Land Alienation, Declining NTFPs and Livelihood Erosion of Tribes in Koraput, Odisha

Nearly 9 per cent of India’s population comprises tribal communities, with the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand and Gujarat accounting for more than half of the nation’s total tribal population. Odisha, second only to Chhattisgarh, has the most significant tribal population, making up 23 per cent of the state’s total population and encompassing 62 distinct tribal groups. Despite over seven decades of tribal development initiatives, these communities face persistent challenges of underdevelopment, poverty and indebtedness. This study examines how integrated land use planning, soil and water conservation, and agro-forestry practices can enhance agrarian livelihoods and ensure food and nutritional security among tribal households in Koraput, Odisha. It highlights the significance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as essential sources of food, fibre, fuel, medicine and income. NTFPs contribute substantially to rural livelihoods by offering diverse resources such as bamboo, honey, fruits and roots. The article assesses how NTFPs support tribal communities amid land pressures and marginalisation, drawing on primary data from interviews and secondary sources.