<p>Problems of environmental degradation in the area are discussed briefly, and attributed to a single sector approach in which insufficient attention is being given to the agricultural system as a whole and to the relation between farm holdings and neighbouring forest land. Forest land is viewed as essential both for conservation and for provision of farm products such as fodder, fuel and timber. Data are given on soil erosion, fodder production, sources and sufficiency, livestock numbers, fuelwood, timber, landholding area and family size for Pokhara and Tansen, an area in central Nepal at present under a low level of management. The relations of agricultural to forest land are quantified by area as 1:2.8., 1:0.24-0.48 and 1:0.32 respectively for fodder, fuel and timber. Recommended improvements to current practices are listed.</p>