Social forestry primarily focuses on which of the following?
(A) Industrial wood production
(B) Wildlife tourism
(C) Rural and community needs
(D) Mining areas
Correct Answer: (C) Rural and community needs
Explanation:
Social forestry refers to the planting and management of trees on non-forest lands to meet the needs of local communities, especially in rural areas. Its main objectives are:
- Providing fuelwood
- Supplying fodder for livestock
- Producing small timber and other forest products
- Improving the environment
- Reducing pressure on natural forests
- Generating employment and promoting community participation
Why the other options are incorrect:
- (A) Industrial wood production – This is the objective of commercial or industrial forestry.
- (B) Wildlife tourism – This is related to wildlife conservation and ecotourism, not social forestry.
- (D) Mining areas – Reclaiming mined land is part of reclamation or rehabilitation forestry, not the primary focus of social forestry.