Indian Journal of Economics and Development

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Impact of Firewood Consumption on Forest Degradation-A Study Based on Tribal Households of India's Northeast


Affiliations
1 Department of Economics, B.H. College, P.O. Howly, Dist. Barpeta, Assam-781316, India
2 Department of Economics, Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam, India
 

Objectives: To assess the impact of firewood consumption in the tribal households of Northeast India on forest degradation through development of a Forest Degradation Index (FDI).

Methods/Statistical Analysis: A focused group discussion method was undertaken with some village level leaders, student union leaders, members of village development council and some older people in order to collect required information. Linear regression analysis was run to estimate the determinants of Forest Degradation Index (FDI).

Findings: The study reveals that forest degradation is positively associated with firewood extraction. The study also observed the phenomena like sales of firewood particularly by the poor and land lords. There is an urban centric demand for firewood in the industries, factories, and hotels and some peoples involved in firewood sales as source of their livelihood. Thus excessive pressure on the local forest has been emerged which has led to deforestation.

Application/Improvements: The study advocates adoption of a decentralized management of common forest emphasizing active participation of the local stakeholders. Policy initiative should attempt at improving livelihood, subsidized LPG distribution policy and the education level of the household members of the tribal households.


Keywords

Firewood Consumption, Forest Degradation, Tribal Households, Household Energy, Northeast.
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PDF Views: 176




  • Impact of Firewood Consumption on Forest Degradation-A Study Based on Tribal Households of India's Northeast

Abstract Views: 278  |  PDF Views: 176

Authors

Rabinjyoti Khataniar
Department of Economics, B.H. College, P.O. Howly, Dist. Barpeta, Assam-781316, India
Shahnaaz Benazir
Department of Economics, Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam, India

Abstract


Objectives: To assess the impact of firewood consumption in the tribal households of Northeast India on forest degradation through development of a Forest Degradation Index (FDI).

Methods/Statistical Analysis: A focused group discussion method was undertaken with some village level leaders, student union leaders, members of village development council and some older people in order to collect required information. Linear regression analysis was run to estimate the determinants of Forest Degradation Index (FDI).

Findings: The study reveals that forest degradation is positively associated with firewood extraction. The study also observed the phenomena like sales of firewood particularly by the poor and land lords. There is an urban centric demand for firewood in the industries, factories, and hotels and some peoples involved in firewood sales as source of their livelihood. Thus excessive pressure on the local forest has been emerged which has led to deforestation.

Application/Improvements: The study advocates adoption of a decentralized management of common forest emphasizing active participation of the local stakeholders. Policy initiative should attempt at improving livelihood, subsidized LPG distribution policy and the education level of the household members of the tribal households.


Keywords


Firewood Consumption, Forest Degradation, Tribal Households, Household Energy, Northeast.

References