Management of Natural Resources-Institutions for Sustainable Livelihood: The Case of Rajasthan

In this book the author explores the relevance of communitarian institutional approach for sustainable management of renewable natural resources in Rajasthan. The book is interdisciplinary and closely verifies institutional development within the power theoretic framework. Moving from case to case, it searches for a conceivable strategy for equitable management of renewable natural resources in the public domain. While having followed proven methodologies, it has examined several aspects of institutional interventions and ecological changes that have serious implications for livelihood generation. Despite the fact that the rural society is socially and economically heterogeneous, the book reveals that institutional sustainability against the backdrop of unequal power relations may succeed in restoring degraded eco-system by means of expanding bio-diversity. And, by doing so, it could ensure livelihood of the poor and the disadvantaged in a drought that prevailed for more than three years. All these bring missing links between poverty reduction and ecological restoration to the centre of the development discourse. Prof. Ray has systematically drawn some insightful lessons from the scenario analysis of the institutions and explores complementarity between market and community institutions. While conflicts on command over renewable resources in the state are inescapable, their resolution must be sought in the public domain, suggests Prof. Ray. It may call for vertical integration between the state, civil society organisations and community institutions.