Formation and Function of Social Capital for Forest Resource Management and the Improved Livelihoods of Indigenous People in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper examines the status and formation of social capital, and its contribution to forest resource management and to the livelihoods of Bangladeshi indigenous ethnic groups in these forest environments. We draw on empirical data from three villages associated with two participatory forestry projects. Components of social capital were associated with both enhanced livelihood of villagers and improved forest conditions in terms of area, stock, growth and diversity. Where the project (e.g. the Upland Settlement Project) authority failed to build up social capital, non-government organizations (NGOs) stepped in to play a pivotal role in the formation of social capital among the villagers. Even though NGOs created bonding social capital, villagers, however, further expanded their networks through the formation of bridging social capital that helped them to capture several local government social development services. High social capital was found to be related to better forest condition. Recommendations are made to involve NGOs along with other stakeholders for greater success in such participatory forestry projects. Keywords: social capital, forest resource management, forest conversation, indigenous ethnic groups, participatory forestry projects