Socio-economic significance of reed forests in a rural community: A case study from the greater Sylhet Region of Bangladesh |
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Authors: | Qumruzzaman Chowdhury A Z M Manzoor Rashid Masuduzzaman Afrad |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Forestry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, 3114 Sylhet, Bangladesh;(2) Bangladesh Forest Department Bhan Bhaban, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh |
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Abstract: | The reed forests that are the subject of this study are scattered over five thanas of the Sunamganj and Sylhet Districts of
the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. Their total area is 23,590 ha and they have great ecological, economic, commercial and
socio-economic importance due to the diversified resources they supply. However, the forests are commonly encroached on by
local people who are perceived to be seriously depleting the resource. This paper deals with the socio-economic status of
the people residing near these reed forests, and examines their dependency on the resources provided by the reed forests.
A socio-economic survey, participatory rural appraisal and interviews were used to obtain baseline data of the reed forest
resource and the local communities. The study reveals that the communities in the study region have higher income than other
areas of Bangladesh. Most survey respondents have other occupations in addition to farming. The literacy rate is 28.8%. Among
the illiterate, 68% engage in collecting reeds. Although the Forest Department has a management plan for sustainable use of
the reed forests, encroachers receive backing from political leaders and local elites, so their eviction is difficult. In
order to achieve long-term productivity and sustainability from the reed forests, this study recommends a strategy of developing
an integrated joint management plan between the Forest Department and the local people. |
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Keywords: | wetland diversity loss human encroachment PRA interview |
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