Managing natural resources with eco-friendly technologies for sustainable rural development: a case of Garhwal Himalaya |
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Authors: | LS Rawat RK Maikhuri Vikram S Negi Abhay Bahuguna KS Rao Sunil K Agarwal |
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Institution: | 1. GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit , Srinagar Garhwal , Uttarakhand , India rawat_lakhpat@rediffmail.com;3. GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit , Srinagar Garhwal , Uttarakhand , India;4. Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Mountain and Hill Environment, University of Delhi , Delhi , India;5. Science and Society Division, Department of Science and Technology , New Delhi , India |
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Abstract: | Traditional Central Himalaya societies face a range of socio-economic and environmental problems. The potential of science and technology has not yet been adequately and appropriately harnessed to overcome the development constraints posed by the fragile Himalayan environment. Thus there is a need for large-scale establishment of technology resource centers. The Garhwal Unit of GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development established rural technology demonstration and training centers in three different agroecological zones between 550 and 2200 m asl and in 13–15 locations, with suitable technologies based on appropriate use and management of locally available bio-resources that ensure people participation. About 35 on-site training courses were organised for about 2329 participants. The participants were given on-site demonstrations, training and technical know-how on various technologies, to enable farmers to better understand problems faced during implementation of new technologies for sustainable management of natural resources. An action research framework and training manuals were also developed in consideration of local socio-economic condition. The documentation and analysis of research (quantitative and qualitative) and data related to cost–benefit analysis of the technologies adopted by farmers generated through this study has created wider sharing of farmer training outputs, at farm level, amongst the scientific communities and with policy planners. |
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Keywords: | sustainable livelihood capacity building rural development technology adoption |
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