Some Dimensions of Benefits from Community Forestry a Case Study Regarding the Flow of Benefits from the Dhanori Village Woodlot

Abstract

A 4 hectares plantation was established in 1974 on community grazing land in the village of Dhanori in Gujarat as part of the State Village Forest Scheme. Casuarina equisetfolia was planted because it suited the site and the villagers wanted it. The trees were felled in 1983-84 and the distribution of benefits determined by tbe Village Panchayat. The Internal Rate of Return was 35%. Villagers benefitted from fuelwood and small timber for house construction and repair and from the employment generated. The success of the project led the village to organize itself into a Tree Growers Society and undertake further planting in 1984-86. The demonstrative effect of the woodlot led to 200 ha of other plantations being established in the area. The poor benefited considerably from the project but if they had a greater say in the deliberations of the panchayat the benefits could have been even greater.