Women’s Livelihoods: Emerging Opportunities in Forest Economies of India.

Abstract

The study provides critical understanding of women’s rights to livelihoods in forest sector. The study attempts to look at whether things have changed for women living in the forests of Jharkhand and Assam by undertaking rigorous field research in the remote villages of these two states. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it tries to map the relationship between the policy framework of the government for forest regions and its practical applicability. The study reiterates that the role of women as economic agents and their contribution to the Gross National Product through agro forestry and by collecting a variety of non-timber forest produce deserve to be recognized in future policy framing exercises. The study highlights issues related with the rights of people for the use of forest produce. The present study discusses the ownership of forest land which is one of the most important issues related with forest governance.