An assessment of the Community Forest Management Project for rural development: case study related to Kendahena GND

Abstract

This research is an assessment of Rural Development through a Community Forest Management Project (CFMP) which is being conducted by the Forest Department, Sri Lanka considering on a Community Forest Management Project related to Kendahena GND. The objective of this research is assessing whether a rural development had taken place through this project. Primary data for the research were gathered through observations, interviews, conducted with the officers of the Regional Forest Office, Kurunegala and the discussions held with a selected group of the villagers. Moreover 50% out of 193 Households were randomly selected and primary data were gathered basically by giving them questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from books, magazines, journals, Internet and various other sources. The information gathered was simplified, classified and summarized. Percentage Method, Preference Ranking Method, Direct Metric Ranking Method were used as data analyzing methods. The analyzed data were displayed by charts, tables, maps and diagrams. Inefficiency of officers, lack of proper management and weak involvement into the affairs of villages were the major weak points of this project. About half of the villagers participated in this project actively while the rest were only aware of this project normally. The contribution received from the level of household units towards family development and housing development is relatively at a lower standard. It could be observed that the general infrastructure facilities are in a very satisfactory condition.