Are forests always a "Good Thing"? : understanding the linkages among forests, watersheds and agriculture in the Western Ghats of India

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128313.pdf (1.55 MB)

Date

2008

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

SANDEE, Kathmandu, NP

Abstract

The study underlines the complex relationship between habitat conservation and agriculture, and highlights the need for environmental policy that takes into account social and economic impacts of decisions. The research examined water availability and its affect on crop choice and productivity, which in turn affects the economic welfare of local people. The study site areas of natural forests have been transformed into monoculture tree plantations, grasslands, and coffee, tea and rubber plantations. For a certain type of irrigation system, an increase in forest cover can reduce the amount of water available for agriculture.

Description

This policy brief is based on SANDEE working paper no. 36-08, "Economic impacts of changes in hydrological services from forest ecosystems : findings from a low rainfall location in the Western Ghats of India"

Keywords

FORESTS, LAND USE CHANGE, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, PLANTATIONS, IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, INDIA, LIVELIHOODS, CONSERVATION, RURAL ECONOMY, FORESTRY, HYDROLOGY, SOUTH ASIA

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/38979

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2000-2009 / Années 2000-2009
Policy Briefs / Dossiers de politique