Good Practices in Tribal Development (Livelihood Sector) in Three Indian States

Abstract

All round development of tribals has been the focus of both central and state governments. Different efforts have been made by the Government to improve the socio-economic condition of the tribes. The approaches to tribal development differ by State, based on the contextual requirement. Need based strategic approaches and practices have been benefiting the tribal in attending a better quality of life. It is essential to document such good practices for scaling up, replication and adoption. Documentation of good practices of development initiatives in scheduled areas is an attempt to understand the nuts and bolts of different successful and demonstrated development models and examining its replicability in other parts of the country. Under the current documentation process, efforts are made to capture and document some of the replicable developmental initiatives successfully implemented in three states of the country, viz Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The study basically covered areas that are linked to different sectors/sub-sectors like i) livelihood, ii)skill upgradation iii) education iv) health v) infrastructure and vi) conservation of traditional culture including indigenous knowledge system. The study districts were selected purposefully in each state based on the initiatives taken and prevalence of practices that are worth for documentation and replication. It was ensured that all the selected districts fall under scheduled area of the state and only the TSP areas were covered to understand the implementation of different tribal development schemes/programmes and its outcome. The study documented different livelihood interventions taken up by ITDAs / ITDPs in theStates of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. ITDAs / ITDPs have taken different livelihood interventions for the tribals based upon the assessed potential. It was observed that sporadic approach is less viable and sustainable in comparison to cluster-based approach. Cluster approach for livelihood seems emerging as one area to be focused upon. In many cases, MFP based livelihood activities have been taken up for the benefit of the tribals. The study recommends that Integrated approach with end to end solution is essential for promoting, strengthening and sustaining livelihood of tribals. Development of different livelihood clusters would be helpful to aggregate produce, reduce cost of production, enhance market access and maintaining supply chain. For sector specific growth and to harness the potential, PPP approach may be adopted, involving agencies that suppport production and market systems.Skill base improvement is essential in livelihood activities along with the required provision of extension services (agriculture & allied sectors), value addition, market linkage and supply chain management. Further, Centralised management information systems need to be developed to track the interventions, progress made, intervention outcomes and identifying gaps for planning and required support.