How Resilient are Forest-Dependent Communities? A Comparative Study of Community and Buffer Zone Community Forests in the Barandabhar Landscape

Climate change is a critical threat to the people and planet, affecting forests, rural livelihoods and gradually to the lifeway of forest-dependent communities. In Nepal, community-based forest management (CBFM) has strengthened local livelihoods by enhancing adaptive capacity, reducing deforestation, and providing essential ecosystem services. This study examines the socioeconomic resilience of households reliant on community forests (CFs) and buffer zone community forests (BZCFs) in Barandabhar landscape, Nepal. The research evaluates the impact of CBFM on both social and economic components by employing a case study approach. Data were collected from 93 households of the Thangkhola CF and Chitrasen BZCF, using household surveys, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Socioeconomic resilience was assessed using social and economic capital indicators, while multiple linear regression was employed to identify factors influencing resilience. The findings indicate that the study communities exhibit a moderate level of socio-economic resilience, with households in the BZCF demonstrating greater resilience than those in CF. Factors such as tourism revenue, income, participation in communal activities, involvement in organizations, reliance on forests and landholding status were statistically significant predictors, positively affecting socioeconomic resilience. The study highlights the importance of strengthening livelihood diversification, community participation, and sustainable forest management to enhance the resilience of forest-dependent communities. Further qualitative studies are recommended to determine indirect associations of non-significant factors and their contribution to resilience in a comprehensive way.