Evaluation of the Socioeconomic Status of Local Tribes in Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Mungeli District

Abstract

Chhattisgarh is one of the tribal-state of India in which most of the tribes are concentrated in the dense forests of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR). Tribal primarily depend upon agriculture, forest products, handcrafts, and medicinal plants for their existence. Traditionally, Gonds are agriculturalists, and Baigas are actively engaged in the medicinal aspects of plants to treat ailments. However, with time, the social, economic, and cultural life of the tribes in forest reserves has changed due to increased anthropogenic pressure on the wildlife, which has endangered their survival. These tribes often practice collecting forest products and selling them in the market for their livelihood. To address these issues, we have done a comprehensive study of the AABR falls under, Khudia and Lormi Region of Mungeli District of Chhattisgarh State. We have observed seven tribes viz., Gond, Baiga, Kanwar, Oraon, Muria, Bharia and Kol, among them the Gonds were dominant. We have included the type of family, assets, drinking water, house/land, livestock, toilet facility, availability of electricity and Fuel for Cooking for the evaluation of the socioeconomic profile of the study area. The outcome of the present research work will help to understand the socio-economic status of the indigenous tribes of AABR of Mungeli district. Further extension of present research work would be focused on the cultural practices, educational attainment, employment status, and access to healthcare facilities, which could be able to provide the ongoing socio-economic changes among the tribal communities, and support the effective implementation of tribal welfare schemes.