Local Socio-Economic Dynamics Shaping Forest Ecosystems …
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agriculture insignificant option for full-time livelihood. In last few decades change
in environmental conditions have also led to change in cropping patterns and crops
from traditional to water intensive cash cropping.
3 Methodology
To understand the underlying factors of biodiversity loss analytical approach for
root cause analysis was used as primary step. Study attempted to understand the
key factors that interact with socio-economic drivers in a more complex manner.
Demographic changes, poverty leading to inequalities in the societal set up, outmigration, market availability, political set up and development leading to social
change to reflect on important socio-economic drivers were assessed through review
of available literature. Case studies were considered as an important analytical and
conceptual modeling tool to draw inferences for proposed objectives. The purpose
of including case studies as relevant examples was to highlight the reasons behind
rampant loss of natural resources in order to seek solutions to safe guard site-specific
forest ecosystems from loss of biodiversity.
3.1 Review of Historical Records
Available forest and land use policies and annual reports from Forest Survey of India
(FSI) (2003–2015) were reviewed to understand the historical and recent changes
in forest cover and emerging threats to forests in the study area (FSI 2007, 2013).
Secondary information on forest resources, forest produce extraction, management
rights of locals on forests along with rural development projects and activities were
referred to understand local involvement in forest conservation and management.
Records related to historical information about study sites was taken from forest and
block level government offices. Census reports of 2001 and 2011 were referred to
understand demographic changes, migration patterns, settlements and local communities (Census 2001, 2011). Focussed group discussions followed with key personal
interviews were important part of the study to cross check and verify information on
resource rights of locals on near by forests.
3.2 Observations and Data Collection
Keeping the background of the study in mind community dependence on forests,
extraction of biomass for various purposes (fuel wood, fodder, leaf litter, NTFPs etc.),
anthropogenic interferences leading to adverse consequences destabilizing ecosystem goods and services was reviewed from previously published research papers
35
agriculture insignificant option for full-time livelihood. In last few decades change
in environmental conditions have also led to change in cropping patterns and crops
from traditional to water intensive cash cropping.
3 Methodology
To understand the underlying factors of biodiversity loss analytical approach for
root cause analysis was used as primary step. Study attempted to understand the
key factors that interact with socio-economic drivers in a more complex manner.
Demographic changes, poverty leading to inequalities in the societal set up, outmigration, market availability, political set up and development leading to social
change to reflect on important socio-economic drivers were assessed through review
of available literature. Case studies were considered as an important analytical and
conceptual modeling tool to draw inferences for proposed objectives. The purpose
of including case studies as relevant examples was to highlight the reasons behind
rampant loss of natural resources in order to seek solutions to safe guard site-specific
forest ecosystems from loss of biodiversity.
3.1 Review of Historical Records
Available forest and land use policies and annual reports from Forest Survey of India
(FSI) (2003–2015) were reviewed to understand the historical and recent changes
in forest cover and emerging threats to forests in the study area (FSI 2007, 2013).
Secondary information on forest resources, forest produce extraction, management
rights of locals on forests along with rural development projects and activities were
referred to understand local involvement in forest conservation and management.
Records related to historical information about study sites was taken from forest and
block level government offices. Census reports of 2001 and 2011 were referred to
understand demographic changes, migration patterns, settlements and local communities (Census 2001, 2011). Focussed group discussions followed with key personal
interviews were important part of the study to cross check and verify information on
resource rights of locals on near by forests.
3.2 Observations and Data Collection
Keeping the background of the study in mind community dependence on forests,
extraction of biomass for various purposes (fuel wood, fodder, leaf litter, NTFPs etc.),
anthropogenic interferences leading to adverse consequences destabilizing ecosystem goods and services was reviewed from previously published research papers