Contribution of Joint Forest Management in Conservation of Forests, Climate Change and Poverty Reduction

Abstract

This study documents the impact of Joint Forest Management (JFM) on forest conservation and poverty reduction. The JFM was developed as a response to forest degradation and its impact on the ecology and livelihoods of poor people dependent on forests. The JFM performance in the study area resulted not only to better access in the forests and livelihoods but also augmentation in the local economy. With increased income, literacy rate went up significantly whereas out-migration reduced. There was significant improvement in the regeneration of forests and the biodiversity. The better moisture and soil conservation resulted in increased water table which led to better irrigation facilities for the adjoining agriculture field leading to increased agriculture yield. The poverty stricken villages changed into prosper villages.