Social Learning in Integrated Land and Water Resource Management through Indigenous “Zabo System”: A Study from India Tribal State

Abstract

Social learning has been cited as essential process for sustainable ecosystem management and enhancement of desirable behavioral change. The present study has focused on an integrated land water resource management through locally developed “zabo system” by the collective action of community. Focus discussion, PRA tools and personal interview methods were used to gather the data. The result reflected that farmers were co-acting together which highly enhanced their occupational capacity (53.3%), adaptive capacity (50%) and knowledge level (69.5%). This system provides 133% more yield of paddy than average yield of the Nagaland state under Jhum cultivation. The study showed that social learning could be an effective tool for bringing sustainability when ecosystem management is at stake.