Assessment of the Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship of the Kattunayakan community in the Wayanad district Kerala India

Abstract

The Kattunayakan PVTG highly depend on forest and environmental resources, but geographic and topographic conditions limit their access. The poor institutional support, intrusion of wild animals, and water scarcity restrict resource use and slow their social development. The gaps found in the literature are: i) Most studies are qualitative, focusing on tribal culture, ii) The studies on the Kattunayakans and their livelihood practices create a vacuum in the literature, iii) The stewardship practices on sustainable living have remained unexplored, and iv) The benefits of government policies and governmental interventions have yet to be studied. newlineA systematic study was undertaken, and 598 families from 103 settlements were sampled. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including in-depth interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions. This comprehensive research critically evaluated the socioeconomic hurdles within the Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri Taluks. newlineThe results showed that 84% of tribes in Mananthavady, 78.99% in Sulthan Bathery and 17.65% in Vythiri lack agricultural land. It is reflected in tribal income; most earn less than 25,000 annually. This income, along with education, cultural practice, and housing patterns, was statistically tested using ANOVA and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Wildlife disturbances are prevalent, with most panchayats experiencing disturbances lt 5 times a month. The impact of wildlife disturbances and crop losses was assessed. The agricultural infrastructures, forest and wildlife, livestock, and social conditions limit agriculture sustainability. newlineThe attainment of SDGs by Kattunayakan PVTGs: No Poverty (SDG-1), Zero Hunger (SDG-2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG-3), Gender Equality (SDG-5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG-8), and Life on Land (SDG-15) were studied. Targeted interventions, policy needs, and cultural preservation for sustainable living are recommended. newlineThe Kattunayakan PVTG highly depend on forest and environmental resources...