Changes in Income, Employment and Nutritional Intake: Effect of Forest Development Programme in Nainital

The study was undertaken to find the effects of Forest Development Programme (FDP) in terms of income and employment generation and changes in nutritional status in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Nainital is the first district in the state for implementation of Participatory Forest Management Programme and has witnessed its successful implementation. The implementation of FDPs has shown a positive effect on income generation, income distribution and calorie intake. After implementation of FDP, the average annual income from forest produce increased from 9832 to 58808 and calorie consumption increased from 1680 kcal to 1840 kcal (though still low than WHO recommended value). A significant observation was that the main beneficiaries of FDPs were the disadvantaged and low-income groups of the society. The study has recommended strengthening of such development programmes in the region.