Well-Being Status of Tribals Dependenton Shifting Cultivation in Dhalai, Tripura

Abstract

This study provides an important empirical insight into well-being status of hill people of Dhalai, a remote
hill district of Tripura, North Eastern Region (NER) of India whose livelihood primarily depends on Shifting
Cultivation (SC). Using a resilience approach, 50 tribal households were interviewed with the help of structured
interview schedule. With regard to psychological well-being, about 92% households has perceived it to be
moderate or inconsistent and are experiencing difficulties as on date and is expected to continue with it in the
near future. In case of economic well-being, 86%households were under poverty trap with high income
inequality. Findings also revealed transition in terms of aversion of tribal youths to SC, declining dependency
on SC, overdependence on Non-Timber Forest Produces, higher inclination towards settled cultivation with
preferences for high value horticultural crops. Food security was found ensured among hill people and significant
proportion of total expenditure was devoted on education & health.The authors suggest that the policy and
political alternatives of mainstream prescriptions for hill people in Dhalaiwhich has hitherto focused on the
narrow issue of shifting to settled cultivation should shift its emphasis to diversification of economic activities
in the tribal regions for improving people’s well-being and natural resource management,