Strengthening Institutions: Panacea for Tribal Forest Governance in India

Abstract

"This paper recognises the intrinsic strengths of local tribal forest management (informal) institutions and examines the underline causes. In addition, it briefly establishes the inter-linking relationship of the forest decentralisation policy (Tribal Right to Forest Bill) with tribal governance and community forest institutions. The field study was undertaken in contiguous semi-arid tribal districts, taking four cases of community forest management sites two from each state of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India.

"Qualitative research methods were used for data collection and analysis. Bhils, poor tribal of this region, have traditionally practiced forest management without the implication of an inter-state boundary issues or different policies. The study demonstrates two complex scenarios between limited implementation of tribal forest decentralisation process on one hand, and often contradictory land tenure, forest and devolution policies affect existing local practices on the other. This has direct impact on source of livelihoods of forest dependent and poor tribal communities, particularly women.

"Based on the institutional analysis of the village governance (Panchayati Raj) process, the paper argues that success level of local community forest management is not an outcome of decentralisation process, but depended on strengths of these local institutions. Further, the research highlights that there is need for quality institutional framework."