ABSTRACT
Forests and village commons (VCs) have always been important sources of livelihood and basic necessities for rural households in developing countries. For many poor households and especially for women, who own little private land, they have been crucial for survival. However, in India, as in many other regions, first under colonial rule and then after independence, the availability of these resources to rural communities has been declining rapidly. This is due both to degradation and to reduced access to what is available, the latter resulting particularly from the twin processes of statization (appropriation by the State) and privatization (appropriation by individuals). This has had a range of negative consequences for poor households in general and for women in particular. For the latter, among other things, it has meant ever-lengthening journeys to collect fuel, fodder, and water, and a sharpening of the crisis of subsistence. How have rural communities responded to these processes and effects? Are there gender differences in the responses? If so, what underlies the differences, and what are their implications?
