Forest dependency and food security: Diverse livelihoods in India's tribal heartland

Abstract

Despite the critical role of forests in sustaining livelihoods, knowledge gaps remain regarding the food security of forest-dependent communities. Existing research predominantly emphasizes forest-based livelihoods and agricultural activities for income and subsistence, often neglecting the broader spectrum of livelihood strategies adopted by these communities. This study investigates the relationship between food security and diverse livelihoods, drawing on survey data from 2258 households in tribal-dominant locations across seven Central-Eastern Indian states. Results indicate that 35 % of households experience severe food insecurity, despite significant forest dependence (∼59 %). Our analysis reveals that pluri-active livelihoods—encompassing forest-based income, wages, salaried work, and other income streams—contribute substantially to household income. Logistic regression analysis further highlights key factors associated with lower food insecurity, including higher forest-based and salaried income, greater ownership of durable assets, and reduced reliance on livestock. Additionally, higher food security was linked to households experiencing lower climatic stress and having older, more educated household heads. Non-migrant, literate, and male-headed households were also more likely to achieve food security, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by women-headed and migrant households. While conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings have broader implications for policy and research, emphasizing the need to address diverse livelihood needs to enhance the wellbeing of forest-dependent communities.