Year: 2026
Type: book-chapter
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sustainable development in indigenous regions requires more than policy declarations; it requires meaningful access, equity, participation and recognition of traditional knowledge systems.This study examines the lived realities of tribal youth in Northeast India in relation to access to basic services, socio-economic conditions, environmental awareness, governance participation, and engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Based on a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 54 tribal respondents aged 18-35 years, the study identifies structural gaps in infrastructure, economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and institutional inclusion.While educational attainment among respondents is relatively high, the findings show that education does not consistently translate into income security, revealing a statistically significant negative correlation between education and income source (r = -0.362,p = .007).Although access to clean water and electricity is largely available, concerns remain regarding reliability and sanitation quality.Awareness of SDGs is limited, and community engagement in SDG-related activities remains low.Governance trust is moderate to weak, and traditional ecological knowledge is insufficiently integrated into formal planning systems.
Author: Lalzo S Thangjom
Institution: Assam University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7220868682