Minor Forest Produce Livelihoods and Gendered Challenges in Keshkal Forest Division, Chhattisgarh: A Review

Abstract

In Keshkal Forest Division tribal inhabitants rely heavily on Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for their livelihoods and sense of cultural identity. Despite its enormous socioeconomic importance, MFP collection and marketing present numerous systemic obstacles for tribal women, who are the main gatherers. These studies include severe health and safety hazards during collecting, stringent forest rules, and environmental degradation that affects the availability of resources. The economic potential of marketing is severely hampered by problems including remote geographic areas, poor infrastructure, widespread middleman exploitation that results in low and variable prices, a significant lack of value addition capabilities, and weak business acumen. In addition to these challenges, women have a "double burden" and intersectional vulnerability due to historical dispossession, patriarchal norms, and ingrained sociocultural impediments. To tackle these intricate problems, a multifaceted strategy is required. To ensure efficient execution and equitable rewards, solutions include fortifying government programs such as the Van Dhan Yojana, PESA, the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes. Importantly, empowering cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can support sustainable harvesting methods, improve value addition, and increase collective bargaining power. Enhancing market connections, developing processing and marketing skills, and establishing comprehensive capacity are also essential.