STUDY ON SOCIAL FORESTRY PROGRAMME AND ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN COASTAL PROTECTION

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of social forestry programme initiated in the Kutubdia and Chokaria thana of Cox’s Bazar district for coastal protection. The trend of increase and decrease of social forestry programme was determined. The opinion of the stakeholders regarding changes in socio-economic conditions and effect on coastal protection due to social forestry were also studied. Twenty percent of the total stakeholders were selected randomly to collect data having a sample size of 195. Data were collected by using interview schedule. Data were collected during 36 days. From 16 September to 21 October, 2005 The occupational structure of the population showed that 17.27 percent population are engaged in income generation activities through the social forestry programmes. In many cases there did not exist any legal constraints between the institution and participants. The economic return depended upon the variety of trees that are planted in the project area or around the homesteads. It was reported that many people (36 percent) saved their lives by taking shelter on trees in 1991 cyclone. Majority (62.1 percent) have suggested to plant trees on both sides of coastal embankment. For this, the profile should be fairly thick and start with short plants or shrubs in front and gradually higher trees at the back. It was found that social forestry programmes implemented in the selected areas generated ample employment both for men and women and also increased their daily income. It also increased additional income and wage rate for the rural poor people. The economic gain not only promotes the living status of the beneficiary members, but also brings a self-reliant attitude among the beneficiaries. Besides the economic gain, the plantation developed by social forestry activities improved the overall environmental condition at the study area. Plantation of institutional premises a play a vital role in the environmental improvement and ultimately become national property.