Inclusive Participation in Integrated Watershed Development Programmes: Insights from Bundelkhand, Central India

Abstract

Watershed Development Programmes (WDP) in India primarily focus on improving ecological landscapes in semi-arid regions, despite policy guidelines that call attention to improving community-level participation. Local level hierarchies based on caste and gender inhibit equal participation for all in decision-making, access, and distribution of programme benefits. This paper presents evidence from drought-affected rural Bundelkhand, in Central India to critically examine how participation is practiced at the ground level. We find that systemic efforts are needed to make participation meaningful for all and to achieve the twin goals of social and environmental development through WDP.