Human impact on some forests of the Middle Hills of Nepal. Part 4. A detailed study in southeast Sindhu Palchok and northeast Kabhre Palanchok

Interviews were held with 56 people, mainly elderly, to determine local forest history of 10 adjacent village panchayats on the E. slopes of the Sun Sosi Khola at alt. of 680-2360 m. There was no evidence of significant changes in areas of agricultural or forest land for at least a century, despite large population increases. Forests have declined in quality, however, and most forest products are now in short supply. Rapid decline occurred during 1951-63 coinciding with changes in the control of forests. Extensive data were obtained on the quantitative and qualitative use of many forest and tree products. Provision of fodder and bedding for livestock is of prime importance. Quantities of fuels used vary greatly with alt. and there is large-scale substitution among various components of biomass. Tree species used for fodder, house construction and agricultural implements are tabulated for lower and higher alt. The development of community forestry since 1973 is traced. Such forestry is seen as essential for improvement in the situation.