Linking Forests to Livelihoods: Tendu Leaves and Tribal Income in Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Non-Wood Forest Products play a key role in the life and economy of communities living in and around forests.Tendu Leaf have a tremendous potential to create large scale employment opportunity thereby helping in reducing poverty and increasing empowerment of particularly tribal and poor people of the poorest and backward districts of the state. The study reveals that collection of tendu leaves helps to earn income and employment opportunities, though it is seasonal work. This review paper examines the role of NTFPs in the Chhattisgarh region, focusing on their contribution to local economies, nutritional security, and healthcare. The paper further discusses the challenges faced by tribal communities in accessing markets, managing resources sustainably, and dealing with regulatory issues. By synthesizing existing literature, the review highlights the importance of adopting sustainable collection methods, strengthening market linkages, and involving local communities in the management and policy development surrounding tendu leaves. The paper also emphasizes the need for further research and policy interventions to enhance the economic potential of tendu leaves while ensuring the conservation of forests and biodiversity. The result of this study brings that the state produces around 16.72 lakh standard bags of Tendu leaves annually, accounting for nearly 20% of the country's total production.It was also observed that Tendu leaves production was maximum in other NTFPs products of Chhattisgarh.