The Impact of Shifting from Subsistence to Cash Crops on the Livelihoods of the Soliga Tribe in India

Iman Raj Chongtham¹, Sneha Shahi², Madegowda Chikkanjegowda², Obaiah Boraiah² and Shrinivas M Badiger²

¹Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp, Sweden.

²Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India

Corresponding Author E-mail: raj.chongtham@slu.se

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.12.3.06

Abstract:

Efforts to protect and conserve nature are essential worldwide. However, in many protected forests, local communities have lived for centuries, relying on the environment for food, income, shelter, and cultural practices. Conservation regulations often impact their livelihoods. This study examines the challenges and opportunities for sustaining the livelihoods of Soliga tribe farmers in Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, South India. A participatory workshop with five researchers and 25 diverse farmers (male, female, young, and old) discussed: a) current agricultural and livelihood practices; b) key drivers of land-use changes; and c) necessary actions for sustainable livelihoods. Findings showed that shifting from traditional subsistence crops to cash crops like coffee, pepper, and floriculture reduced food availability but increased cash income. Non-timber forest products such as honey, berries, nuts, and firewood significantly supplemented household needs. Challenges included low coffee yields due to disease and poor soil, changing rainfall patterns, limited land, and wildlife crop damage. The forest conservation policies enforced during the recent decades have limited their access to resources and traditional lands, affecting their food security and economic stability. Additionally, limited access to education and employment opportunities restricts their social and economic mobility. Ongoing research and support are needed to enhance sustainable farming techniques such as mulching, composting, intercropping, integrated pest management, and controlling Lantana spp. to achieve resilient farming systems.

Keywords:

Cash crop; Conservation; Nature reserve; Livelihood; Resilient; Wildlife conflict

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