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An analysis of the socioeconomic conditions of the rural people based on caste - implications for suitable watershed management in the Kaski district, Nepal
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Lamichhane, R, P.; Amano, M,; Kadota, T,; Sasaki, A, |
| Journal Title | Journal of Forest Planning |
| Volume | 6 |
| Pagination | 25-37 |
| ISBN Number | 1341-562X |
| Key Words | caste; community forestry; ethnic groups; food security; forests; fuelwood; government policy; rural communities; social; participation; socioeconomic status; watershed management |
| Abstract | Watershed management is important in Nepal to stabilize the physical environment and to improve the livelihood of watershed residents. Recently, people's participation has been a fundamental government policy in forest/watershed conservation. Although participation of all the stakeholders is necessary for the success of the programme, their participation largely depends on their perceived needs in watershed management activities. With caste-related discrimination still prevalent in Nepal, this paper attempted to identify the caste differences as reflected in their socioeconomic condition, using data collected in the Western Hills between December 1995 and September 1996. The findings revealed that there were wide gaps between the caste/ethnic groups regarding their socioeconomic condition. The gap was particularly wide between the higher caste/ethnic group and the lower castes. Radar chart analysis showed that the local people were more concerned with socioeconomic problems than with natural resource aspects. Regression analysis showed that shortage of cereals was the biggest positive predictor variable of the concern for food availability. The proportion of illiterate households and livestock population were the other predictor variables. In contrast, the amount of paddy produced, walking distance to piped water in the wet season and walking distance to fuelwood forest were negatively related to concern for food availability. Total area of bariland (rainfed farmland) was the most important negative predictor variable of concern for fuelwood availability, followed by the area of khetland (irrigated farmland). Walking distance to fuelwood forest, production of maize and membership in community forest were the positive predictor variables. The differences in socioeconomic conditions have important implications for the participatory approach, as conflict of interest may arise between the groups with different socioeconomic backgrounds. It is recommended that such differences in watershed management planning be addressed so as to gain broader participation from all the stakeholders. |
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