Forest Dependency and Livelihood Challenges Among the Konda Reddis Tribe in Telangana: a Qualitative Analysis of Government Interventions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Indigenous communities globally depend on forests, yet policies often misalign with their realities.This qualitative study examines this gap through the case of the Konda Reddis, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Telangana, India.It analyzes how forest dependency, agriculture, and government interventions shape livelihoods.Data from focus group discussions (n=25) and case studies show that schemes like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and MGNREGA offer potential but suffer from inconsistent implementation.Key challenges include insecure land tenure for Podu cultivation, declining access to Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) due to regulatory and market failures, weak irrigation, and chronic indebtedness.While women's participation in Self-Help Groups indicates empowerment pathways, it is hindered by poverty.The study highlights a critical policy-practice disconnect, driven by governance gaps and inadequate participatory planning.It concludes that securing forest and land rights via effective FRA implementation is a foundational step for sustainable tribal development, contributing to debates on Indigenous rights and community-based forest management.
Author: Bhukya Anil
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7204803021