Catechu (Acacia catechu)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 10051327

 

The present study aims at exploring role of gender in rehabilitating vulnerable riverine tropical forests species i.e. Acacia catechu (Khair) and Dalbergia latifolia (Satisal) in Sunsari district, Nepal. These are the plants under legal protection as Acacia catechu is disappearing from natural habitat and Dalbergia latifolia is vanishing fast whereas Dalbergia latifolia is threatened under IUCN Red list.

 

The study was carried out in Hariyali Community forest representing Dalbergia latifolia (Satisal) where men and women mutually participate in the management activities of the forests whereas Durbasa Community Forest standing for Acacia catechu (Khair) is a women’s CF where management role is performed by majority of women. Primary data was collected through, key informant interview and direct observation. Secondary data was gathered from CFOP, CFUG constitution, minutes and records of the group, published unpublished documents of DFO, DDC, CBOs, NGOs/INGOs.

 

Both of the community forests were regeneration forests and well-managed by joint participation of the CF members. The status of the forests was found through key informant survey and distribution pattern was known through forest inventory of tree, sapling and regeneration ones.

 

The Hariyali Community forest was under totally protected management system i.e. harvesting was prohibited. Likewise Durbasa community forests had just started to harvest since few years ago. It seemed Hariyali CF was well-managed because of dual involvement of men and women in every forest management activity whereas Durbasa CF was lacking well-management, as majority of less qualified women are managing the forests.

 

The study finally recommends, it is essential to improve literacy rate of women and equally participate them in every forest management activities for the sustainable management of the forest.