Joint Forest Management in Meghalaya: A Study of Community Development and Participation

Abstract

Human life depends on forests, which are essential natural resources, especially for the communities that live there and nearby. Numerous plant and animal species act as a haven for biodiversity by providing resources like non timber forest products, herbs, and other resources for clothing and shelter; this abundant biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient and sustains livelihoods. Joint Forest Management (JFM) contributes significantly to forest protection and community welfare by engaging the local people in safeguarding and managing the forest resources. Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Meghalaya is an important model of community-based forest management that incorporates traditional ecological wisdom and state-initiated conservation programs. Forests play a critical role in maintaining livelihoods, cultural heritage, and biodiversity, particularly among indigenous groups. This paper examines the operation and impacts of Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Nongwah village, East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Drawing from field observations and village narratives, it examines roles and duties undertaken by community agents, impacts of community-managed afforestation, and socio-economic benefits derived from infrastructure development linked to JFM. With this research, the literature is enriched with recording the interface of customary and formal institutions of forest governance. In the process, it addresses an essential lacuna in the forest policy literature in northeast India.