**2.4.8 Community contracts jobs through boundary maintenance, seedling production, plantation development**

Systems are now being implemented under which forest fringe communities enter into contracts to clean forest reserve boundaries in return for cash payments. Additionally some are also contracted to establish green-fire breaks to prevent wildfires from entering into forest reserves. The possibility of involving communities in patrolling is underway and if proved positive that system would also be adopted. Under CFM, some communities under a pilot scheme have been assisted to set up and manage their own tree nurseries to produce seedlings both for planting and sale. Apart from supporting such nurseries through the supply of inputs and offer of technical advice, NFA has been promoting the sale of seedlings from the community nurseries either through their own purchases or linking them up with tree growers to ensure their viability. It is anticipated that more of such nurseries would be set up to supply seedlings for planting in connection with the government's plantation programme.
