. Thus, group members voice has
increased and their human resources base increased.

4.2.5 PLAFGs Networks:

All PLAFGs in the district have associated with a loose network. Networks have been
formed in each cluster. Accordingly, two PLAFGs i.e. of Mukhiyapatti and Tulsiyahi
Nikas are linked with Fulgama cluster level network and other two PLAFGs i.e. of
Parbaha and Aurahi are linked with Parbaha cluster level Network. These Networks have
been formed by the respective NGOs. CIC has been supporting Fulgama cluster Network
and SDRC has been supporting Parbaha cluster Network. The networks are currently of
loose types. However, discussion with the NGOs and BISEP-ST/DFCC revealed that the
cluster level networks will be linked to district level network and then district level
network will be formally registered in District Administration Office. The network has
been taken as effective institution for welfare of PLAGs in the future.

4.3 TO EXPLORE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE

PROGRAMME ON PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY GROUPS

4.3.1 Impact on Social Aspects

The social capital of the groups have increased by implementation of the programme. The
group formation, group mobilization, and the network formation are the key points
towards increasing the social capital of PLAFGs. The role of the concerned NGO has also
been very crucial. The awareness raising at local level and continuous support in group
functioning has greatly increased the quality of group dynamism. As the group members
are pro-poor of Madhesi community where they were totally deprived of such benefits.
The group discussion revealed that the social assets of the group have greatly increased

49
because after group formation none of the involved HHs feels loneliness. They say they
all are very close and they do any social / community works together. The other people of
the village are also equally happy with the programme and they also say that the groups
have become rich in social aspects.
The group members are so active that almost all members participate in every meeting.
They discuss, share progresses and happenings and do decide on consensus basis. Even,
the group facilitates to solve any dispute taken place in the community. The group has
become a platform for development at rural development.

Similarly, the programme has provided many trainings, workshops, meetings for the
members of the PLAFGs. Some of the members who are somehow literate are being
participated in some trainings at regional level as well. Similarly, the participation of
group members in district level sharing workshop, meetings, trainings etc definitely has
increased human capital. Further, the discussion with group members has shown that the
group members are so impressive and enthusiastic that they are very supportive in
programme implementation.

Thus, the social empowerment side has supported two types of livelihoods assets: Social
and Human Capitals. The Social Capital has been increased by group formation, group
empowerment, group operation and functioning, decision making process, dispute solving
mechanism etc. and Human Capital has been increased by participation of group
members in workshop, meeting, exposure visits, trainings etc.

4.3.2 Impact on Economic Aspects

The public land agroforestry programme has been implemented particularly for raising
income of poor HHs and for enhancing their livelihoods. In this section, impacts of the
programme have been discussed in relation to 3 livelihoods assets: Natural assets,
financial and physical assets.

All of the PLAFGs have plantations on public lands as major activities. The site
observations of plantations have shown that all forest crops have well established. The
established plants on the public land has increased the natural resource base. The
plantations have also increased biodiversity level. The observation showed that there have

50
been naturally regenerated some other species as well. Further, the plantation and
conservation of the sites have also increased the availability of many grass species, which
have been useful for cattle. Thus, the plantation on public lands has increased the natural
resource base. Those resources are being utilized only by the group members. Thus, the
access of group members over natural resources has increased. Thus, the programme has
positive impact on livelihoods of poor people involved in the programme.

The study has found out that each and every member of a group has got minimum of 1
Kattha land for vegetables farming. This land allocation has increased access of poor to
resources and hence their physical assets increased. Further, the protection of public lands
by PLAFGs members has safeguarded the public lands from being misused and from
being degraded. The water conservation in pond after public land Agroforestry
programme has been added benefits to whole community. Thus, the programme has not
only benefited group members , but to the whole villagers/communities. Thus, the
programme contribute rural poverty reduction by increasing the base of natural resources
through plantation as well as protection of public lands.

The support for plantation on public land has increased the natural resources bases and
access of poor people has increased against they are very farm from national forest and
currently, deprived of forest products. Further, the programme has also resulted in
positive impact to increased natural resource base. The other people in the village have
started planting on their private lands, which will have positive impact on forest
development at local level. Thus, the programme has been able to increase the natural
capital of the group as well as outsiders.

Regarding financial capital of the groups, the group members' income has raised after
involvement in the programme. The discussion with the group members revealed that
every group member has been farming vegetables on the allocated lands and they are very
happy that they could now sell surplus quantity of vegetables. Before the programme,
they had to purchase vegetables from market, whereas now they eat and sell surplus
quantity as well. The group discussion and HH survey revealed that on average every
HHs sell vegetables of NRs 3000 to 5000 per year. This figure is appreciative as they
don't need to buy vegetables from the market, in turn they sell surplus quantity and get
income cash.

51
The other scheme is Savings and Credit Scheme. In this scheme every group has
accumulated fund. The study found that the current amounts with the groups are: NRs
20000/-, 12500, 6500 and 6000 respectively for Deuri, Aurahi, T Nikas and
Mukhiyapatti. A group member should take as loan from the group, and after fixed
period, he/she should refund with interest. It is expected that the group will be financially
strong after next 10 years.

Regarding the plants, the no of plants with Mukhiyapatti, T Nikas, Deuri and Aurahi are
2200, 1450, 700 and 600 respectively, According to the local leaders/key persons, there is
no market problem for Masala species. In this line, there will be lakhs of amount with all
groups. The huge amount will facilitate them towards making the group sustainable.
The participatory discussion with group members and stakeholders also revealed that they
have got access to increased financial resources and after 10 years, they will have a mass
amount of fund in their account. The participatory analysis based on local experiences
showed that there will be 80% of the plants will be remaining at the end of the rotation
and on average one pole of Masala will be sold at not less than NRs 850. At this rate, the
calculations have shown that the amount from timber/pole harvesting after next 8-10
years will generate NRs 1407600/-, 918000/-, 428400 and 367200/- respectively for
Mukhiyapatti, T. Nikas, Deuri and Aurahi groups. These figure might divert slightly in
the future due to some extraneous factors. Thus, it is clear that the programme has
resulted in increasing financial capital of the groups, that will be contributing in
enhancing livelihoods of the members. Even, they say they will contribute in some
community development works like schools, education for poor and excluded group
students, village roads, electricity etc.

Thus, the programme has been contributing for all 5 livelihoods assets. The study found
that the programme has been supporting in the enhancement of rural livelihoods in Terai.

4.4 TO EXPLORE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE

PROGRAMMES AND THEIR POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

52
Agroforestry Programme, particularly on public lands, is emerging in terai districts. Due
to increased population and decreased forest resources, the programme has been initiated
by various donor programmes. BISEP-ST in central terai is leading the programme. As
the programme is new, there are some problems associated with its implementation.
During the study, the consultation was done with user groups, DFCC/BISEP-ST, DFO,
DPRO, DSCO, WDO, DDC and other stakeholders to find out the problems associated
with public land agroforestry programme and their possible solutions for sustainability of
the programme. During the study, the following major problems and possible solutions
were found out:

Awareness at local level and Group Formation

At local level, particularly in southern part of the district, people are less aware about
forestry sector programme because of intensive involvement of DFO programme in
Churia and Bhavar areas. Further, the concept of plantations by involving local pro-poor
people has been very new and innovative to local people. Due to low level of awareness,
there happen lots of problems at the initial step while forming groups. Local leaders are
also less aware about the programme. The discussion with NGOs working in the
programme revealed that an NGO had to work for 10-15 days in raising awareness and
enabling environment for group formation. Even, some people become against the
programme implementation. The discussion found out the following points to be
considered to mitigate the problems:

Intensive Communication and Extension activities to be conducted including

posters, pamphlets, street drama etc. to raise awareness at local levels.
Local leaders, VDC secretary, and other key persons should be involved in
sharing events time to time.

Protection

The PLAFGs seem very active towards protection of their public lands agroforestry areas.
They have decided in the meetings to care the plots on participatory way. Generally one
to two persons take turn for a day for protection of the sites. However, some agitating
people warn the groups that they will destroy the sites. However, the discussion in the
communities has solved such problems. Further, as the programme grows up and up, the

53
result has been creating more and more positive environment. The local people seeing the
progress appreciate the programme and even, they demand such programmes on such
other public lands as well.
To mitigate such problems, wide consultation with all categories of people in the village
is to be conducted.

Legal and Policy

For the implementation of Public Land Agroforestry Programme, there is no clear

provision in the existing Forest Act 2049 and Forest Regulation 2051. Due to this
problem, the PMC has approved the Public Land Forestry Programme Implementation
Guidelines 2062 for 8 districts. As this guideline provides some legal status of the
programme, the question is about its validity for whole Nepal. Some organizations seem
reluctant about this programme and they seek status in main legal document i.e. Forest
Act and Regulations. However, the programme is being implemented in the 8 districts
without any legal problem as it is provision in the guidelines. The following points seem
to be considered for sustainability of the programme:
The provision of this programme in Forest Act and Forest Regulations to be
incorporated.
The provision is to be in line with local self government act and regulations and
other legal documents of VDCs to bring synergy.

Financial problems

The financial resources are the prime resource for conducting any program. The
effectiveness of a programme is highly correlated with the availability of the financial
resources. Regarding public land agroforestry programme, BISEP-ST programme is only
the funding agency supporting for the programme implementation. Although, there is
provision of funding in forestry activities in DDC, VDC, till now such investment has
been seen to support the programme. For financial sustainability of the programme,
following points were found to be effective:
DFCC should prepare a sustainability plan for sustainability of public land
agroforestry programme.
DDC should have a mechanism to support the programme financially.

54
 VDCs and local institutions should also contribute as financially to the
programme.
MoFSC /DoF should have long term vision over this programme.

Technical expert availability at VDC/local level

DFCC/BISEP-ST has been supporting the programme financially. This programme is

being implemented by technical support of local NGOs. These local NGOs are supporting
from initial stages and have shown their commitments for their continuous support to
those PLAFGs. However, the question is about the support from these NGOs in absence
of funding agencies like BISEP-ST. These NGOs currently work with sum as NGO
overhead upto 10%. However, there are some NGOs which can contribute these groups
even in absence of BISEP-ST or other funding agencies. In this regard, no action plan of
their (NGOs') own exist. The discussion has found the following points to be considered
for continuous technical support to the PLAFGs:

DFCC/BISEP-ST/DFO should have their own plan for long term technical support
to PLAFGs.
The NGOs working for this programme should have clear provision and action
plan approved from their assembly to support those groups continuously.
There should be developed local resource person on cluster basis. In general, 2
LRPs will be appropriate for one cluster.

55
 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

The study was conducted as action research in PLAFGs of Dhanusha district in central
Nepal. The study may be concluded with the following points:

The existing modalities of forest management applied in national forests could not
address the forest products use rights of distant users. The Community Forestry
Programme in the district has failed to include distant users i.e. the people away
from the forests. Further, Collaborative Forest Management practice is not in
place in Dhanusha district.
The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) has been implementing
Biodiversity Sector Programme for Siwaliks and Terai (BISEP-ST) in Dhanusha
district. The programme is being financially and technically supported by the
government of the Netherlands through SNV-Nepal.
There are lots of public lands in the district, which are useless or not in productive
use. Generally, such lands are under ownership of either VDCs or school or other
local institutions.
To involve distant people or southern people of the district in forestry programme
and to address their issues related to forest resources, BISEP-ST has been
implementing public land Agroforestry programme as one of the focus/priority
programme.
In Dhanusha district, till FY 2063/064, there were 19 PLAFGs formed and
supported by local NGOs under BISEP-ST programme. The programme involves
276 HHs covering 380 Kathha (approx. 12.6 ha) public lands. There are 159
female members out of 276. The no of HHs from Dalits/Janajati are 169.
During the study period, it was also found that 4 local NGOs were working for the
formation and support of next 29 PLAFGs in the district.
The 4 PLAFGs under study cover 71 Kathhas (about 2.3 ha) of public lands
involving 55 land less people, in which 36 % are only from Dalits/Janajatis.
The PLAFGs were initially supported by trainings, workshops, meetings as
software development works. And plantation on public lands, supplying of

56
 seeds/seedlings for vegetable farming, revolving funds as hardware development
works.
Group formation, group mobilization, organizing group meetings, assembly,
discussion and sharing, capacity growth of members by trainings, exposure visits,
coaching have contributed in increasing social and human capital of the groups.
Plantation on public lands and its establishment, conservation of public lands,
increased biodiversity, involvement of members in savings/credit scheme, fund
mobilization have contributed in increasing groups physical, natural and financial
capital.
There are some problems associated with the programme. The problems are
related to regular support to groups, unclear legal/policy provisions.
Thus, the programme has contributed towards enhancing livelihoods of
poor/landless people.

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are expected for
betterment of the studied groups as well as the programme:
DFCC is to be empowered and strengthened to institutionalize the programme in
the district.
DFCC is to coordinate the local NGOs for sustainable running of the programme.
More effective social mobilization programme is to be conducted for PLAFGs in
the district.
Local Resource Persons (LRPs) are to be developed and capacitated to support the
groups on long term basis.
The PLAFGs network should be strengthened so that the groups will be getting
services in better way.
The savings/credit scheme is to be conducted in more effective way. For this
purpose, the seed money provided is not adequate, so, DFCC/BISEP-ST and
NGOs need to manage for some extra funds.
PLAFGs members are to be involved in more exposure providing events like
exposure visits or study tour in other BISEP-ST working districts like Sarlahi,
Bara and Parsa.

57
 There should be provided some small enterprises based on forest and non-forest
products so that the members will be more benefited towards their livelihoods
improvement.
The legal and other issues related to PLAFGs should be explicitly discussed in
DFCC meetings. The decision and recommendations of DFCC should be
forwarded to MoFSC through DoF so that to incorporate provisions in Forest Act
and other legal documents.
The role and responsibilities of DDC and VDC should be more emphasized for
overall development of PLAFGs and the programme.
DFCC/BISEP-ST needs to support the groups continuously for next 3-4 years.
DFCC needs to seek other funding agencies that BISEP-ST for implementation of
programme.

58
 ANNEXES
ANNEX 1: INFORMATION ON PLAFUGs

Record of Public Land Agroforestry Groups in Dhanusha

(till FY 2063/064)
Area Dalit/ Land Agreement
S.N. Name of PLAFUG Address HHs Male Female
(Kattha) Janjati own yrs
Jamuni Mai Public Land Agroforestry Deuri Parbaha-9,
1 17 15 11 4 15 VDC 15
Group Deuri
Ram Janaki Public Land Agroforestry
2 Aurahi-4 13 11 7 4 3 School 15
Group
Bajaranga Public Land Agroforestry
3 Dhanauji- 5,6,7 13 15 14 1 6 School 15
Group
Pragatishil Public Land Agroforestry
4 Dhanauji- 5,6,7 13 15 10 5 13 School 15
Group
Bhole Shankar Public Land Paudeshwor -5,6,
5 20 15 15 0 9 School 15
Agroforestry Group Purandaiya
Hanuman Public Land Agroforestry Paudeshwor -5,6,
6 20 15 15 0 6 School 15
Group Purandaiya
Arariya Public Land Agroforestry Paudeshwor - 4,
7 21 15 14 1 7 VDC 15
Group Paudeshwor
Jirait Public Land Agroforestry Paudeshwor - 4,
8 21 15 13 2 7 VDC 15
Group Paudeshwor
Mukhiyapatti
Bhole Shankar Public Land
9 Musharniyan- 2,4,5, 22 15 9 6 6 VDC 15
Agroforestry Group
Mukhiyapatti
10 Janjyoti Public Land Agroforestry Tulsiyahi Nikas-6,7,8 19 15 9 6 13 School 12

60
 Area Dalit/ Land Agreement
S.N. Name of PLAFUG Address HHs Male Female
(Kattha) Janjati own yrs
Group
Adarsha Public Land Agroforestry Fulgama 9, Khadka
11 23 15 3 12 8 School 12
Group Tole
Khadka Public Land Agroforestry
12 Fulgama- 3,4,9 22 15 1 14 13 VDC 15
Group
Gadhi Ka Public Land Agroforestry
13 Fulgama - 4 27 15 1 14 11 School 12
Group
Gadhi Kha Public Land Agroforestry
14 Fulgama - 5 27 15 0 15 15 School 12
Group
Ram Janaki Public Land Agroforestry
15 Fulgama - 2 19 15 7 8 13 School 12
Group
Brahm Sar (Hathiyahi) Public Land
16 Basbitti- 4,5 25 15 9 6 13 VDC 15
Agroforestry Group
Royihai Ka Public Land Agroforestry
17 Basbitti - 2,3,4,5 18 10 3 7 6 VDC 12
Group
Royihai Kha Public Land
18 Basbitti - 1,2,3 18 10 3 7 6 VDC 12
Agroforestry Group
Purandar Sar Public Land
19 Basbitti 22 20 16 4 VDC 15
Agroforestry Group
Total 380 276 160 116 170

61
 ANNEX 2: Contents of PLAFG's Constitution and Operational Plan

Part I: Constitution
The followings are the contents to be mentioned in PLAFGs constitution:

1. Introduction
2. Background
2.1 Groups Name and Address
2.2 Area (including Kitta No.)
2.3 Forest Boundary with Map
3. Objectives of Group Formation
4. Roles, Responsibilities and Rights of Group
5. Process of Group and Committee Formation
6. Conservation, management and sharing of benefits
7. Provision of forest products collection and distribution
8. Fund mobilization and recording
9. Monitoring and Evaluation

Part II: Operational Plan

2.1. Introduction
2.2. Objectives
2.3. Existing status of the public land area
2.4.Plan of activities for 5 years
2.5 Provision of Management, silvicultural operations, and protection
2.6 NTFPs cultivation plan
2.7 Nursery, Plantation, IGAs plan
2.8 Availability of forest technicians
2.9 Expected achievements and benefits
2.10 Miscellaneous.

62
 ANNEX 3: Household Survey Form

Socio-Economic Impacts of Public Land Agroforestry on Livelihoods of

Pro-poor in Central Terai, Nepal

Household Survey Questionnaire

Name of Investigator: . Date:

PLAFUG Name:
Group Address: VDC: Ward no.
Group Estd. Year B.S.

PART I: GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Name of Respondent-------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Address: District---------VDC----------Ward number --------Tole name-----------

3. Post in group/committee: a. Member b. Major post, pls mention:

4. Family Information
HH Member Name M F Age Education Primary Secondary
occupation occupation

5 How much land do you hold?

Types of Land Area Land ownership own/contract
Kattha
Residential Land
(Ghadari)
Khet (Agricultural)
Bari (Karesa)
Total

63
6. Occupation and Livelihoods

What are the occupations of your family? (Please writer in order)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PART II: INFORMATION ON PUBLIC LAND AGROFORESTRY

6. When did you join the group?

a. At start b. Later: pls specify date: Year..............Month....... Day......
7. who did encourage to join the group?
a. Local People b. NGOs c. Both D. Others,.........

8. Initially what types of support did you get ?

8.1. In training part: Name of trainings:
a.
b.
c.
d.
8.2 For plantation, what types of support had your group/you got?
a.
b.
c.
d.
8.3 What were other support?
a.
b.
c.

9. After first time of support, what types of support are your group/you getting?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
10. How do you feel about this programme?
a. Very Good b. Good c. Medim d. Poor
11. What are the benefits of this programme?
11.1 At group level
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
11.2 At your HH level, pls in details.

64
 a. Land Allocation

b. Vegetable and other cash crop farming

c. Revolving Fund
d. Others, if any,

12. Do you participate in group meeting? Yes/No, if yes, in which frequency

a. Every time b. Sometimes c. very few times

13. How is decision made?

a. by consensus b. by some members only c. by Chairperson only

14. What is provision of distributing revolving fund?

a. Amount
b. Interest rate
c. Returning time
d. One by one or same person every time

15. What is future of this programme?

a. Forest resources
b. Group Dynamics
c. Availability of lands
d. others
16. What are the problems associated with this programme?
a. Land ownership
b. Technical support
c. Group Dynamics
d. Leadership
e. Financial part
f. Others, if any,...

65
 ANNEX 4 : List of Group Members

1. Bhole Shankar Public Land Agroforestry Group, Mukhiyapatti.

S.N.Post Name of Users Address

1Chairperson Harinath Yadav Mukhiyapatti 4
2Vice-ChairpersonMantoriya Devi Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
3Secretary Rati Lal Sahani Mukhiyapatti 2
4Treasurer Mahendra Yadav Mukhiyapatti 5
5Members Shrawan Kumar Raut Mukhiyapatti 5
6 ,, Jasiya Devi Mukhiyapatti 5
7 ,, Gurki Devi Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
8 Mantoriya Devi Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
9 ,, Sama Devi Yadav Mukhiyapatti 4
10 ,, Rajdabati Yadav Mukhiyapatti 4
11 ,, Rajendra Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
12 ,, Ratan Raut Mukhiyapatti 5
13 ,, Sanjeeb Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
14 ,, Dular Ram Mukhiyapatti 5
15 ,, Sudish Yadav Mukhiyapatti 4

2. Janajyoti Shankar Public Land Agroforestry Group, Tulsiyahi Nikas

S.N.Post Name of Users Address

1Chairperson Bilat Raut T Nikas 7
2Treasurer Bhajan Mahara T Nikas 6
3Secretary Suraj Raut T Nikas 6
4Treasurer Kumari Devi Mukhia T Nikas 7
5Member Ram Lakhan Mahara T Nikas 6
6 ,, Ram Shrista Raut T Nikas 6
7 ,, Shanti Devi Mahara T Nikas 6
8 ,, Chhedi Mahara T Nikas 6
9 ,, Mancho Devi Mahara T Nikas 6
10 ,, Jogi Mahara T Nikas 6
11 ,, Narayan Mukhiya T Nikas 7
12 ,, Laxmi Mukhiya T Nikas 7
13 ,, Rajendra Sah T Nikas 8
14 ,, Bindeshwor Raut T Nikas 8
15 ,, Lal Babu Sah T Nikas 8

66
 3. Jamuni Mai Public Land Agroforestry Group, Deuri Parbaha

S.N.Post Name of Users Address

1Chairperson Uttim Chamar Deuri Parbaha 9
2Treasurer Mahachin Khatwe Mandal Deuri Parbaha 9
3Secretary Gagandev Pasman Deuri Parbaha 9
4Treasurer Budhan Khatwe Deuri Parbaha 9
5Member Samundri Paswan Deuri Parbaha 9
6 ,, Suresh Mahara Deuri Parbaha 9
7 ,, Sukho Mandal Deuri Parbaha 9
8 ,, Sukani Mahara Deuri Parbaha 9
9 ,, Bikaru Ram Deuri Parbaha 9
10 ,, Ram Narayan Mandal Deuri Parbaha 9
11 ,, Ram Singari Pasman Deuri Parbaha 9
12 ,, Kumala Pasman Deuri Parbaha 9
13 ,, Ramprit Mahara Deuri Parbaha 9
14 ,, Ram Sagar Mandal Deuri Parbaha 9

4. Ram Janaki Public Land Agroforestry Group, Aurahi

S.N.Post Name of Users Address

1Chairperson Birendra Sah Aurahi 3
2Treasurer Pukari Devi Mandal Aurahi 1
3Secretary Narayan Ravidas Aurahi 2
4Treasurer Shiv Kmar Mandal Aurahi 1
5Member Raghunath Thakur Aurahi 1
6 ,, Nathuni Ravidas Aurahi 3
7 ,, Madhuri Mandal Aurahi 1
8 ,, Phekan Ravidas Aurahi 3
9 ,, Kumair Devi Thakur Aurahi 1
10 ,, Rajani Devi Thakur Aurahi 1
11 ,, Ganga Raut Aurahi 1
12 ,, Mithilesh Devi Ravidas Aurahi 1
13 ,, Manjha Devi Ravidas Aurahi 1
14 ,, Amirati Devi Sah Aurahi 2
15 ,, Kakulti Devi Thakur Aurahi 3

67
 References
Annual Progress Report, 2007, BISEP-ST/DFCC Office, Dhanusha
District Forestry Sector Plan (DFSP) 2008-2023, DFCC, Dhanusha
First Phase Completion Report, 2006, DFCC/District Support Unit,
Dhanusha,
Forest Act 2049 and Forest Regulation 2051, Ministry of Forest and
Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal, Singhdarbar, Kathmandu.
Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063, Government of Nepal
Interim Three Years Plan, 2007-2010, National Planning
Commission, Government of Nepal.
Feasibility Report on Potentiality of Private and Public Land
Agroforestry Programme in Dhanusha, 2006. BISEP-ST/DFCC,
Dhanusha.
Programme Completion Report, 2006/07, Community Improvement
Centre, Janakpurdham, Dhanusha
Programme Completion Report, 2006/07, Social Development &
Research Centre, Janakpurdham, Dhanusha.
Public Land Agroforestry Program Implementation Guidelines, 2062,
Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal,
Singhdarbar, Kathmandu.
Statistical Report, 2002, Central Bureau of Statistics, Government of
Nepal
Livelihoods Guidance Sheet, DFID website: www.dfid.org.np

68