Evaluation of Productivity and Sustainability of Niyamgiri Village Agroecosystem, Eastern Region India
Abstract:
The Niyamgiri hill region borders Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Indian state of Odisha which is inhabited by Dongaria Kondh indigenous people. We studied eight villages which were selected inside Niyamgiri Hill Ranges. Four villages are located uphill and four at the foot hill. Social, agricultural, economic and ecological data of the above villages were collected through questionnaire-cum-schedule method and field observations. The present paper investigates the traditional agricultural practices in Niyamgiri Hill and the likely impacts on socioecological settings of the ecosystem. The study also attempts to explore the level of dependence of tribal communities on the forest resources in the Niyamgiri hills ecosystem. The forests provide most of required energy in the form of fuelwood and fodder. The practice of agriculture includes shifting(podu) cultivation, mid hill orchards, home gardens and valley cultivations involving both men and women for about 8-9 months a year. The collection of minor forest products provides work for 3-4 months a year. In uphill villages, podu cultivation is a major activity than mid hill orchards, home garden and valley cultivation. Agriculture is the main food source for the villages. Per capita consumption of food item indicates inter-village variations in use of cereals and legumes. The average per capita cereal consumption is higher in foothill villages and lower in uphill villages. The total land area and total human population is positively correlated(weak) with livestock population of villages exhibiting the importance of livestock rearing and farming in tribal traditions. The income of people was also positively correlated with livestock rearing and farming. The forests provide up to 80 percent of required energy in terms of fuelwood and fodder. This shows that the most livelihood resources for sustenance of these components are derived from natural ecosystem and agriculture alone cannot support the human and livestock population. Therefore, integrated farming of agroforestry with livestock will improve the income of the local population and will enhance sustainability.
