Ensuring Sustainability - Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration in Arid and Semi-arid Tropics - page 236

or near the area where the programme is being executed—can constitute the target
groups for such presentations.
Frequency and timing of the presentations should be determined keeping in view
the occasions, and the need of the people. The presentations can be combined with
other extension activities like fetes, countryside camps, and general body meetings
of community organisations. Convenience of the audience should be kept in mind
while deciding the timing of such presentations. Feedback about their utility and
effectiveness should be instantly sought and utilised to gauge the taste of the audience,
to continually improve upon the quality of presentations and their effectiveness.
Publicity and awareness building generates curiosity in the minds of people and
creates audiences who will be ready to receive extension presentations and to get
involved in other ways. It should be a constant process to publicise the programme,
beginning at the inception and running through the execution phase.
The methods and technologies for publicity should be customized keeping in
mind the local audience. Printed handouts setting forth the salient features of the
programme, its benefits and proposed technology can create interest in the target
groups. Level of literacy will determine to what extent this will be effective. Distribut-
ing handouts and pamphlets, logos, slogans, newsletters, and advertisements can be
supplemented by organising events in schools such as essay and quiz competitions.
Literature on planting techniques and plant care can be distributed to the beneficiaries
along with the plants under the agroforestry component of the programme.
Oral publicity is important where level of literacy is low, or where print media
will not reach. It is necessary to patiently interact with the target groups and organise
meetings, lectures, talks, symposia and other get-togethers. Use of musical and
theatrical repertoire can also help, and it may be even better to involve the local
cultural groups in such programmes.
The audio-visual method can be a very powerful tool and it is also getting cheaper
every day. One can use slideshows, photograph exhibitions, and film shows (using a
video projector).
Excursions and field tours organised for target groups can be a highly effective way
of awareness building. Direct experience has more convincing power than indirect
means. Select groups, whose opinions matter, and who are in a position to influence
the opinion of others, should be taken on excursions and field visits. However, this
is a costly proposition, and therefore, its audience reach is likely to be limited.

10.2 Resource Sustainability

Utilisation of the resource created in an afforestation programme must be based
on principles of sustainable management. In absence of a comprehensive plan, the
resource may be destroyed within a short time. Every natural resource has its limits of
productivity which determine its carrying capacity. Requirements of the local people,
their institutional arrangements for group action, and factors such as productivity of
the plantation, will determine the exact management plan for a given plantation.