Comparative Study Across Four States of India - Belgaum District, Karnataka State

Abstract

"This paper explores the current problems faced by pastoralist communities in Belgaum District, Karnataka, as they try to sustain their semi-nomadic lifestyles in the face of modernising agriculture and changing land use. In Karnataka, pastoralists originate mostly from two communities, the Gollas and the Kurubas (also known as Dhangars). Gollas are mainly from the southern part of the state, but there are many Kurubas in Belgaum district, where their estimated population was 866,267 in 1984. Their traditional occupations are rearing sheep, weaving blankets and agriculture. Most pastoralists in Belgaum District are Kurubas; 80% of them are landless shepherds or labourers, whilst around 20% own land and keep large ruminants. Pastoralists form an important sub-section of the animal husbandry sector in this district, predominantly herding sheep and goats. Pastoralists in this area tend to migrate for short periods of a few months, combining nomadic animal husbandry with small-scale crop cultivation in their 'base' villages."