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A Sustainable Approach for Livelihood Improvement and Integrated Natural Resource Management in Central Himalaya, India


Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 443, India
2 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 249 161, India
 

The present study highlights augmentation of livelihood and natural resource management in the Central Himalayan region by promoting community-specific strategies, adoption of appropriate technologies, diversification of on-farm and off-farm activities, cash-crop production, and supporting ecological restoration and natural resource management. A cluster of eight villages having 470 households was targeted and actions related to community mobilization, micro-planning, technology demonstration and dissemination, the establishment of market linkages, capacity-building and formation of self-help groups were undertaken. Farmers adopted nine technology packages that diversified agriculture in waste/abandoned lands. Management of forests and use of Chir-pine needles for making by-products not only provided an additional source of livelihood but also helped in controlling forest fire. Facilitating linkages with line departments helped to acquire benefits of government schemes. It is recommended that region-specific approach, collective action, targeting weaker sections and women, efficient natural resource management, livelihood enhancement, and capacity-building and community empowerment will lead to a sustainable approach for community development in the Himalayan region.

Keywords

Community Empowerment, Livelihood Improvement, Natural Resource Management, Technology Packages, Sustainability.
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  • A Sustainable Approach for Livelihood Improvement and Integrated Natural Resource Management in Central Himalaya, India

Abstract Views: 445  |  PDF Views: 138

Authors

D. S. Chauhan
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 443, India
D. S. Bisht
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 249 161, India
Mukesh Deorai
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 443, India
D. S. Rawat
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 443, India
R. C. Sundriyal
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 249 161, India

Abstract


The present study highlights augmentation of livelihood and natural resource management in the Central Himalayan region by promoting community-specific strategies, adoption of appropriate technologies, diversification of on-farm and off-farm activities, cash-crop production, and supporting ecological restoration and natural resource management. A cluster of eight villages having 470 households was targeted and actions related to community mobilization, micro-planning, technology demonstration and dissemination, the establishment of market linkages, capacity-building and formation of self-help groups were undertaken. Farmers adopted nine technology packages that diversified agriculture in waste/abandoned lands. Management of forests and use of Chir-pine needles for making by-products not only provided an additional source of livelihood but also helped in controlling forest fire. Facilitating linkages with line departments helped to acquire benefits of government schemes. It is recommended that region-specific approach, collective action, targeting weaker sections and women, efficient natural resource management, livelihood enhancement, and capacity-building and community empowerment will lead to a sustainable approach for community development in the Himalayan region.

Keywords


Community Empowerment, Livelihood Improvement, Natural Resource Management, Technology Packages, Sustainability.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv120%2Fi5%2F825-834