STATUS AND BARRIERS OF COMMUNITY FOREST ENTERPRISES IN MID-HILLS: A CASE STUDY FROM THREE CFEs OF KASKI, PARBAT AND TANAHUN DISTRICTS
Amrit Devkota, Anup Sharma
DOI: 10.26480/bda.02.2021.85.93
ABSTRACT
This research study examines financial status, policy and institutional barriers and possible intervention for effective functioning of Community Forest Enterprise (CFEs). The study was carried out in three CFEs: NamunaBanpale Community Forest Enterprise, PargatisilAllo Enterprise and Mountain Tanahun Community Bel and Fruit Processing Industry of the Kaski, Parbat and Tanahun districts with the objective of exploring current cost and revenue of CF enterprise, barrier faced by CFEs and identify possible interventions for effective functioning. Key informant interview and focus group discussion were carried out to collect required information. The data recorded were analysed by using Microsoft-Excel. The study revealed that the forest-based enterprise establishment by the initiative of community forest user group barely get success unless an external donor agency support their programs specially during establishing years. The study found that the establishment of enterprises provides income opportunities, improve living of poor family however, the income generated is significantly low compare to its investment. Among the enterprises, Bel enterprise was found to be functioning well compared to other two. The study also assessed that enterprise operated by a group reduces responsibility of each individual towards the enterprise which is higher when operated by single individual. There are no any incentives for community forest enterprise in the policy level, no any mechanism to regulate market, providing access to the market for the enterprise in the remote area, discounts in taxes. People involved in the enterprise were found slowly losing their interest and expectation from the enterprise as inefficient management of the enterprises to bring all members together. To minimize the declining interest of people in the enterprise and to incorporate them together in the enterprises the study found out the seasonal enterprise should extend and need to operate in regular base this would increase people participation as they don’t need to focus on other activities to make their living. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs of CFEs should aware about the market demand, marketing information, efficient and effective techniques, managerial techniques, and record keeping.
KEYWORDS
Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs), Entrepreneurs, Revenue, Donor agency, Incentives, Intervention