This book identifies and analyzes livelihood impacts of recent environmental and socio-economic changes in urban and rural settings of the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Himalaya, India. The findings of the research deal with the broader objectives of the changing patterns of agricultural production with special reference to diversification, as well as forest-based livelihood outcomes, Clean Development Mechanism forest project activities, the roles of different ethnic groups and non-governmental organizations, and the benefits and shortcomings of tourism as a livelihood source. These tasks are studied by using an exploratory approach, with participant observation, interviews through random and cluster sampling among villagers, local land users, and officials, as well aswith land cover interpretation and secondary statistical data. This book is relevant for educational use together with policy input on the issues exploring livelihood security in a rapidly growing developing country.

Autorentext

Prof. R.B. Singh
Vice President - International Geographical Union
Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi

Prof. Reija Hietala
Department of Geography and Geology, University of Turku

Inhalt

Introduction: Livelihood Security in Changing Socio-Economic Environment in Himachal Pradesh.- Geographic and Socio-Economic Realities of Himachal Pradesh, North western Himalaya.- Climate Change, Glacier Lakes and Livelihoods.- Land Use and Cover Change.- Human-Induced Biome and Livelihood Security.- Dynamics of Agricultural Production.- Shifting from Traditional Food Cropping to Cash Crop-ping.- Agriculture and Forestry Based Livelihood Capital Assessment.- The Challenges of Reforesting the Himalayas Through the Clean Development Mechanism: Perspectives from Rural Villages.- Participation in a CDM Afforestation/Reforestation Project in Himachal Pradesh: Success Stories and Shortcomings.- Ecosystem Services in Changing Environment.- On-Migration Aspirations and Livelihood Among Tibetan Newcomers.- Indian NGOs and Their Role of Networking.- Tourism and Solid Waste Management.- Rural Non-Farm and Tourism Based Livelihood Options.- Livelihood Space of an Indigenous Indian Tribe: Gaddi Community and its Livelihood Strategies.- Small Hydro Power Projects and Community Participation.- Livelihood Security in Changing Socio-Economic Environment: Summary and Policy Recommendations.