Land Access and Food Security for Forest Dwellers: An Economic Analysis for India

For an economy to grow sustainably, the developmental needs of the poor have to be addressed, alongside concerns for conservation of resources. In spite of the high economic growth experienced in India in recent decades, driven chiefly by growth in the secondary and tertiary sectors, poverty persists amongst tribal communities. Analysis of survey based data reveals the continued significance of access to land and forest resources in impacting livelihoods and food security for forest dwelling communities, comprising mostly of tribals. Access to land and credit emerge as critical for the majority, with substantial dependence on forest products for the poorest among the poor households. The paper adds to the empirical literature on the debate on relevance of small holder agriculture and access to natural resources for poverty alleviation. It also provides an economic context for a recently enacted legislation that seeks to restore tenurial security to forest dwelling tribal communities.