摘要
The assumption that fuelwood and fodder extraction leads to deforestation has so far been the dominant mainstream view in deforestation discourses accepted by researchers, state agencies and conservationists. These mainstream views on deforestation ignore the local-specific strategies, which include substitution of crop residues and animal dung for fuelwood, changing livestock composition that reduces dependency on natural forest and local informal institutions that regulate the resource exploitation. Communities adjacent to forests mostly use dry wood as fuelwood and grasses for fodder that normally does not involve cutting of trees. Household fuelwood and fodder extraction patterns in villages in and out of the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan, India, were therefore analyzed. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 180-sample households, followed by field observations and focus group discussions in 37 villages. Certain household characteristics and distance to the source of fuelwood and fodder point to the role of opportunity cost as a determinant of biomass extraction. Fuelwood and fodder extraction may not be the major reason for deforestation. However, state agencies find it convenient to use the mainstream views related to deforestation and exclude local communities from forests and protected areas. Local people would prefer that their access rights to resources should continue. Co-management of forests involving local people and institutions, and restoration of their rights may help to resolve conflicts related to resource use and lead to a better management of natural resources.