imPAct of foRESt AND NoN-foRESt villAgERS oN UkhiA AND iNANi foRESt RANgE UNDER cox’S BAzAR (SoUth) foRESt

Abstract: This article compared livelihood dependency of forest and non-forest villagers and their impacts on Ukhia and Inani forest ranges of Cox’s bazar forest division, Bangladesh. Information was collected through household’s interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire during December to June 2008. Total 121 respondents were randomly selected from both forest areas, where 41 respondents were in Inani and 80 were in Ukhia forest. We found diversified livelihood activities in both forest areas. Agrofarming and fuelwood collection turned out to be consistently major activities of both types of villagers at the two sites. Of the various activities, timber and fuelwood collection appeared to have high negative impact, while others were deemed to have comparatively less impact. The results also indicated that both types of villagers depend on forest resources. The non-forest villagers appeared freer to engage in such income earning activities as business and service besides labor work. Fuelwood and timber collection had high negative impact on forest resources and biodiversity. It is suggested that steps are necessary for alternative income generation activities and/or participatory management approaches for sustainability of the forests and their biodiversity at the two study site