Food, Gender and Common Property Resources: An Understanding of Rural and Tribal Economy

Natural resources play a significant role in the life of rural Indians. Even in the tribal communities these resources are an essential need. All the natural resources, such as forests, rivers and ponds not only shape the cultural life of the rural and tribal people, but they are also important for their survival. Researchers have shown that in the coastal area the entire income of the fishermen community is based on rivers. There is a high demand for fish in the local, national, and international markets. Similarly, forest-based communities depend upon a range of minor forest products that include gum, herbs, nuts, and other items for subsistence as well as cultural needs. Not only men but also women of the local communities collect these products for domestic consumption as well as sell them in the local markets for income generation.
In this paper I analyse the relationship between natural resources and rural and tribal communities examined from a gendered lens. Further, this work brings into perspective the effects of involuntary displacement on the lives and natural resources of local communities impacted by mega development projects.

Common property resources, gender, decision-making, food, NTFP

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