Joint Forest Management and Rural Development in Jharkhand

The present paper is based on facts derived from empirical investigation of the two tribal villages namely, Argandi and Bagmundi in Barhait and Borio blocks of Sahibganj district, which represent low density forest regions in Jharkhand. It highlights the nature and pattern of rural development in the region as a result of Joint Forest Management (JFM). The paper is divided into three sections. Section I is introductory which conceptualises the notion of Joint Forest Management and Rural Development. It also includes the objectives and guidelines of JFM in India. Section II deals with universe and sample of the study, which describes the demographic and socio- economic profile of the region as well as the respondents. Section III presents the empirical findings. Facts include the nature of employment generation from forest activities, a comparative account of management practices in pre-JFM and post-JFM periods, composition of income from forest resources, overall ecological, economic and social impacts of JFM in the region. It also covers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of JFM in the concerned area.