Book excerpt: Forests play a very important part in the rural economy. The rural population largely depends on forests for their livelihoods. Degradation and deforestation of forests have a negative impact on the rural people. They increase suffering and poverty. At the same time, they pose a serious, global environmental threat. It is necessary that the livelihood option of rural population is secured while forest resources augmented. This can be done through participatory management. Redefining Forestry for Effective Livelihoods brings out key issues relevant to forest and livelihood, with a special focus on non-timber forest produce. It gives a detailed analysis about how forests play an important role in maintaining earth’s ecosystem and, thus, the vital balance of flora and fauna. The book also discusses the contribution of forests to the national economy. It also focuses on emerging research issues arising out of various policies and their impact on the forest-dependent poor. The book provides the essential findings, arguments, linkage of forestry sector with other development scenario and the possible way out for the future. This comprehensive book is a useful reference for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners working in the area of forest and livelihood.