The prime aims of social-forestry programs, which include agroforestry and forestry components, are to provide the basic consumption needs, i.e. staple food, fuelwood, fodder and small timber for construction and agricultural implements, and employment for the poor in order to generate income and to raise living standards. Although the concept of social forestry was formally proposed as early as 1893, real progress was made only from the early 1980s. It is argued that the differing socioeconomic environment, in which social forestry is being implemented in various states of India, has resulted in differential uptake by villagers. The socioeconomic variables affecting social forestry uptake are identified and it is suggested that for social forestry to be successful these variables must be incorporated in social-forestry planning.