Impacts of Forest Tenure Reform on Livelihoods: Experiences from Nepal

Abstract

"This paper analyses the impacts of forest tenure reforms in Nepal on livelihoods, income, forest condition and equity (LIFE). Tenure reform process that began during late 1970s was institutionalised during early 1990s has promoted decentralised and participatory processes in forest management. These reforms towards increased community tenure have significant positive impacts on all the LIFE indicators but have relatively better results on forest condition and livelihoods. Though the impacts on equity and income are relatively small, institutional innovations on the ground and policy responses for increasing community tenure are showing optimism of addressing equity issues and increasing household income through community forestry."