The theory of cross-scale interactions: an illustration from remote villages in Sikkim, India

Radhika Gupta,Henrik Österblom,L Jamila Haider

doi:10.1007/s10668-019-00329-0

Abstract

Interdependence of social-ecological systems (SES) across the globe is rapidly increasing through increased connectivity, for example, through flow of information and trade. This case study of highly remote Himalayan villages in West Sikkim, India, explores how cross-scale interactions can shape the development of a local SES. In-depth interviews across four different institutional scales—state, district, gram panchayat unit and ward, show a rapid shift from subsistence farming to commercial monocultures of large cardamom in the lowland villages of the region. This, alongside a failure to address diverse needs within the policy implementation context, has resulted in economic inequality between lowland and upland villages. The interaction between state policies for conservation, national agriculture and food subsidies, and the effects of globalization are reducing the diversity of foods for the communities, as they become dependent on external markets and government subsidies for income and food. The case study is an example of how imposing uniform institutions can threaten SES to become increasingly homogenized and vulnerable to shocks.

Highlights

Social-ecological systems (SES) are highly intertwined across geographical space and time (Young et al 2006)
Sikkim came under the institutional framework of democratic India and there was a major shift in policies from the past monarchic rule
The benefits of dietary diversity obtained from the integrated practice of livestock herding in forests and agriculture are highlighted in a case study from Ethiopia (Baudron et al 2017)

Summary

Introduction

Social-ecological systems (SES) are highly intertwined across geographical space and time (Young et al 2006). This has become increasingly clear through the growing use of the concept of the Anthropocene, described as a new geological era, recognizing that natural processes are human dominated (Crutzen 2006). In order for effective cross-scale management (Berkes 2002; Ostrom and Cox 2010), there is a need to develop an understanding of linkages across social and ecological scales (Folke et al 2010)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion