Role of homestead forests in household economy and factors affecting forest production: a case study in southwest Bangladesh

Empirical information regarding the role of homestead forests in household economy is essential in understanding the importance of these resources. Identification of the factors that affect homestead forest production and understanding forest owners' attitudes toward key forest management issues have great significance in making appropriate policy responses to manage these resources on a sustainable basis. In Bangladesh, homestead forests are claimed to play an important economic role in rural livelihoods, but no reliable quantitative information exists. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of homestead forests in the household economy, examine if forest production and income vary across landholding size classes, to explore the relationships of homestead forest production with species richness, education level, and household size, and to assess the attitude of homestead forest owners toward key forest management issues. Results show that homestead forests contribute 15.9% of the household income and generate 51.4 man-days of employment per household per year. Production of homestead forests significantly varies across landholding size classes. It was observed that forest production depends significantly on species richness of homestead forests and the education level of forest owners. However, no such relationship was found between forest production and household size. The study revealed that farming families depend more on forest income than nonfarming families. Attitudes of forest owners toward key forest management issues differ significantly across landholding size classes. For example, although the majority of the forest owners prefer fruit species to timber species, the percentage of respondents decreased as the landholding size class increased, while the opposite trend was observed for timber species. The findings of this study suggest that diversification of forests and extension of education amongst forest owners would improve forest production. Furthermore, forest policy should address the concerns of the forest owners in different landholding classes and focus on their specific requirements to enhance sustainable forest management.     

Understanding why farmers plant trees in the homestead agroforestry in Bangladesh

Because trees cover only 6.4% of the total land area of Bangladesh, while agricultural expansion continues to massively deplete the natural forests, a well-managed homestead forestry practice is vital for reversing the existing trend and promoting the ecological balance of the country. An understanding of the decision-making process of the farmers who practice homestead forestry is important in expanding and improving the practice. This paper seeks to characterize and analyze factors influencing farmers' decisions about tree planting. Logistic and multiple regression analyses were applied to determine the factors that influence the farmers' tree-planting decisions. The analyses demonstrate a number of important conclusions: (i) tree-planting increases with the amount of homestead land owned; (ii) farmers whose main source of income is non-agricultural are more likely to decide to plant trees in the homestead; (iii) purchasing cost of fuelwood has a positive influence on tree-planting decisions; (iv) number of male family member has a positive influence on farmers' tree-planting decisions; and (v) knowledge of the activities of the forestry extension programs has a positive influence on tree-planting decisions. The results of the study demonstrate that, in recent years, farmers' decisions of whether or not to plant trees have been based primarily on economic rather than ecological concerns. It is concluded that there is substantial potential for the improvement of homestead forestry, and that properly managed homestead forestry can alleviate the poverty of rural people by increasing overall household income. To this end, it is suggested that forestry extension workers work more closely with the local people in order to implement homestead forestry.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Developing capacity of forest users through participatory forest management: Evidence from Madhupur Sal forest in Bangladesh

Participatory forest management is credited for supporting social learning processes and fostering capacity of forest users for collaboration and collective actions. Despite more than a decade of practice, the empirical evidence substantiating the contribution of participatory management for the capacity development of forest users is scarce. This study assesses a participatory forest management program in Madhupur Sal forest, Bangladesh, by comparing the capacity of de-facto groups of participants and nonparticipants and identifies factors that influence the capacity development. Data were collected using a mixed method approach which combines both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Results indicate that participants differed from nonparticipants significantly in terms of various capacity dimensions related to collective actions. Extension services, credit support, trust within society, information and communication influence the level of capacities in tribal population to adapt and respond to changes. The initiatives to manage natural resources are likely to be more successful if the forest management program initiators consider several factors that influence the capacity development of resource users.     

A review on the use of non-timber forest products in beauty-care in Bangladesh

This review describes the non-timber forest products （NTFPs） used for different aspects of beauty-care in Bangladesh on the basis of extensive literature survey. The diverse plant species, including used parts and using patterns for hair care, facial treatments and body care, were summarized in 13 tables. This paper accumulate the scattered knowledge regarding the use of plants in beauty-care in Bangladesh, to draw the extent of use of NTFPs in health care and to record the knowledge for assessing the possibilities of further implementation in herbal cosmetics industries. The structured knowledge can be used in policy making process for sustainable management of these valuable NTFPs leading to the conservation of the country＇s biological diversity. It is suggested that intensive field level research is necessary for securing sustainability of NTFPs.     

孟加拉森林保护区系统综述

孟加拉目前共建立了19个保护区,包含了该国家全部4种森林类型。这些保护区既可以保存生物多样性,也为当地群众维持生计提供资源。一直以来,各个保护区由国家林业局统一管理以确保森林的可持续性：近期,一项共同管理措旌开始在5个保护区试点,借此发展参与森林保护的伙伴。此项措施已经产生一些积极的影响,还要适当的附加限制的发挥积极性,确保共同参与这项措施获得成功,推进正在进行的保护计划。本文综述了已发表的研究成果、政府和项目文件,来分析保护区的现状,并给出相应的建议。     

NTFP income contribution to household economy and related socio-economic factors: Lessons from Bangladesh

Exploring extent and pattern of non-timber forest product (NTFP) income contribution to livelihoods of forest-adjacent people and the income related socio-economic factors is crucial in designing any development and conservation initiative. This paper examines NTFPs' role in contributing to the household economy and how different socio-economic factors may influence this contribution. Field methods involved quantitative and qualitative data collection of forest-adjacent households of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. Results show that the contribution of different types of NTFPs to household economy varies in terms of subsistence and cash income. However, overall NTFP income is much higher than income from timber or firewood which indicates a larger dependence of the households on NTFPs. Income data analysis also finds that the poor households are relatively more dependent on NTFPs for their subsistence and cash income than the better-off households. Moreover, the study reveals that there are many other socio-economic factors at the household level such as number of members in household and total value of household implements and furniture that are significantly correlated with the NTFP income. More site-specific applied research on NTFP income and influential factors is necessary to generalize the findings for other parts of the world with similar socio-economic and environmental settings.     

Ecological and economical sustainability assessment of community forest management in Nepal: A reality check

This study analyzes the sustainability of community forest management, representing four forest types of two physiographic region Hills and Terai of Nepal. We assess the sustainability based on species composition, stand density, growing stock volume, and growth-to-removal ratio using inventory data of 109 permanent forest plots from four consecutive intervals of three to five years. In addition, forest users, forest committee members, and forest officials were consulted. We observed increment on the representation of economically valuable tree species in all forest types of both regions. The pole-size tree dominates in all forest types with declining number of trees and regeneration. In case of Hills forests, they were over-harvested until 2013 but were under-harvested in the recent period. In contrary, forests were under-harvested in the Terai. We found that ecological objectives of sustainable management are fully achieved while economic benefits remained unharnessed where harvesting is far below the growth. We conclude that maintaining a large number of trees may contribute to ecological but not on economical sustainability. We argue to rationalize annual harvest in all categories of the forest to enhance resource conditions together with regular benefits to the local communities.     

Homestead forest resources and their role in household economy: A case study in the villages of Gazipur Sadar Upazila of central Bangladesh

This study examines the species composition, diversity and economic importance of homestead forests in the household economy of central Bangladesh. The study documents 57 homestead forest species and their main usage in 90 households across three villages of Gazipur Sadar Upazila. Homestead forests in Bangladesh comprise a mixture of fruit, timber and bamboo species. While superficially homestead forestry appears unimportant in rural livelihoods, in reality the contribution is huge, both as a source of food security and for other necessary household materials. A clear understanding of the physical characteristics and economic role of homestead forests in rural livelihoods is vital for ensuring sustainable resource management. Income and production of homestead forestry on a per hectare basis are found to vary widely between landholding size classes. Significant relationships are identified between forest performance (production and income) and species richness and education level. Homestead forestry appears to be a potential subsistence income generating land-use practice in the study area. The economic scope of homestead forestry can be further enhanced provided the appropriate species composition of the forest is achieved and the education of forest owners is ensured through targeted management and policy interventions.     

论退耕还林地替代天然林地种植草果的生态学意义

草果对自然环境务件有特殊要求,在天然林下种植草果有不少弊端。退耕还林工程使替代天然林种植草果成为可能,有利于保护原有天然林和巩固退耕还林成果。     

生态景观林带对城市发展的意义

探讨了生态景观林带类型对城市发展的影响,指出了在作为城市出入口的公路打造生态景观林带,构建多层次、多色彩、多功能的绿化景观对构建和谐统一的森林生态网络和建设宜居城市有重要意义。     

浅析琼中县生态公益林现状和经营管理对策

文章对琼中县生态公益林现状进行分析并寻找存在问题,探讨从生态和可持续发展的角度提出生态公益林经营管理对策,为海南国际旅游岛建设提供优良的生态环境。     

Forest policy and sustainable forest management in Bangladesh: an analysis from national and international perspectives

This paper includes a review of international sustainable forestry development followed by an analysis of forest policies in Bangladesh. There have been four different government forest policies in Bangladesh since 1894. The first two forest policies (1894 and 1955) were exploitative in nature. Most of the regulatory documents were developed during the first two policy periods. The third forest policy instituted in 1979 by the sovereign Bangladesh government had contradictory elements and mutually inconsistent policy statements. It addressed for the first time forestry extension through mass motivation campaign. Current forest policy formulated in 1994 has been considered to be the most elaborate policy in the history of the country. Under this policy, participatory social forestry has been institutionalized in Bangladesh. The analysis shows that, although it is possible to attain the stated policy targets, progress is slow and is blocked on several fronts. A number of identified technical, managerial and logistical problems are hindering policy and program implementation. In addition, corruption contributes to the observed problems. The real strength of Bangladesh forestry is locally based, participatory forestry, co-management of protected areas and highly motivated people who increasingly recognize the need for a healthy forest ecosystem that will provide future economic stability. Because it is the rich homestead forests of Bangladesh that generate the majority of commercial forestry products, it is important that education continues at the grass-roots level. In addition, educated forestry and environment professionals have been identified as the future driving forces towards better, and sustainable, forest management. Results of this study make it clear that Bangladesh and other developing countries are not presently in a position to accept and adopt internationally derived forest policies due to inadequate institutional support, political instability and poor governance. Therefore, along with development of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management and forest certification, international policy scientists must consider institutional development, professional skill development, identification and adoption of indigenous technology and long-term financial support in developing countries. Without these, all international processes, policies and directives will be of little value and produce few substantive results.     

The effect of participatory forest management on the livelihood and poverty of settlers in a rehabilitation program of degraded forest in Bangladesh

The sal forest is the only plainland forest in Bangladesh, and is of national economic and environmental importance. High population and ever increasing poverty has stimulated exploitation of the forest alarmingly and brought it near extinction. In facing this situation, the Bangladesh Forest Department implemented a participatory management approach, involving the householders living in and around the forests, for forest maintenance and protection. This study examines the effectiveness of practicing participatory forestry on the settlers’ livelihood in the encorached area of the sal forest. The settlers were given degraded and encroached forest land through the program. Two major social forestry models — namely agroforestry and woodlots — are included in the study. Participation in the resettlement increased household income, employment opportunities and financial and non-land assets. It was found that the participatory management regime could attain the sustainability of the forest and accelerate the standard of settlers’ livelihood, hence the program is an efficient management option towards sustainability of the forest resources. These findings suggest that there is a role for extending the approach to rehabilitate other degraded and encroached forest lands in Bangladesh.     

Non-timber forest products and household incomes in Bonga forest area,southwestern Ethiopia

We identified the major non-timber forest products （NTFPs）, their contributions to household incomes, and the determinants influenc-ing engagement of households in using NTFPs in the Bonga forest area of Gimbo and Decha Districts of Kaffa Zone, southwest Ethiopia. Six Kebeles （the lowest administrative unit in Ethiopia） were sampled from two Districts and 150 households were randomly sampled using propor-tional-to-size techniques based on the number of farm households in each Kebele. Secondary data were collected from and focus group discussions were conducted with selected individuals. The farmers diversified liveli-hood activities such as crop and livestock production, collection of NTFPs and off-farm activities. NTFPs played a significant role in household incomes. The contribution from the major NTFPs （forest coffee, honey and spices） accounted for 47% of annual household in-come. The role of NTFPs was influenced by a number of factors. Vari-ables including being native to the area （＋）, total land holding （＋）, pos-session of livestock （＋） and access to extension （＋） significantly affected forest coffee production. Age of household head （-）, land holding （＋） and distance of the market from the residence （-） significantly affected honey production. Size of landholding （＋）, distance to market （-） and distance of the forest from the residence （-） were significant variables determining the NTFP incomes derived by the households. Attention is needed in the design of policies and strategies for the well-being of households to the contribution of NTFPs to local incomes and the variables that affect the collection of NTFPs must be considered.     

Ecological strategies of forest insects: the need for a community-level approach to reforestation

The traditional, single-species approach to forest pest management is considered in light of the range of ecological strategies respresented in forest arthropod communities. Insect population growth and impact depend on host variables subject to silvicultural manipulation, especially during early stages of forest development, but silvicultural practices often induce undesirable responses from non-target insect populations. A suggested approach to forest pest management involves consideration of arthropod community structure, life history traits, and interactions among arthropod and plant species in order to anticipate insect responses and refine silvicultural recommendations accordingly.     

The consequences for the forest sector of nuclear power discontinuation in Sweden

Electricity prices in Sweden will most probably double, or more, during the next 10 to 15 years as a result of the decision to discontinue nuclear power production. This will substantially change the comparative advantage of all forest‐based product industries, some to the worse, some to the better. Roundwood prices and fellings will be affected and possibly the competitive position of wood‐based energy production. This paper estimates various types of effects with a long run pulpwood market model. The effects on electricity intensive production (CTMP, newsprint, etc.) may be drastic. However, the fall in total industrial consumption and price of pulpwood will be limited. The reduction in price is not sufficient to make pulpwood economically attractive as fuel. Own‐price elasticities of electricity demand are greater than reported elsewhere.     

郑州市热岛效应、植被变化与林业发展对策研究

利用郑州市 TM 卫星影像相并波段数据,研究郑州市的地表亮温和 NDVI 植被指数与植被盖度情况,发现该市相对亮温等级以弱热岛和中等热岛为主,绿岛面积仅占16.44%,且主要分布在郑州市防风固沙林面积较多的东部区域、森林面积较多的西南山地及沿黄河湿地地带,进而提出科学合理布局城市林业,防止并减缓“热岛效应”的林业发展对策.     

Factors influencing the loss of forest cover in bangladesh: An analysis from socioeconomic and demographic perspectives

Some studies have attributed forest shrinkage to population growth, economic development, conversion of forest land to agricultural use and harvesting of trees for timber and fuelwood. But the statistical support for these hypotheses is not strong. This paper attempts to test the above hypotheses statistically in the case of Bangladesh. Factor analysis extracted 4 important factors—(a) exploitation of forests for timber, fuelwood, tea, and shrimp production, (b) demographic pressure in agriculture, (c) economic development, and (d) expansion of crop lands—as causes of deforestation. The statistical test supports the hypotheses that the exploitation of forests for timber, fuelwood, tea and shrimp production, and conversion of forests to crop lands have a negative influence on forest cover. Economic development and demographic pressure in agriculture are also negatively correlated with forest cover. Results of regression analysis show the conversion of forests to agricultural land is the most important cause of deforestation. Other important causes, in order of their relative importance, are the relative price of forest products, population growth, economic development, demographic pressure in agriculture, increasing production of shrimps, export of tea and shrimps, increasing production of timber and fuelwood, and expansion of tea lands. The statistical tests support the above relationships.     

基于森林生态系统服务功能预测21世纪上半世纪中国林地资源需求(英文)

基于森林生态系统服务概念,建立了一个新的林地资源预测模型,预测中国2010-2050年的林地资源需求。通过耦合森林生态系统服务功能与森林分类经营之间的关系,预测在假设生态公益林提供生态系统服务功能需求,商品生产林供给原木和工业用材的前提下,同时考虑了人口增长、社会经济发展目标、森林管理方式和技术进步等要素对森林资源的影响。这一模型预测表明,2010、2020、2050年林地资源的需求量将分别达到2.448×108、2.612×108、3.622×108 hm2。结论表明,未来我国森林资源存在较大缺口,尤其是缺乏以提供生态系统服务功能为主的生态公益林。建议林业部门必须注重加强森林资源可持续经营,注重提升森林生态系统服务能力。     

Spatially Explicit Evaluation of Local Extractive Benefits from Mangrove Plantations in Bangladesh

Mangroves worldwide provide a wide range of ecosystem services utilized directly and indirectly by local peoples. Between 1966 and 2001, Bangladesh established approximately 148,000 ha of mangrove plantations in coastal areas within the Barisal and Chittagong Divisions. Though erosion and human encroachment and conversion have removed over two-thirds of these stands, the Forest Department has continued to undertake new plantation activities.

To investigate how and to what degree people directly utilize these mangroves, I conducted 340 household surveys across eight coastal villages located in close proximity to established plantations. The predominant direct use of the mangrove plantations by local rural communities is the extraction of detritus and nonmain stem material (e.g., limbs, leaves) for combustible fuel. This study uses household foraging distances to estimate and map net value densities based on reported market prices of extracted goods. The average extractive value of mangrove plantations is Tk 2,300 ha^?1 yr^?1, ranging among the villages from 300 to Tk 27,400 ha^?1 yr^?1, with values concentrated closer to the village. Cost-benefit analyses suggest that direct use values alone have justified the establishment and management of previously planted stands. However, other indirect values must be taken into account if these areas are to merit additional plantations.