Sustainable management of natural resources is the key to ensure sustainable livelihood

India is an agrarian economy, with the majority of its population (70%) depending on agriculture. However, most of the farming population has marginal land holdings and depends heavily on the monsoon. Problems of land alienation, loss of land rights/entitlement, improper land management and use, unsustainable agriculture and deforestation all add to the woes of the people.

The absence of sustainable livelihood is aggravated by ethnic conflict and environmental degradation and contributes towards increasing poverty. This in turn leads to migration and other social problems.

A significant section of the population is dependent on non-agro livelihood options like weaving, traditional art, pottery etc. it is often that people engaged in such options lack access to backward and forward linkages for raw materials and markets respectively. These trades then fail to become economically viable and sustainable.

Ensure sustainable livelihood through effective management of local/natural resources, with the help of the community Ensure access to and rights over natural resources Strengthen or establish forward and backward linkages for livelihood options Ensure food security Reduce the loss of bio-diversity Maintain heightened production and ecological balance Give importance to gender sensitisation and village based institutional building Build capacity for various farm/off farm activities Build strategic alliances with resourceful individuals, institutions and government agencies Develop the capacity of the youth so their perspective and attitudes towards work and life are positive, and they contribute to development Establish an entrepreneurial climate