Exploring the Interplay of Pastureland Governance Degradation and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Study in Southern Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Pastureland in Rajasthan has a special significance for a range of reasons. The state has acute adverse biophysical and climatic conditions where income from agriculture is uncertain. As a result, most rural inhabitants make ends meet by raising livestock. This study attempts to understand the biophysical condition, governance of the pastureland, and its impact on the livelihood of the rural poor. It uses an exploratory research design to explore the key drivers of deteriorating pastureland. The study was conducted in 15 villages in southern Rajasthan spread across three districts: Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Pratapgarh. To fulfil the study objectives, Focus Group Discussions and individual interviews were conducted with community members and Gram Panchayat (Village Council) officials. The findings depict the dismal picture of pastureland governance at the grassroots level, resulting from multiple factors such as overgrazing, the ineffectiveness of protection rules, and encroachment. The study suggests that appropriate management and protection of the pastureland are urgently needed to sustain the rural community’s livestock and livelihood.