Kimroj Community Forest
- Established in 1996 A.D
- It is a habitat of endangered species such as one horned rhinoceros and many more.
- The community forest has also developed various blocks such as 2 blocks for tourism only, and many such blocks for efficient running of the community forest.
- Tourism has increased recently and this has proven to be one of the major sources of income for the community forest.
- The community forest also has provisions to sell stones and rocks from the bank of the Rapti river, however, those areas which are prone to flood have been restricted, and left untouched.
- The income from the community forest has been utilized in skill development programmes for women such as skills on handicrafts, as well as income generating activities for the community forest such as bee keeping.
- The community forest had also commenced silkworm farming, however, because the plants that the silkworm fed on were one of the dietary fiber for animals in the wild, it was decided the programme should be ended.
- Problems regarding wildlife encroachment on human habitation were solved through the initiation of electric fencing.
- The community forest also has provisions to provide subsides for biogas. If the house has a toilet the subsidy provided is Rs 2000, and if there is no toilet the subsidy provided is Rs.1500.
- Women had been more empowered through such programs of the community forest. The community forest had created a foundation for their independence.
- The community considers the forest in high regard and henceforth has made certain rules for the conservation of community forest.
Survey
- Regarding the economic condition of the community, most people were satisfied with the economic condition because they were content in fulfilling their basic needs.
- The major problem identified was of unemployment rates, which were high.
- This affected the desire to achieve post-secondary education, due to lack of income.
- Education was also seen as one of the most important indicators because the emphasis was strong regarding `education for all`. Most female members of the community emphasized to have quality education for their children and teachers who took proper care of the needs of the children.
- Teachers should also be provided with skill improvement trainings and infrastructure of the schools must also be in good condition.
- Gender equality was given high consideration.
- Most members of the community seemed to be aware of environment protection as well as health and sanitation. However, due to dissatisfactory economic condition, firewood was often used as a medium for cooking, resulting in negative health impacts.
- Suggestions on the establishment of a community biogas was taken into high regard.
- Emphasis was given to conservation of trees and clean fresh air.
- Social harmony regardless of ethnic diversity as well as gender equality was prevalent to some extent, and most members of the community regarded this as a very important indicator for a happy community.
- Women members of the community greatly emphasized the need of a child care centre so that they can work outside their homes and hold jobs like men. They wished for such centres so that they could at least try to be a little bit independent and do as they wished rather than being burdened with household chores and taking care of the family all the time.
- Access to health service was also considered very important because the community did not have its own health centre.
- Tourism was encouraged because it was taken as a major step towards development.
- The community members were very much interested in the research done, because everyone expected the outcome of the research to provide them with some benefit in the end.
