Journal of Agriculture & Education Research
ISSN: 3065-8764 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-8764
Fatematuj Johora Anni and Srabonty Kundu Tuli
Social forestry plays a crucial role in Bangladesh by restoring degraded lands, alleviating pressure on natural forests, and enhancing rural livelihoods through community engagement. This study evaluated strip and woodlot plantations in Kamalganj Upazila of Sylhet Division, alongside coâ?management activities at Lawachara National Park, to assess their socioeconomic and ecological contributions. A structured survey of 32 beneficiaries and a discussion with the coâ?management committee were conducted to examine household characteristics, benefits received, challenges encountered, and local involvement in forest protection. Beneficiaries, mostly males aged 30–60 years, reported improved income, fuelwood access, and livelihood stability after participating in social forestry. Plantations were dominated by Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia procera, Chukrasia tabularis, and Melia azedarach, and respondents emphasized the need to incorporate more indigenous and multipurpose species. Coâ? management efforts contributed to a reduction in illegal extraction and enhanced community awareness, although issues such as manpower shortages, limited training, and communication gaps between management groups persisted. These findings demonstrate that social forestry and coâ?management initiatives in Kamalganj Upazila provide meaningful socioeconomic benefits and advance forest conservation, while highlighting the importance of species diversification, stronger institutional coordination, and expanded livelihood support to ensure longâ?term sustainability.