Understanding Participatory Processes in Watershed Development
Programme in Rajasthan
Rajasthan has been historically prone to acute water scarcity and
drought. The state has almost 2/3rd of its area covered by arid,
semi-arid climatic conditions and has therefore a fragile eco-system,
facing recurrent droughts. The co-relation between poverty and
degradation of natural resources in Rajasthan cannot be gainsaid. The
traditional livelihood systems have become more vulnerable over decades
with deterioration of natural resources. Deforestation, loss of
pasturelands and grasslands, loss of traditional institutions for
sustainable management of water harvesting structures and encroachment
have all added up in weakening agriculture and rearing cattle activity,
two most important sources of livelihoods of the people of Rajasthan.
Watershed development projects focuses on restoration and maintenance of
ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural
resources. It on one hand arrests the process of ecological dis-balance;
on the other hand it provides employment opportunity to the resource
poor community. Rural areas of the state would be benefited through
successful implementation of the program by restoration of degraded
natural resources and as such addressing sustainability of livelihoods
of the rural population.
An interactive CD on "Understanding Participatory Processes in Watershed
Development Programme in Rajasthan" is also available at ARAVALI.
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