Nepal is understood as a leading country for the management of community forestry (CF). CF is the development of partnership between local communities and government. Land ownership of forest belongs to government but the product use right is totally handed over to the community forestry user group (CFUGs). The evolutionary background of CF in Nepal is the response to the failure of previous forest policies. Over the past decades, marvelous shift in policy and legislation have occurred to empower CFUGs as managers. CF in Nepal has positive impact on improving forest condition, increasing public awareness and community development but it is frequently reported that the CF has been managed passively.

This paper examines what skills and knowledge required to the CFUGs for active forest management. The major method applied in this research is the objective analysis of forest operational plan of CFUGs. Lack of technical know-how for forest management, low level of education, lack of proper planning skills, low level of commitment of forest users, and insufficient financial resources are the major factors affecting on active CF management. Different types of training are required to enhance their capacity for active forest management.

Training needs differ according to activeness. Active CFUGs want training in income generation activities, forest management, non-timber forest products entrepreneurship, and marketing of forest products whereas moderate CFUGs want CF management, user group management, leadership development. Training needs for passive CFUGs focus on the establishment of CF, raising awareness of users, and community mobilization. Their priority is motivation and development of leadership, and orientation of CF rules. Actual needs and interests of CFUGs should be identified before training design.

Different types of training course should be designed and delivered to the user group separately according to their activeness. Special trainings for disadvantaged groups including women and occupational castes should be organized to encourage their active participation. To increase the effectiveness of the training, participants’ selection process is crucial. Criteria for selection of participants should be developed and effectively implemented. Follow up of the trainee after the training is highly recommended to encourage the participants, to share and apply skills and knowledge learnt from the training.