Farmers' Woodlots Management and Sustainable Livelihood Development: A Case Study in Southern Sri Lanka

Abstract

A study was conducted on how a community forestry program improved livelihood development opportunities while addressing sustainable forest resource management. Data were collected through key informant survey, field survey, group discussions and field observation and analyzed to examine the contribution of a program in Nidahas Gama Sri Lanka using the livelihood framework method. The program improved human capital through skills development and training. The natural capital of the program was improved through development of farmers’ woodlots (FWLs), home gardens and other agricultural land. Household welfare development, widening of the sources of energy for cooking and improvement of infrastructure were identified as main physical capital development of the program. The program increased household annual income, promoted household ability in self-financing forest and agricultural activities, and improved capabilities in formal banking transactions, under financial capital development. The main strategies used for developing social capital are: formation of groups and networks; trust and solidarity development; development of social cohesion, inclusion and empowerment; and information and communication improvement. Overall, the program has been highly successful in meeting the various livelihood development components.