Ravine Erosion and Livelihoods in Semi-arid India: Implications for Socioeconomic Development

  • Padmini Pani
  • Journal of Asian and African Studies, July 2017, SAGE Publications
  • DOI: 10.1177/0021909616689798

Badland formation and socio economic development

What is it about?

Badland formation is considered to be one of the key global environmental challenges.The ravines found along the Chambal River are among the most severe types of gully erosion found in semi-arid India which is the largest ravine area.A majority of villages within ravines were found to be very poor in development. In this fragile environment, people’s livelihoods are being adversely affected because of land degradation.

Why is it important?

Major implications of ravine formation in the semi-arid India include loss of agricultural land, the decline in agricultural productivity, shifting of villages, loss of livelihoods and impacts on village infrastructure. There is undoubtedly a need for closer monitoring and estimation of the loss caused by land degradation in the Chambal region. Effective policy intervention should take into account people’s perceptions of land degradation and its implications for their livelihoods.

Perspectives

Padmini Pani
Jawaharlal Nehru University

This paper focused on a remote poverty-stricken region.It is imperative to note that the region is connected with the major cities like Agra, Bhopal, the state capital, with Delhi, the country’s capital. Yet, due to the physiographic setup, it is still considered to be a rather 'backward' area.Hence this area is appropriate for studying the implications of land degradation on socioeconomic development.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0021909616689798

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