R. A. Sharma

Abstract

The origin of Forest Development Corporations (FDCs) in India is traced and their functioning evaluated within their stated objectives by taking a case study of the Orissa Forest Development Corporation. The dualism in their functioning, crept in due to a FDC being a company with commercial objectives, and simultaneously a government organisation burdened with socio-economic objectives, has been brought out. It is argued that all the people-oriented programs should be implemented by the State Forest Departments and the role of FDCs should be limited to commercial ventures by incorporating business management principles required for increasing productivity, accountability and cost effectiveness.

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R. A. Sharma

Abstract

Three different approaches of developing tree aerial models have been presented based on a field study carried out in the coniferous forest of Himalayas. The multiple correlation coefficient came out to be quite high in each model. The best model has been suggested based on the least residual and highest multiple correlation coefficient.

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R. A. Sharma

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A theoretical framework of cost benefit analyses is presented in this paper in order to assess the socio-economic impacts of Social Forestry policy on different groups of individuals at different consumption levels. Social Forestry systems are inherently long-term in nature and emphasize fulfilling the basic consumption needs of the rural populace for fuelwood, fodder and small timber. The underlying concepts are discussed and a suitable framework is suggested for evaluating Social Forestry systems.

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R. A. Sharma

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A review of main analytical is presented in the context of social forestry in India. It is argued that goal programming needs to be complemented with social cost benefit analysis in order to achieve a broader holistic approach encapsulating the socio-economic objectives of social forestry policy. Other analytical techniques such as input-output analysis, optimum output model and multiplies analysis were found inadequate for the evaluation of social forestry.

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R. A. Sharma

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Social Forestry in Orissa is evaluated within the framework of stated socio-economic objectives, taking into account both distributional and equity considerations. Socio-economic, economic and financial profitability and optimum rotations are determined for Social Forestry plantations of Casuarina equisetifolia on the basis of Present Net Worth and Land Expectation Value.

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R. A. Sharma , S. Skerratt

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Rural policy makers are only now recognising the importance of incorporating socio-economic data into policy analysis in order to increase policy impact and uptake. This paper uses two specific case studies; the impact and uptake of social forestry policy in Orissa (India) and of Environmentally Sensitive Area Policy in Breadalbane (UK), to highlight the need and opportunities for incorporating qualitative Socio-economic data into policy analysis. The role of expert systems as a means of synthesising both qualitative and quantitative data is discussed and illustrated. Expert systems are found to have a potential role in the socio-economic evaluation of land-use policy but they are not seen as a replacement for analytical techniques, such as social cost benefit analysis, but rather as a means of enhancing the analysis in order to provide for better decision making.

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R. A. Sharma

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Shifting cultivation evolved in the socio-economic environment of ancient India, characterised by surplus land, and scarcity of labour and capital resources. The age-old practice has become unviable, leading to the degradation of forests and tribal economy, due mainly to the changes in socio-economic and agro-ecological parameters which sustained it. Land-based technologies such as labour-intensive agroforestry systems, providing basic needs and employment, may be implemented by using surplus labour and wastelands in order to control shifting cultivation.

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R. A. Sharma

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Main approaches for estimating discount rates for forestry projects in India are discussed and the objective estimates of the economic and social discount rates are presented.

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R. A. Sharma

Abstract

Forests have played a vital role in the predominantly agrarian economy of Orissa. The Orissan forests, which are subjected to heavy biotic pressure, need to be rehabilitated in order to sustain and enhance their contribution to the economy. Social forestry can help reduce the biotic pressure by creating sustainable forest resources.

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R. A. Sharma

Abstract

The current status of agroforestry practices and research is presented in this paper. Main interactions between the components of agroforestry are highlighted It is argued that there is lack of quantitative information about the complex interactions although qualitative And judge-mental information is available from the villagers who have long since practiced the traditional agrororestry systems. Finally the criteria for evaluating agroforestry are presented and the current state of research discussed.

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R. A. Sharma , J. F. Blyth , M. J. Macgregor

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Based on empirical evidence, an evaluation of socio-economic environment of forestry development is made. The forests have been under biotic pressure for a long time: Social Forestry can help reduce this pressure, but the planning in Social Forestry need to incorporate the relevant socio-economic aspects.

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