Community-based Approaches to Local Natural Resource Management*

Does multifaceted livelihood intervention improve well‐being: Reflections on a case study from North‐eastern India

“…Additionally, women's well‐being was also improved by various gender training programmes, active participation of women in development activities at various levels and empowering them economically by enhancing their livelihood choices (Thapa & Hessel, 2017). Meanwhile, to improve economic well‐being, there were technology‐based trainings and demonstrations relating to horticulture and agriculture (e.g., introduction of processing units and variety of seeds) and natural resource management (e.g., soil conservation and community‐driven forest management) that helped in improving productivity and human capital (Darlong & Barik, 2020).…”

“…Various pertinent documents (Darlong & Barik, 2020; GoI, 2022; IFAD, 2018; Lungo et al, 2017; NITI Aayog, 2018b) indicate at positive changes that the intervention brought in economic sector (e.g., food security and book‐keeping), social sector (e.g., health and sanitation, collective actions and women empowerment), infrastructure development (e.g., village roads and community halls) and in other parameters such as cultivating a sense of ownership for project resources in the minds of local people. However, in practice, the intervention remains short of some intended objectives and is beset with problems in higher investments, adequate mapping of resources, data monitoring and external validity of created community‐based institutions.…”

“…and natural resource management (e.g., soil conservation and community-driven forest management) that helped in improving productivity and human capital (Darlong & Barik, 2020).…”

“…This study contributes to the literature in several important ways. Presently, there are a few studies (e.g., Blaikie & Muldavin, 2014; Darlong & Barik, 2020; Nair et al, 2013; NITI Aayog, 2018a) that investigate the impact of NERCORMP on socio‐economic aspects and natural resource management. However, a comprehensive assessment of the impact of NERCORMP is imperative, given a lack of discussion on broader challenges in the region associated with income uncertainties, social exclusions, market linkages and low capacity.…”