Introduction - Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration in Arid and Semi-arid Tropics - page 7

Fig. 1.3 Protection from biotic pressure can lead to regeneration of forest area

income perpetuates poverty and sustains the vicious cycle of resource overuse and
resource depletion. Afforestation programmes constitute an ideal means of providing
employment in such a setting. The period of employment can be intermittent, to fill the
gaps between agricultural seasons for example. About 300 man-days of employment,
per hectare, can be generated in an afforestation programme, over a fairly long
period—of 5 years or longer depending upon the speed and progress of work. If
the speed of work is regulated with a view to spreading employment opportunities
over a longer period, the benefit of employment can last long enough to enable the
communities to wriggle out of perpetual poverty.
Community forestry has found its own place in global developmental planning,
and is making progress at a steady pace (Fig. 1.3 ). Funds amounting to US$ 1 billion
are now pledged in this sector globally, mainly in developing countries. International
development institutions, such as the World Bank, have recognised this as a priority
sector for financial assistance. Whole new class of experts has emerged as experts in
'social forestry'—the afforestation and tree planting practices outside the traditional
forest reserves.

1.4 Afforestation, Reforestation, Forest Restoration

and Tree Planting

Role of trees and tree planting outside forests has not been understood and recognised
adequately in traditional forestry practices. It is not just the concentrated plantations
that matter, the dispersed tree population makes an even greater contribution to
environmental well-being, apart from meeting local needs of tree products, of rural