Commons And Community: Evidence From Southwestern Tribal Belt Of Madhya Pradesh

Sah and Shah (2003) have shown that the incidence of poverty in the South-Western tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh is alarmingly high. About three fifths of the households in this tribal belt were categorised as chronic poor. Since the positive impact of growth linkages on the chronic poor is weak and operates with a time lag what becomes pertinent for them is inclusion in various interventions by the state on one hand and social mobilisation that makes them aware of their rights on the other. This paper argues that lack of formal institutional structure and lack of progress have not discouraged formation of social capital in this region. With the help of civil society there is increased awareness of issues pertaining to the loss of natural resources. [CPRC India Working Paper 22] URL: [http://www.chronicpoverty.org/uploads/publication_files/CPRC-IIPA_22.pdf]