A STUDY ON LAND ACCESS ISSUES AND LIVELIHOODS OF TRIBAL PEOPLE IN THE CONTEXT OF BODOLAND TERRITORIAL REGION OF ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT 1. BACKGROUND Land access refers to the ability of individuals, households, or communities to acquire rights to use, control, and benefit from land resources. This concept is crucial as land provides a foundation for livelihood, agriculture, shelter, and economic development. Land access can take various forms, including ownership, leasing, inheritance, or community-based rights, and is often governed by legal, cultural, and social norms. In many rural and indigenous/tribal communities, land access ensures food security, economic independence, and cultural continuity. However, land access is not uniformly distributed and is influenced by factors like socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, and government policies. For example, marginalised groups like women, ethnic minorities, and tribal communities often face significant challenges in securing land rights. In such cases, restricted access to land can lead to economic vulnerability, social inequalities, and limited opportunities for development. Furthermore, issues such as land encroachment, displacement, and conflict can exacerbate these challenges, leading to reduced access for vulnerable populations. Improving equitable land access is essential for promoting sustainable development, empowering marginalised communities, and addressing socio- economic disparities. It enables communities to build secure livelihoods and fosters resilience against external pressures. Land access is fundamental to securing livelihoods, especially for rural and indigenous communities whose economic survival depends on land-based activities like agriculture, grazing, and forestry. With secure land access, individuals and families can cultivate crops, build homes, and sustainably manage resources, enabling food security, economic independence, and resilience against poverty. Land access also allows people to make long-term investments in their land, which can improve productivity, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. However, limited or insecure access to land can lead to economic vulnerability and social instability. Marginalised groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and indigenous communities often face restrictions in land ownership and access, leaving them at greater risk of poverty and displacement. Issues such as encroachment, displacement due to development projects, and environmental degradation further complicate land access for these communities, impacting their livelihoods and quality of life. Ensuring equitable land access is essential for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. It enables communities to generate income, secure their | 1food supply, and maintain their cultural practices, creating a foundation for both economic and social well-being. Land access is fundamental for the livelihood, culture, and identity of tribal communities, as land is central to their traditional ways of life, subsistence, and social structure. For many tribal groups, land is not just an economic asset; it holds spiritual significance and is deeply tied to their customs, beliefs, and communal identity. However, tribal communities often face challenges in accessing and securing land rights due to socio-political marginalisation, displacement, encroachment, and the pressure of developmental projects, which can lead to a loss of ancestral lands. Legal protections, such as the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution, aim to secure land rights and self-governance for tribal areas. However, the implementation remains complex and inconsistent. Despite these legal provisions, tribal land rights are frequently under threat from industrial expansion, mining, and deforestation. These activities can displace communities and undermine their rights to use and manage their lands sustainably. Improving land access for tribal communities is crucial to maintaining their cultural heritage, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. It allows them to uphold their traditional practices, ensures food security, and provides them with the autonomy to develop according to their needs and aspirations. Land access is a critical component of tribal livelihoods, as it directly influences their economic activities, cultural practices, and social stability. Tribal communities traditionally rely on land for agriculture, animal grazing, forest produce collection, and other means of subsistence. Access to land ensures food security and sustains their daily needs, while also supporting traditional crafts, medicine, and resource-based trades that are vital to their economic resilience. For many tribal groups, the land carries a sacred value that connects them with their ancestors and guides their cultural expressions, rituals, and social structure. However, in many regions, tribal communities face challenges such as displacement, land grabbing, and limited legal recognition of customary rights, which hinder their ability to maintain sustainable livelihoods. Industrial projects, mining, and deforestation are significant threats, often forcing tribes to migrate, lose economic independence, and face cultural disintegration. Securing land access for tribal communities is essential for strengthening their socio-economic position, reducing poverty, and supporting sustainable development. With protected land rights, tribal people can sustain their livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and exercise self-determination in ways that align with their traditional values and community needs.