Indigenous communities’ identities are deeply intertwined with their natural surroundings, particularly forests that serve as their primary source of livelihood. These communities have thrived for generations, coexisting harmoniously with the forest ecosystem. However, they have often faced isolation and neglect, making sustainable livelihood opportunities essential for their survival and development. Caritas India’s Gram Nirman project exemplifies a transformative initiative that operates within the legal framework of the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, aiming to uplift these communities to lead a dignified life

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution designates certain regions as ‘Scheduled Areas,’ recognizing the customary rights of Scheduled Tribes (STs) to collect and sell minor forest produce. This legal provision is crucial for their socioeconomic sustenance. In Chhattisgarh, the Gram Nirman project is leveraging this constitutional guarantee to empower local communities by enhancing their capacity to add value to and market forest products, thereby significantly improving their livelihoods.

Hariram, a Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collector from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, highlights the economic potential of forest resources. “People have realized that forest trees are their assets; a normal-looking Sarai (Sal) tree can yield 1,000 rupees during the lean season, while a simple mahua tree can provide umpteen benefits. Fortunately, we have thousands of them and are working to conserve and increase them,” he says. This recognition of the forest’s value is central to the community’s survival and prosperity.

The Gram Nirman project has facilitated the aggregation and sale of Sal seeds, known as the ‘Kalpavriksha’ of the tribals, enabling more than 200 households to sell an average of 200 kg each at Rs. 25 per kg. Similarly, in Rajnandgaon, 924 households engaged in Tendu leaf collection, with each household selling over 300 bundles at an average price of Rs. 550 per bundle. In GPM (previously Bilaspur), 2,058 NTFP collectors now earn additional income by collecting and selling minor forest produce such as Char, Chironji, Mahua, Amla, and Bhelwa.

Beyond economic benefits, the Gram Nirman project emphasizes sustainable forest management. Indigenous communities, often the best conservationists, are supported by local forest committees to manage and protect their environment. Forest fires, a major challenge in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, have been mitigated through collective efforts. The project has trained local volunteers in forest fire control, who then educate their communities. These volunteers also promote the planting of native saplings over foreign varieties to ensure better adaptation and resilience of the forest.

Local youth have been organized into shift-based teams to monitor and respond to forest fires promptly. This proactive approach has significantly reduced the occurrence and impact of fires. Additionally, the community has adopted the seed ball method to regenerate forest patches where trees are scarce. By planting seeds of Tamarind, Mahua, and Jamun, they ensure continuous forest regeneration and biodiversity.

The project’s approach to NTFP collection and value addition has also evolved. Previously, collectors sold their produce individually, often at lower prices. With Gram Nirman’s intervention, NTFP collectors now aggregate their produce and sell it collectively to high-end markets, enhancing their bargaining power and ensuring better returns. This collective approach has not only improved their incomes but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility.

By focusing on sustainable forest management, value addition, and market access, the project is creating a model of development that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in the community’s traditional knowledge and practices.