The study was undertaken in Enderta wereda, South Eastern, Tigray region. The generalrnobjective of this study was to obtain a better insight in the nature of participation in the'rnsocial forestry management strategies. Therefore, the motive, the extent and mechanisms ofrnparticipation in managing the private and the community forestry activities were assessed,rnand the constraints faced at different phases of the activity were identified. To attain thernabove mentioned objectives primary and secondary data were used. Exploratory survey wasrnconducted to generate relevant information for the actual survey and primary data wererncollected from i 00 randomly selected households from six representative villages of threernsampled Tabias (PAs). Qualitative data was also gathered using Focus Group Discussionrnand Key informants; and review of publications, documents and reports from concernedrnoffices were the sources of secondary data. The survey data was analyzed using (SPSS,rn1996) software program and it was reported using descriptive statistics such as averages,rnratios, percentages, frequency and means with different supporting tables and charts. Thernfrequency distribution of the respondents with their response to their reasons forrnparticipation and occurrence of constraints were also rated and ranked. The total arearncovered with community forest in the study area is estimated to constitute about 35.37% .inrnall Tabias people are participating in reforestation activities in one form or another. Therninvolvement of the local people in different activities varies for the various stages of projectrnplanning and implementation. The degree of participation in some activities such as benefitrnsharing and evaluation participation is only partial or non existence. This had a negativernimpact in implementing the reforestation program. The intended approach of the program isrnpartly participatory approach. Community management decisions are made at Tabia level. Itrnwas observed that, the Tabia community is not the most effective social unit for forestryrndevelopment organization. This is particularly the case for the community forestry activity.rnThough, food for work is highly valued than other benefits. Communal plantations arernperceived as government's property. Along with the low participation of the people the poorrnquality planting and lack of maintenance are contribute to the low survival rate of thernplanted seedlings. Overall, participation in private planting was higher than in communalrnplantations. The great motive being its assurance to offer individual benefits, where allrnactivities were carried out by individual households. The fields are maintained well andrnsurvival of the planted seedlings is satisfactory. The high interest in commercial tree plantingrn(eucalyptus) is observed in all the villages. The production role of trees has a high a highrnpriority than the service role. Tree plantation is concentrated around the homestead becausernof land tenure insecurity in farmlands and stubble grazing. This study has also recognizedrnfield level constraints. Competition for farm land, ownership of land, passive participation inrnsite selection, long period return of trees shortage of labor during planting, drought, tenurerninsecurity, incentive problems and free grazing were the major constraints pointed out.