International Journal of Forestry and Crop Improvement

M. Y. Baba ¹, M. A. Islam ², K. N. Qaisar ²

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (K) Wadura, SOPORE (J& K), IN
2 Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (K) Wadura, SOPORE (J& K), IN

Abstract

The study examined the extraction and consumption pattern of fuel wood, socio-economic and forest resource characteristics and their relationship with extraction and consumption of fuel wood in rural Kashmir. Sample villages and representative households were selected using multi-stage random sampling for field study through structured interviews and personal observations. Correlation and multiple regression analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between socioeconomic and forest resource parameters and fuel wood consumption. Results show that the total extraction of fuel wood in the sample villages was 224.64 tons annum^-1, which is mostly consumed in cooking (45.60%). Of the total extraction, 26.17 per cent was secured from forests and rest (73.83%) from other sources. All the independent variables put together had contributed to 78.60 per cent (R² = 0.786) variation on the fuel wood consumption and the key variables viz., family composition, size of land holding, housing status, frequency of forest visits and extent of agroforestry/homestead plantation had significant contribution in influencing the fuel wood consumption. The fuel wood flow from forests to the sample villages is excessive as compared to the national estimates, creating threats to the biodiversity conservation and ecological stability of the adjoining forests of the area. The over-utilization of forest biomass by the local populace is leading to a depletion of forest resources and diminished biomass productivity, which in turn induce socio-economic and livelihood stress. Therefore, some alternative interventions are required to be implemented efficiently to keep pace with the current development and future challenges.

Keywords

Fuel Wood, Extraction, Consumption, Socio-Economic Characteristics, Forest Resource Characteristics.

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Chandramolly ¹, M. A. Islam ²

Affiliations
1 Agricultural Technology Management Agency, Chhatarmandu, Ramgarh (Jharkhand), IN
2 Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (K) Wadura, Sopore (J& K), IN

Abstract

The study examines the nature and extent of fuel wood, fodder and timber dependence in nearby forests by the local people living in Rarha village of Ranchi district in Jharkhand, India. A field survey of 72 households from the village was conducted for collecting primary data about the basic household's attributes, dependency on fuel wood, fodder and timber and consumption pattern of these forest resources through a well-structured pre-tested interview schedule, personal observations, focus group discussion and participatory rural appraisal using multi-stage random sampling technique. Simple descriptive methods are used to analyse the data. The investigation revealed that the consumption of fuel wood was maximum (50.94 qt yr^-1) by large farmers followed by medium farmers (40.95 qt yr^-1) and least by small farmers (29.97 qt yr^-1) and the fodder consumption was also maximum (23.43 qt yr^-1) among large farmers followed by medium farmers (21.90 qt yr^-1) and least by small farmers (20.43 qt yr^-1). Similarly, the maximum small timber consumption was recorded in large farmers (48.58 qt yr^-1) followed by medium farmers (42.54 qt yr^-1) and least by small farmers (39.49 qt yr^-1). As regards structural timber consumption, the amount consumed by large farmers was calculated to be (28.85 qt yr^-1), followed by medium farmers (26.31 qt yr^-1) and least by small farmers (24.67 qt yr^-1). The forests are facing enormous pressure for securing the needs by the local people, posing great threat to the biodiversity and environment. Therefore, the forest resources conservation through the intervention of alternative avenues is imperative to keep pace with current development and future challenges in the village.

Keywords

Fuel Wood, Fodder, Timber, Forest, Tribal Society.

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M. A. Islam ¹, K. N. Qaisar ¹, G. M. Bhat ¹

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Benhama, Ganderbal (J&K), IN

Abstract

The traditional agroforestry systems have gained wider attention in the international agreements and among academicians and policy makers for their multifunctional role and dynamics of ecosystem services. The multifunctional traditional agroforestry systems support substantial ecosystem services and livelihoods to the rural communities in Kashmir. They are considered to be adaptive to the climate change situations and serve as efficient means to carbon sinks. Due to the remarkable significance of traditional agroforestry systems in the valley ecosystem, environment and livelihood, the systems have been considered as a promising land use pattern in the valley. With climate change rapidly impacting both ecosystems and services in the valley, the sustainability of dynamic traditional agroforestry systems is now facing new challenges and vulnerabilities. Indigenous knowledge on traditional agroforestry is an integral part of the culture and history of the local communities which offer opportunities for sustainable management of resources and support socio-ecological and socio-economic benefits. The indigenous knowledge on agroforestry needs to be further strengthened through research and development to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

Keywords

Indigenous Knowledge, Traditional Agroforestry, Ethno-Medico-Botany.

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