4 Results: Technological Intervention and Adoption
for Ecological and Livelihood Gains
The network programme showcased significant social, ecological, and livelihood
accomplishments by engaging communities in need-based technology intervention
areas (Table 2 and Box 2). For instance, DAEG operating near Senchal Sanctuary,
Darjeeling was able to involve village women in producing bio-globules
2 leading
toward reduced fuel wood consumption and drudgery involved, thus utilizing time
saved in other income generating activities like floriculture and vegetable cultivation with relevant technological inputs (Fig. 1 in Box 2). Similarly, MUSE, another
partner agency operating in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh near Kibber Sanctuary introduced solar water heating systems, which had resulted in lesser extraction of fuel
wood for heating purposes (Fig. 2 in Box 2) and engaged community in making
clay crafts with improved design as one of the livelihood diversification activity.
Likewise, Vasundhra from Odisha working with Kondhs tribe around Baisipali
Wildlife Sanctuary who are engaged in Mahua flower collection was able to reduce
forest fire incidences in the Mahua season after the introduction of nylon nets for
the collection of Mahua flowers and making value-added products. Some of the
partner NGOs also promoted sustainable harvesting and value addition of Minor
Forest produce (MFPs) in scientific way which led to an increase in overall annual
household income through group enterprise. Other areas of technological interventions promoted by partners’ agencies toward livelihood diversification were
nursery raising, vegetable cultivation, protected cultivation, composting, and
homestead farming with 20–25 % average increase in annual household income.
Ecotourism and handicraft development activities were also taken up by many of
the partners’ agencies as it facilitated in augmenting income of the people. Use of
natural fibres by Tharu tribes living around Suhelwa Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh to
make Woolen Durries (Mats) using improved looms has enabled them to get alternative source of livelihood locally.
On ecological front, about 40–45 % reduction in fuel wood consumption was
reported at various sites by introduction of renewable energy technologies like
bio-globules, dhaba digestor, water heating system and improved cooking devices
etc. Such technological solutions and delivery toward ecosystem services with
institutional arrangements at local level (Effective governance) has helped to build
confidence among the members of the community as they were able to adopt simple
technologies providing livelihood benefits, reduced carbon footprints as well as
better quality of life as shown in Box 1 and 2.
2
Bio-globules: Bio-globules technology to make briquettes is a eco-friendly and sustainable
alternative to firewood to reduce villager’s dependence on the forest. Bio-globules are made with
local available biomass, charcoal dust and clay.
586
S.K. Agarwal
for Ecological and Livelihood Gains
The network programme showcased significant social, ecological, and livelihood
accomplishments by engaging communities in need-based technology intervention
areas (Table 2 and Box 2). For instance, DAEG operating near Senchal Sanctuary,
Darjeeling was able to involve village women in producing bio-globules
2 leading
toward reduced fuel wood consumption and drudgery involved, thus utilizing time
saved in other income generating activities like floriculture and vegetable cultivation with relevant technological inputs (Fig. 1 in Box 2). Similarly, MUSE, another
partner agency operating in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh near Kibber Sanctuary introduced solar water heating systems, which had resulted in lesser extraction of fuel
wood for heating purposes (Fig. 2 in Box 2) and engaged community in making
clay crafts with improved design as one of the livelihood diversification activity.
Likewise, Vasundhra from Odisha working with Kondhs tribe around Baisipali
Wildlife Sanctuary who are engaged in Mahua flower collection was able to reduce
forest fire incidences in the Mahua season after the introduction of nylon nets for
the collection of Mahua flowers and making value-added products. Some of the
partner NGOs also promoted sustainable harvesting and value addition of Minor
Forest produce (MFPs) in scientific way which led to an increase in overall annual
household income through group enterprise. Other areas of technological interventions promoted by partners’ agencies toward livelihood diversification were
nursery raising, vegetable cultivation, protected cultivation, composting, and
homestead farming with 20–25 % average increase in annual household income.
Ecotourism and handicraft development activities were also taken up by many of
the partners’ agencies as it facilitated in augmenting income of the people. Use of
natural fibres by Tharu tribes living around Suhelwa Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh to
make Woolen Durries (Mats) using improved looms has enabled them to get alternative source of livelihood locally.
On ecological front, about 40–45 % reduction in fuel wood consumption was
reported at various sites by introduction of renewable energy technologies like
bio-globules, dhaba digestor, water heating system and improved cooking devices
etc. Such technological solutions and delivery toward ecosystem services with
institutional arrangements at local level (Effective governance) has helped to build
confidence among the members of the community as they were able to adopt simple
technologies providing livelihood benefits, reduced carbon footprints as well as
better quality of life as shown in Box 1 and 2.
2
Bio-globules: Bio-globules technology to make briquettes is a eco-friendly and sustainable
alternative to firewood to reduce villager’s dependence on the forest. Bio-globules are made with
local available biomass, charcoal dust and clay.
586
S.K. Agarwal