Call for Papers - Tribal Communities and Sustainable Use of Forest Products for Livelihoods

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About the Organization

Established in 1958, the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) is a premier training institute and a centre of excellence in research and consultancy services in the rural development arena. Recognized internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP centres of excellence, it builds capacities of functionaries in rural development, elected representatives of Panchayats, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders. The institute is located in the historic city of Hyderabad in Telangana state.

About the Call for Papers

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in India play a crucial role in the lives of millions, especially those in and around forested areas. These products, derived from forests but not including timber, contribute to the well-being of local communities. NTFPs, such as medicinal plants, spices, fruits, nuts, resins, gums, and fibers, have diverse uses, from food and medicine to handicrafts and industrial materials. Their abundance reflects India's rich biodiversity. NTFPs are a significant income source for rural communities, with their collection, processing, and trade providing employment and economic well-being. Sustainable management is essential for long-term benefits. Many NTFPs hold cultural and traditional significance for indigenous communities, integral to local customs and rituals. Despite their importance, NTFPs face challenges like overexploitation and habitat degradation. Balancing economic needs with conservation is crucial for their long-term availability. Properly managed, NTFPs can significantly alleviate poverty and contribute to rural development, especially for tribal communities.

In this context, a national seminar on “Tribal Communities and Sustainable Use of Forest Products for Livelihoods” aims to explore diverse entrepreneurial practices for value-added products from NTFPs, benefiting tribal communities.

Objectives:

The seminar seeks to deliberate upon:

• Diverse practices in collecting, processing, and marketing forest products for the benefit of indigenous and local communities.
• The role of micro-enterprises in promoting value-added products to enhance livelihoods among tribal communities.
• The contribution of developmental institutions and local self-government in promoting the use of NTFPs for the benefit of tribal communities.

Eligibility

Academicians, subject experts, policymakers, practitioners with relevant expertise on tribal related issues in general and NTFPs in particular and NGO, CSR representatives working on these issues are invited to participate. Ph.d scholars working on these areas are also encouraged to participate. We also invite nominations from Rural Development Departments, Panchayat Raj Institutions, Agriculture, and Forestry departments, MoTA, MoSJE, ITDC, TRIs, TRIFED etc.

How to Apply

There is no Registration Fee. Original/unpublished full paper is invited of maximum 6000-7000 words. Paper should be prepared following Journal of Rural Development (JRD) template (See link for details https://www.nirdprojms.in/public/journals/273/images/Author Instruction-JRD.pdf.) All submitted papers will be reviewed by a committee and selected contributors will be invited to present the paper in the seminar. While free boarding and lodging will be provided to all participants, a few selected paper writers will be considered for travel support as per institute's norms on submission of full paper by 06 October 2024 and consent for publication

For more information please check the Link

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