Assessment of Socioeconomic and Livelihood Conditions Post Individual Forest Rights Recognition in Two Tribal Districts of Tripura

Abstract

The tribals of Tripura live in impoverished conditions and are dependent on agriculture. The Schedule Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) was implemented in Tripura to provide livelihood security with a focus on Individual Forest Rights (IFR). The IFR was merged with government schemes to ensure socioeconomic development of the tribals. This study assesses land rights, livelihood schemes and socioeconomic conditions post IFR implementation and its impact in two tribal districts, namely, Dhalai and Gomati. A total of 150 households selected from six villages of each district were surveyed to collect data. Principal component analysis was then undertaken to elucidate the composite impact on socioeconomic conditions. The results indicate that Dhalai district fairs better in household income and living conditions due to wider reach and acceptance of sustainable livelihood options. Nevertheless, 60 percent of the households expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation. It is recommended that the state government initiate programmes to generate awareness about alternate sustainable practices, focus on post IFR monitoring, and develop village enterprises.