Commons, Trees and the Poor in the Uttar Pradesh Hills

Abstract

"Forests are sold to constitute the lungs of a nation: in the case of the hills they represent the very soul of the people living there. They fulfill people's energy needs and provide fodder for the livestock which produce manure for agriculture. Each hectare of cultivated land requires a sufficient uncultivated vegetated area for thesse needs. The people depend on forests for water supply, slates and stones for houses and minor forest produce like bamboo, and medicinal herbs. Water, land, livestock and people are highly integrated in the farming system of the hills."