Forestry is often defined as the manipulation of forests to achieve a desired objective, and it is the objective that distinguishes the different types of forestry. Community trees and forests are valuable for mankind.

Community forestry is defined as forestry by the people of the people, for the people. The people are qualified to mean the involvement of the people rather than the ownership. It is something like rehabilitation of forests for rehabilitation of people through active involvement and participation of the community the government acting as a catalyst and also a partner.

Community forestry activities also include planting in village waste lands, farmers fields, homesteads, field boundaries, and road sides, Railway lines canal banks etc. Forests for local community use is, therefore not a new concept but anew attempt to promote forestry development by involving community aiming towards meeting their own needs.

The book includes chapters: Benefits of Trees, History of Community Forestry in India, Community Forestry: Present Scenario, Community Forestry and Indian Rural Economy, Forest Resources, Deforestation, Degradation and Management, Community Forestry in The South Asia Sub-Region, The Status of Forestry: Research, Education and Training in India, Extension Education For Community Forestry, Selection and Planting of Suitable Tree Species for Community Forestry, and Nursery Procedure.