Sustainable Livelihoods: Indigenous Knowledge As A Catalyst For Microentrepreneurs In Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge sources are fundamental in promoting sustainable livelihoods through micro-entrepreneurship, particularly in tribal-dominated regions like Chhattisgarh. With 44 percent of its area under forests, the state is rich in biodiversity resources, and the tribal community is highly dependent on rich natural resources. Indigenous practices are passed on from generations of experience and practices, with the evidence of cost-effective traditional systems for managing forests, water, and agricultural resources. These practices include agroforestry, rotational farming, and sacred grove conservation, which not only enhance biodiversity but also improve soil health and resilience against climate variability.

The state's tribal communities, including seven Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), rely significantly on Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for medicine, food supplements, and income, especially during non-agricultural seasons. Nearly 1.3 million of MFP collector households sustain their livelihoods through collection and selling at the local Haats. However, despite the natural resources in the state of Chhattisgarh having the potential of growing micro-enterprises to transform livelihoods, only a minority achieve sustainability due to socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and administrative challenges. Traditional knowledge systems hold intrinsic value, providing innovative solutions for resource management and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, these systems support climate adaptation strategies using drought-resistant crops, traditional irrigation methods, and practices like rainwater harvesting. Women, as custodians of bio-resource knowledge, play a critical role in sustaining traditional practices, particularly in micro-enterprises of nearly 68 types of MFP, along with conservation and management. However, climate change poses significant threats to these resources, disrupting ecological rhythms and threatening the livelihoods of tribal communities. There is a pressing need to integrate indigenous knowledge with modern development practices to ensure sustainable resource use and sustenance of livelihoods through micro-enterprises, mitigating the challenges that result in income stability. Based on the literature review, in this paper, we have examined the challenges and opportunities in leveraging indigenous knowledge for micro-enterprise promotion and sustainable livelihoods in Chhattisgarh. We have highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge as a genuine method of sustainable livelihood creation and advocated for government policies that protect and strengthen tribal social institutions, traditional knowledge, and the environment. By aligning indigenous practices with modern conservation strategies, policymakers can address implementation challenges and enhance the sustainability of livelihood programs.