Profile Characteristics of Khasi Tribal Farmers Engaging in Collection and Management of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Tribal farmers belong to indigenous communities and engage in agricultural activities, agroforestry or even non-timber forest product harvesting as their primary livelihood. These farmers are part of ethnic groups with distinct traditions, languages and social structures. Therefore, studying the profile characteristics of these farmers is essential for understanding their unique socio-economic and cultural contexts. This study was conducted on 160 tribal farmers from East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, primarily engaged in the collection and management of non-timber forest products. The research, utilized an ex post facto design. Findings revealed that most respondents were young or middle aged, with diverse educational backgrounds. Housing was mainly wooden or concrete with asbestos sheets. Material possession ranged from low to medium, and family sizes were typically medium to large, with nuclear families prevailing. Social and political participation varied, while income distribution skewed towards the low to medium range. Local and regional markets were preferred by over two-thirds of respondents. Livestock ownership, landholding sizes and indebtedness patterns demonstrated diversity. Engagement with mass media, cosmopoliteness, extension contact, participation and opinion leadership varied, with many falling into low to medium categories. Awareness of development schemes was significant, indicating a connection to broader societal initiatives. Tribal farmers displayed diverse levels of scientific orientation, risk and economic motivation, market orientation, and fatalistic attitudes. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers and development practitioners, facilitating tailored interventions to address the unique needs and aspirations of this farming community.