Local perspectives on changing rural livelihoods and natural resources in the Chhattisgarh Plains, India

• Main Author: Sahu, Suresh K.
• Published: University of Essex 2011
• Subjects: 307.14120954137
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.572781

The challenges of poverty, malnutrition, and livelihood security in developing countries is of major concern for policy makers, development practitioners and, most of all, the people suffering from these problems. Adverse environmental changes and degradation of natural resources, upon which the food security and livelihoods of majority depend, are aggravating the situation. India has seen a remarkable economic growth in recent decades. Rapid changes in livelihood opportunities, socio-economic structures and natural resources are well recognised. However, there are contrasting views on the outcomes in terms of changes in poverty, inequality and food insecurity situations. This research investigates changes in livelihood opportunities and natural resources and the outcomes of such changes with a focus on local perspectives. The study is based on empirical data from fifteen villages in the central plains of Chhattisgarh state in India. A mixed method approach has been used involving a survey of 240 households and focus groups, in-depth interviews and case studies. An increase in livelihood opportunities primarily induced by industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural intensification was found. However, regional and socio-economic disparities were also influential in providing access to these opportunities. Access to land was found to be the most important driver influencing households' ability to improve their livelihood situations. While many households were able to move upward many others remained deprived and marginalised. Social equity and environmental sustainability emerged as the most important challenges which need to be addressed in order to move towards sustainable rural livelihoods and natural resources. The findings contribute to our understanding of the local perspectives on changes in livelihoods and environment and will help policy formulations and actions to improve livelihoods and protect natural resources.